“RIP Mr. Perfect” – Fans Left Devastated as MLB Legend Passes Away Aged 62
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Affectionately known as Mr. Perfect, at the age of 62, the official news of Tom Browning’s passing away arrived a few minutes back. The star lefty pitcher, Tom Browning, was famously popular for the perfect game he threw in September 1988, against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The perfect game that Browning threw, was only the 12th in MLB history at that time, and the Reds won the game 1-0. Till today, Browning remains the only pitcher from the Reds to throw a perfect game.
Beyond the game, Browning and his wife Debbie (who also passed away earlier this year in March) were parents of five children: Tiffany, Tucker, Tanner, Trevor, and Tia. His death not only made the Cincinnati Reds go in mourning, with whom he spent 11 years of his career, but along with them, the rest of his family, friends, fans, and the MLB world are also grieving.
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The world of MLB mourns the death of Tom Browning
Tom Browning made his MLB debut in 1984, with the Cincinnati Reds. He threw a perfect game in 1988, won the World Championship with them in 1990, and made an All-Star appearance in 1991 before he moved to the Kansas City Royals for the final year of his career. The cause of his death, while still unknown, stemmed from his inability to breathe fluently.
The Reds are saddened to learn of the passing of former pitcher Tom Browning. pic.twitter.com/egA7hNcxv5
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) December 19, 2022
The Boone County Sheriff’s Office reported his death after the retired World Champion was unresponsive on his couch. And failed to respond to any attempted life-saving measures.
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Along with the Cincinnati Reds, various other friends of the pitcher reached their Twitter handles to mourn his death and celebrate his distinguished career. This is what they said:
Very sad to hear the news about my friend and teammate Tom Browning. Mr Perfect was a Bulldog on the mound and will be missed. RIP Otis!🙏 pic.twitter.com/ZeFpazfJWs
— Rob Dibble (@robdibble49) December 19, 2022
RIP my friend Mr. Perfect Tom Browning. We shared some great times as well as the same birthdate 4/28. You will be missed
— Barry Larkin (@BarryLarkin) December 19, 2022
@dgravy32, I’m crushed by this news. You and Brownie were very similar in the way you treated and interacted with the fans. I brought my infant son to the very first Redsfest in 1998. We met you and you couldn’t have been more classy and nice. Just like Mr. Perfect.
— ryanguerrafly (@ryanguerrafly) December 19, 2022
This is how the rest of the world reacted to Browning’s death:
I remember that day, funniest thing I have ever seen at a ballpark
— Todd Sauter (@sautertodd) December 19, 2022
Many of us feel like we knew him through the many stories his former teammates loved to tell. His achievements lifted so many. Hugs and love to his family, friends and his soul. ❤️ 🙏
— John Sadak (@johnsadak) December 19, 2022
RIP Mr Perfect !! pic.twitter.com/AutvOgKMHP
— Gillis1 (@Gillis114) December 19, 2022
Prayers for his family. Too young….
— ArathBane (@ArathBane) December 19, 2022
So saddened by this. Tom Browning was one of my heroes. He's just a few months older than me. It really brings in my sense of mortality. Being a lefty like Tom was, I imagined being a pitcher alongside him in my dreams. Wish I could have met him in person.
— Sharpshooter peonnut (@peonnut) December 19, 2022
Rest in peace Mr. Perfect! You will be missed pic.twitter.com/IQkqFiNWtD
— Joe Larimer (@cdjlarimer) December 20, 2022
RIP Tom Browning.He had the best 84-86 mph high spin rate 4-seam fastball at the top of zone of any LH pitcher of his era.He threw a perfect game,won a World Championship,sat in the Wrigley Field stands during a #Reds game & took part himself during his own contract negotiations.
— Jim Bowden⚾️🏈 (@JimBowdenGM) December 19, 2022
I was so sad to read Tom Browning died. I was fortunate to work @Reds charters back in the 1990’s. He was funny & kind & he left me tickets once for a game & I took my Dad. 😢 #RIPTomBrowning https://t.co/hlqcOBaoAR pic.twitter.com/pdfFeojtXf
— StephMillerB (@MillerRosePhoto) December 19, 2022
This one hurts. Tom Browning, a great career and a game for the ages in ‘88. RIP, Mr. Perfect pic.twitter.com/tOQfWvBpNw
— Cliff Schecter (@cliffschecter) December 19, 2022
After retiring from baseball as a Cincinnati Reds Hall of Famer, Browning remained involved in the sport as a broadcaster and analyst. He also owned and operated a baseball academy in Kentucky.
A career of great success and remembrance
In total, Tom Browning played 12 seasons with the Reds and finished his career with a record of 123-90 and an ERA of 3.94. He was inducted into the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame in 2006.
That being said, the most successful segment of his MLB career will remain to be his instrumental role in the Cincinnati Reds’ success in the 1980s and 1990s.
Never forget when Tom Browning left the Reds' bullpen during a game at Wrigley, went across the street and hung out on one of the apartment rooftops 😂
RIP to an absolute LEGEND 🙌 pic.twitter.com/UN7DqrleKq
— The Game Day MLB (@TheGameDayMLB) December 19, 2022
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One popular and highly loved instance from his career was when Browning left the game in 1993, reached a neighboring apartment building, and sat with the Chicago Cubs’ make-believe bleachers. This antic cost the star pitcher $500.
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Which was your fondest memory from a career of happiness and love? Let us know in the comments below.
Edited by:
Deepika Bhaduri