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Don Zimmer Obituary
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Zimmer was still working for the Tampa Bay Rays as a senior adviser, and the team confirmed he had died.
Zimmer had been in a rehabilitation center in Florida since having seven hours of heart surgery in mid-April.
After starting as a minor league infielder in 1949, Zimmer went on to have one of the longest-lasting careers in baseball history.
Zimmer played for the only Brooklyn Dodgers team to win the World Series, played for the original New York Mets, nearly managed the Boston Red Sox to a championship in the 1970s and was Joe Torre's right-hand man with the New York Yankees' most recent dynasty.
Zimmer was easily recognizable for the big chaw that always seemed to be in his cheek, and his storytelling was a treat for anyone lucky enough to hear him.
Beloved by many, his No. 66 jersey had been worn recently by longtime Tampa Bay third base coach Tom Foley in tribute. The Rays hosted the Miami Marlins on Wednesday night, and Foley was crying in the dugout.
Along the way, Zimmer played for Hall of Fame manager Casey Stengel and coached Derek Jeter — quite a span, by any major league measure.
It wasn't always easy, either. Early in his career, he was beaned by a fastball and doctors had to put metal screws in his head. Many years later, Boston pitcher Pedro Martinez tossed Zimmer to the ground during a fight between the Red Sox and Yankees at Fenway Park in the playoffs.
Zimmer spent time in a lot of uniforms. He played for the Dodgers, Mets, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati and Washington. He managed San Diego, Boston, Texas and the Cubs.
"Probably the best baseball man I knew," Billy Connors, who coached under Zimmer on the Cubs, told The Associated Press on Wednesday night.
"We had a lot of great times. I loved listening to him every day," he said.
Copyright © 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
135 Entries
November 30, 2014
God hears your prayer. He will comfort you all. Suffering and death will be things of the past.
larry bentley jr.
August 24, 2014
sorry for your lost of don. I watch him when he was coach with tore
and the Yankees. he was a good man.
Terra sudol
July 7, 2014
Baseball lost one of the best. Time to rest now.
How you can show support
Jim Kelly
June 29, 2014
I will NEVER, EVER forget how nice you were to my son Jimmy. We were at Fenway to watch the Yankees v Red Sox. My son was very young, but to this day he still tells the story of meeting, and talking with his friend, Don Zimmer. As a Dad I was so very impressed. Rest well Sir, this family will never forget you. God bless you and all in your family.
June 29, 2014
SORRY I'M LATE IN SENDING MY SYMPATHY. DON WAS MY COUSIN, MY DAD MARTIN ERNST WAS HIS UNCLE, AND I SPOKE TO DON MANY TIMES, WHEN HE GOT US TICKETS TO THE BALL GAMES. I LIVE IN AUSTRALIA SINCE 2001. HE WAS THE NICEST MAN AND GREAT BALL PLAYER, MY NAME WAS JOYCE ERNST AND NOW MY LAST NAME IS KOLLBAUM. HEAPS OF LOVE AND SYMPATHY TO ALL THE FAMILY. A GREAT LOSS TO THE BALL GAME. JOYCE
June 16, 2014
My sincere condolences to your family at this most difficult time in your lives. May the God of all comfort provide you with the strength needed to cope with your loss.
shawn burke
June 11, 2014
very sorry about the lost may jehovah be with your family and hope to see you in paradice
Joe Mack
June 10, 2014
God bless Don
Joseph Mack
June 10, 2014
Sorry for the loss of Mr. Zimmer.
I saw him play for the 'Bums'.
Thank you for answering my card.
God bless Don and family.
Joe Mack
Ford
June 10, 2014
My condolences to all. May God heal your broken hearts.
The Carters
June 9, 2014
What a legacy Don Zimmer left for his family, his friends, and his fans to treasure memories of his presence for years to come. If you at times find yourself a little downhearted about your loss, simply draw close to God in prayer and he will respond to your request abundantly. Our heartfelt condolences for his death; Don Zimmer's presence will be missed!
bill messerly
June 9, 2014
we miss you gone
June 9, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. What a great man! Many happy thoughts and memories of Don being at Derby Lane and talking to us. Also Don coming to the hospital to see "Sonny" when he had his back operation. A very nice friend and caring person will always be remembered by those who love him. Memories are very comforting and rewarding.
Audrey Alderson Walcheski and Boston John.
