Former Boston Red Sox player and part of the iconic 2004 World Series winning squad Dave McCarty has passed away. He was 54 years old and is reported to have died due to a “cardiac arrest” in California. The Red Sox announced the demise of their iconic infielder who was a key part of their curse-ending World Series win in 2004.

While McCarty is most well-known as being part of “The Idiots,” McCarty’s baseball career was filled with memorable moments. He was destined to be a success from his college days and was named the 1991 Baseball America College Player of the Year at Stanford after batting .420 with 24 homers. As a result, he became the third overall pick in the 1991 draft and went to the Minnesota Twins. 

In total, McCarty was part of the major leagues for 11 seasons. With 630 games in his bag, he was part of teams like the San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, Kansas City Royals, Tampa Bay Rays, and the Oakland Athletics. With such a vast resume, McCarty left an undeniable impact on many lives. 

“Mac was a phenomenal teammate, father, and friend,” said Gabe Kapler, McCarty’s teammate in the 2004 Red Sox squad (via San Francisco Chronicle). “He was one of the all-time greats here,” said Stanford head coach David Esquer. McCarty’s teammates remember his lively personality and gift of banter that made talking to him one of their favorite activities.

Even the fans are aghast at the loss of McCarty at such a young age. Unsurprisingly, they’ve flooded the entire social media with tributes for McCarty. Some are shocked at the sudden passing of McCarty, who was seen just last month attending Red Sox’s 20-year championship reunion.

Internet fills with tributes for Dave McCarty 

Fans couldn’t help but remember all the great experiences they had with McCarty. Despite only playing 3 seasons with the Red Sox, his great personality endeared him to the fanbase. “Always remember Dave signing autographs for the fans and seeming to be a genuinely great guy. Very sad news. RIP,” a post read.

Mike Myers, his 2004 Boston Red Sox teammate, wrote: “A great teammate and better human. Being with him last week at the reunion was awesome. One of the classiest people in baseball.” One common thing among all tributes was the reference to McCarty’s great personality.  “Great Guy! He was always a joy to talk to, forever a friend I’ll miss you Dave,” an X post said.

More than baseball, it was McCarty’s openness that attracted people. He was always up for a conversation. “Was too young. Seemed like he loved baseball so much both as a player and analyst,” a fan noted. Certainly, the infectious enthusiasm of Dave McCarty was tough to recreate. “So sad. Rest easy good sir,” X was filled with posts like this. Fans and friends alike couldn’t believe that McCarty was gone. You will be missed, Dave McCarty.

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