Rutgers Mourns the Loss of Jeff Torborg
Jan 20 | Baseball
"Jeff was a terrific human being who lived a great life full of tremendous accomplishment both inside and outside of baseball," head coach Steve Owens said. "We want to send our best wishes and prayers of support to his wife Suzie and the entire family. He was truly a legend in our storied baseball history and will be missed by all."
Torborg was a 1963 All-American and set the school record for single-season batting average (.537) that year, which also led the country. His slugging percentage that year (1.032) is also a single-season standard. In 1963, he led the team with 21 RBIs and six home runs. In his three-year career from 1961-63, the Westfield, New Jersey, native batted .390, which still ranks fifth in Rutgers baseball history. During his career, the Scarlet Knights were 15-4-1, 14-4 and 11-5 for a three-year mark of 40-13-1 (.741).
After his standout career at RU, Torborg was signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers. He played 10 seasons in the majors, seven with the Dodgers and three with the California Angels. He caught three no-hitters, a perfect game with Sandy Koufax and another no-hitter with Bill Singer of the Dodgers and Nolan Ryan of the Angels; and was the backstop in Don Drysdale's record fifth-straight shutout in 1968. He was a successful manager with the Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians, New York Mets, Montreal Expos and Florida Marlins, winning the Baseball Writer's Association, Associated Press, United Press International and The Sporting News Manager of the Year award. He accumulated 634 wins in his career as a manager.
Jeff married his wife, Suzie, on June 6, 1963 and two raised three sons Doug, Greg and Dale.
In addition to his illustrious baseball career, Torborg was known as a classy, decent and dignified person. In 2019, the Jeff Torborg Youth Baseball Field in his hometown of Westfield was dedicated in his honor. Torborg and his wife, Suzie, remained true to their New Jersey roots throughout their entire lives. The Torborg's supported Rutgers baseball since 1976 – for nearly 50 years – and have endowed a baseball scholarship annually since 1996. They also began endowing a softball scholarship in 2007.
To the best baseball player to come out if Rutgers @RutgersBaseball may you Rest in Peace Jeff Torborg. You were not only a great baseball player, but an awesome human being.
— Todd Frazier (@FlavaFraz21) January 20, 2025
The Hall of Fame remembers 1965 World Series champion and 1990 AL Manager of the Year Jeff Torborg, who passed away Sunday morning.
— National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum ⚾ (@baseballhall) January 20, 2025
A 10-year veteran of the Dodgers and Angels, Torborg caught Sandy Koufax's perfect game, Bill Singer's no-hitter and Nolan Ryan's first no-hitter. pic.twitter.com/PdLdY0f9sQ
RIP Jeff Torborg! You were my first big league manager and I enjoyed playing for you. You gave me a chance to shine right away and I'm very thankful. God Bless the Torborg family. There such great people who I got to know over the years. 🙏🏾
— Frank Thomas (@TheBigHurt_35) January 20, 2025
I am heartbroken. My mentor and my friend has passed away. someone who truly understood me and gave me a chance to lead, to be a captain. So much of my way of managing and being in a clubhouse came from him.
— Ozzie Guillen (@OzzieGuillen) January 20, 2025
To his entire family, my deepest sympathy. Jeff, I will miss you pic.twitter.com/VHA30fswkZ
Very sad news to hear that Jeff Torborg passed away today.
— Madhouse / Last Comiskey (@LastComiskey) January 20, 2025
Here is a clip from Last Comiskey where players talk about him; Ozzie Guillen says that Torborg is the best manager he ever played for. Watch the video and read on... pic.twitter.com/cWl5jnMuOb