Thomas Bush
June 8, 2014
don thanks for all the memorable memories especially in new york with the yankees you will be missed, R I P DON
joe halpin
June 8, 2014
I met Don at"Gene Kirby Chili Night". I've always admired his baseball career. What a nice guy to talk to.Respectfully, joe halpin
Robert Guli
June 8, 2014
Rest in peace my dear baseball friend, your family will forever be in my thoughts and prayers......thanks for the memories!
Patrick Wolters
June 8, 2014
I had the pleasure to meet Mr Zimmer for the first time 9 months ago. I attended a TB game with Magie Mitchell, her daughter and my wife Toni our kids and then went to dinner with him and his wife Soot after the game. I will never forget how nice and accomadating he was to me and our family. Listening to him tell us baseball stories during the dinner was amazing. There are always those special times in everyone's life that we never forget and that was definitely one of mine! Spending all of 3 hours with him and his family was almost like knowing him forever and I will never forget it. Many thanks to his wife Soot and his son Tommy for allowing me to have such a wonderful experience. My best to all of you and Mr Zim is an icon for the ages!
Skye Mitchell Hutchenson
June 8, 2014
I will always remember the Rays game with your family and the dinner at the Outback Steakhouse hearing the stories. What fun for me. It was such a great opportunity getting to know Mr. Zimmer and the family as much as I did. Thank you for thinking of me. You are all in my prayers.
Scout Mitchell Hutchenson
June 8, 2014
I'll miss you Mr. Don Zimmer. I'll always remember wearing Tommy's World Series Ring at the Outback! It fit 'perfectly' and what a special moment for me. Thank you for that amazing evening. I display my bobble heads, with pride, in my room.
Marjorie Mitchell
June 8, 2014
Don was and always will be my hero. Thank God for all the wonderful, beautiful memories. He was truly a 'Gentle Giant.' I have a porcelain dish Soot gave me years ago sitting on my dresser. It says, "Friends are the best Presents." This is so true! The entire Zimmer family is a special part of my life, as well as my four daughters and their families. It has, and will continue to be, a great ride!
Mike Baffuto
June 8, 2014
I would like to offer my condolences to the Zimmer family. Don Zimmer lived a remarkable life, overcoming some serious challenges along the way but never losing his love for baseball and people. I did have the good fortune to meet him back in 1998. He may have only hit .235 lifetime, but he had a Hall Of Fame heart.
matthew hood
June 8, 2014
i am sure going miss that guy while he was with red sox and then yankee my best mermory was he was push down by pedro the pitcher for red sox
June 7, 2014
Zim we had some great times together and I know we will have more some day. My thoughts are with your family
I will always remember the last time I saw you at the Red Sox game. We had a hell of a ride together on the Dodgers. Will miss hearing about you and your antics. Your old friend , Dominic (Muzzy) Bertocci
Lois Martin
June 7, 2014
My dear Soot I am so sorry about Don's passing, he will be greatly missed. I miss seeing you and Don at Skeeter's house growing up. Please write me at: Lois Martin 1109 10th ave NE Hickory NC 28601. I tried to get a hold of Don almost 8 years ago to tell you about my mom (Alma Dunstan) dying but couldn't reach him.
Dawne Wood
June 7, 2014
Loved watching Zimmer in motion. He was a great guy. Zim had incrediable knowledge of the game. You will be missed.
Bud Ogden
June 7, 2014
Zim, you were definitely a star in the baseball world, but you also shined outside of it. The first time we met you and Soot you were so kind and friendly. We still laugh at all the stories you told us, what fun that was. The last time we saw you and Soot was at the Council Oaks on our anniversary and as usual you never failed to say hello and ask how we were doing. You were truly loved by many and will be missed by all. RIP my friend! Bud & Donna
George Malatesta
June 7, 2014
Don Zimmer was a Class Act and Great Baseball Encyclopedia of Knowledge. Baseball fans everywhere will miss but especially us Yankees Fans. You were Joe Torre's right hand and you were as responsible for those 4 titles in 5 years as any of the Players. Rest In Peace. Certain that you have spot playing with all the other Ballplayers in the Big Ballpark in the Sky.
