Tributes to David West pour in from his Philadelphia Phillies teammates after his passing from brain cancer
The Philadelphia Phillies lost another member of their family this week with the passing of former pitcher David West.
West pitched for the New York Mets and Minnesota Twins, winning a ring with the latter in 1993, before joining the Phillies in 1993 for what would turn out to be a pennant season. It was the best season of West’s career, and one of the greatest in Phillies history. His stellar performance included a perfect inning in Game 6 of the NLCS, helping the Phillies advance to the World Series for the first time in a decade.
West spent four seasons with the club before pitching in Japan and with the Boston Red Sox and then retiring.
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) May 14, 2022
Tributes to the man affectionately known as “Westy” and “Big Bird” are pouring in from his former teammates, and they are beautiful.
"“It is with great sadness that I write this message about my roomie and best teammate ever. David West had the biggest heart to go with his huge personality. He was always there to give you a pat on the back when you were down, or a hilarious one-liner when things were going well. He was the ultimate teammate but an even better friend. He will certainly be missed. Rest in peace, my friend.”"
"“Another brother gone way too soon. My prayers go out to the family of David West. David was a great teammate and a funny human being. We don’t reach the World Series without him. RIP my brother.”"
"“What a great friend and teammate David Was. Just another member of the Phillies family we have lost way too early. Prayers to Westy’s family.”"
"“I’m not kidding when I tell you what Westy was literally this gentle giant who seemed to always have a smile on his face. I had so much respect for David and how he went about his business on the mound. We don’t win in ’93 without his left arm out of the bullpen. However, the one thing that I will always remember is that even though I was a rookie in 1993, David never treated me as one. Even though I was only 23 years old, I felt like he always respected how I played and who I was as a person. He even made an impression on my wife, Brooke, in that he would always say hello to her after games and ask how she was getting along with the craziness of baseball life. David will be missed.”"
"“My heart is broken with the loss of another one of my brothers. Rest in peace, Big Bird. My heart goes out to your family.”"
"“Was just informed from LA that our dear friend and teammate, David West, has lost his battle with cancer. May God bless him and his family as he moves on to a better place…we will miss you dearly Westay- may your sweet soul Rest in Peace.”"