June 7, 2014
Rest in peace Zim Texans will always miss you at a ball park. Jim C. Arlington Texas
Tina Morgan
June 7, 2014
Please accept my condolences for Mr. Zimmer, may these words bring comfort for the whole family at 1Corrinth 15:55 which says that death will be swallow up forever I HOPE THESE promise of GOD WILL BRING the family a hope for the future and a calm heart now TINA LOS Angeles
June 7, 2014
Forever in our hearts, baseball's truly lost the best. Surely he's found my dad by now & they're still throwing the ball around. So sorry for the family's loss-
The Holmes Family - Lori, Randy &the boys
michelle plakas-kaiser
June 7, 2014
rip
Brian Fall
June 7, 2014
Rest in Peace Zim!!! You were a good baseball man and a fine man who will be missed. May God bless and comfort your family and friends and may our Lord let you on that heavenly field if dreams to play some ball. God Bless and keep you Zim!!
Kristen
June 7, 2014
Love you Don, thank you for the memories......so sorry for your loss
G J.
June 7, 2014
To the entire family of Don. Please accept my condolences. He was such a very talented gentleman. May the God who gives peace be with you all in this time of sorrow. Rom 15:33.
Kevin Fitzgerald
June 7, 2014
A baseball players baseball player in the true sense of the word. An inspiration for all of us who enjoyed the game that he was a part of.
chris derricks
June 7, 2014
Enjoy the game on the other side
DEAN KUYKENDALL
June 7, 2014
what a baseball treasure! You will be missed but not forgotten. we will always remember THE GREAT DON ZIMMER.RIP
SHORTY KOPPELMAN
June 6, 2014
you were so loved by the glorious Koppelman Girls..rest in peace with our lord and savior..Jesus
Bernie Fallon
June 6, 2014
Thanks ZIM... for all the great years and memories.. Rest in peace my friend and may god bless and watch over you always...... Bernie Fallon Boston Mass
Allyn Albino
June 6, 2014
I did not know Don played with the Brooklyn Dodgers until I saw the news at Dodger Stadium's Diamond Vision. What a sad day in baseball, the entire stadium gave him a standing ovation and a moment of silence. Thank you Mr. Zimmer for your contributions to the Dodgers and to Baseball!!!
Jack Dore
June 6, 2014
Zim great player manager and person you will be missed
TOMMY/MICKEY VANCHERI
June 6, 2014
ZIM YOU WERE ALWAYS A GREAT PRESENCE AT HEROS IN PINSTRIPES BASEBALL LOST A GOLDEN MAN
June 6, 2014
I WATCHED DON ZIMMER PLAY AS A KID. HE WAS A GREAT PLAYER AND WAS FILLED WITH FIRE ABOUT THE GAME. GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND "THANKS DON FOR ALL THE GREAT MEMORIES." JOHN JARRARD HAMPTON, GEORGIA
June 6, 2014
MAY THE LOVE OF GOD BE WITH THE FAMILY,NOW AND IN THE FUTURE............
GAIL COOK
June 6, 2014
thanks for the hour of baseball talk at your relative funeral. no doubt about it,YOU ARE THE MAN OF BASEBALL
June 6, 2014
Don,remember the snake golf game.We will miss you,rest in peace John Wolterman Cincinnati
May This Flower bring joy to your family.
Donna James
June 6, 2014
Mr Zimmer, you made us very happy all those years, and now you are in Heaven with your former teammates who have gone before us. I will remember you as a coach, player, and star. Godspeed and Rest in Peace!
June 6, 2014
The George"Shotgun"Shuba family sadden to hear about the passing of Don. We wish the family strength and blessings. George always talked about moments both him and Don had with the Brooklyn Dodgers. God Bless
Mike Shuba "Shotgun Shuba Family"
Maynard and Shannon Strickland
June 6, 2014
Thank you Don for all you have done for me personally and for our Mohegan family. You will be profoundly missed. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Soot and the rest of your family.
Jenny
June 6, 2014
Don Zimmer....what an amazing representative of Major League Baseball.His legacy will forever live on in the minds and hearts of those who loved him.
His tenacity, love of the game, feistiness, and huge smile are etched in countless baseball fans' memories.
God bless his family with love and solace during this time of sorrow. May we all take comfort in knowing "Popeye" is at peace, basking in the warmth of God's everlasting love.
Mindy and Ron Chimera
June 6, 2014
To Soot and the Zimmer family..Our prayers and thougts are with you..We loved Zim
He will be missed and a big void in baseball..
The Chimera family (Ron, Min and Lex)
Toni Mitchell Wolters
June 6, 2014
Hearts are breaking all over the world today. An icon has passed. I have too many stories and too many memories to mention only one. The Zimmers are a second family to me. My mother, Marjorie Mitchell, has not put the Zim Bear down! My children tell the story of dinner at Outback Steakhouse most recently. I reminisce through photo after photo of Mr. Zimmer with me.....with my dad, George. What can I say? I love this man. Love him with my full heart. Love his family. Loved his graciousness. To know Don Zimmer was to Love him. He is truly missed already. The world lost a treasure on June 4. I'm only grateful he is with my dad in heaven now. Friends together again! Oh boy, Heaven will never be the same. :-)
Jack Curry
June 6, 2014
"There goes one of the good ones." One of the most loved and respected men in our community. God bless his good soul and his family and friends. WELL DONE. RIP.
Mike Carroll
June 6, 2014
Rip popeye
The Hayes Family
June 6, 2014
So sorry for your loss what an awesome man in BASEBALL... One to always remember forever... R.I.P. Mr. Zimmer...
Pappy & Diane Moore
June 6, 2014
To Don's family: It was a great pleasure meeting Don and seeing how kind and genuious he was to all he met. Your friend (Pappy - St Pete Kidney Care) and Diane Moore
Scott Zeller
June 5, 2014
A baseball legend for sure... RIP Popeye!
hank reni
June 5, 2014
tom, you and I played tennis years ago at northwest in st pete and sometimes your wife hit with us. my deepest sympathy to you all in the passing of your dad.
Mary j Moore
June 5, 2014
I have on my bedroom wall the fan of Zim's face. I so enjoyed the by-play of his and "Sweet" Lou's public service announcements and commercials. RIP.
Tom
June 5, 2014
God Bless Zim and His Family. Thanks for sharing him.
Lana Sellars
June 5, 2014
Dear Soot and family,
My deepest sympathy to all. He was a great man, and I am honored to have known him. I will miss seeing his smile when I visit, his stories at the table and his jokes. Peace be with you.
Karen Greene
June 5, 2014
God bless you Soot and family
Treasure the memories you hold most dear of a.truly beautiful man you had in your life life
Karen Greene
June 5, 2014
I will always treasure our Fourth of July fireworks on my terrace @ WCC with Marilyn ad Tom Rest in Peace dear, friend. Karen Greene
Faith tobin
June 5, 2014
Dear Zimmmer Family my condolences's of the loss of Don Zimmer./he'll surely be missed.luv,Faith
Norwin Merens
June 5, 2014
Credit Don Zimmer for bringing Cubs fans a winner in 1989. He was a baseball lifer; loved the game and all teams he played for as well as coached and managed. Too bad he was fired in 1991 ... The Cubs haven't had all that much success in recent years. R.I.P. -- ZIM!
Robert Scognamillo
June 5, 2014
Zim!!!!!!!!!
ronnie browning
June 5, 2014
we will miss this great man he was a great coach he will be missed
Geoffrey D'Aries
June 5, 2014
Being a true Yankee fan, I followed the coaches. I have always been a fan of Don Zimmer, I read the book "Zim" and plan to reread it as a way of honoring him. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family. We will miss you ZIM
David Williams
June 5, 2014
I remember Don when he played with the Mobile Bears in the 50's good ball player, met Don back in abt 1994 had a nice chat with him, very fine respected ball player for the 66 years he spent in the Baseball World, God Bless his family and friends he was one of the best of the oldies...
Julaine Owlett
June 5, 2014
Sorry for the lost both to your family and to baseball. I grew in just over the Pa/NY state line not far from Elmira. A loss to all
Bill Chandler
June 5, 2014
I had the pleasure of getting to know the Zimmer family during the years I played youth baseball with Mr. Zimmer's son Tom. What a wonderful family. I didn't have much contact with Mr. Zimmer, as he was playing during our baseball season. I talked with him a few times, the last being after he had returned from playing in Japan. I told him what an honor it had been to play with Tom and to have Tom catch me. He told me no, it had been Tom's honor, I have always treasured those words. Thank you Mr. Zimmer.
Jack Spangler
June 5, 2014
What a life; 66 years in baseball. As a player, coach and manager, Zim shared his love of the game to all of us. RIP.
June 5, 2014
goodbye my friend RIP from Terry Bice Williamstown Ny,,,,a true major leaguer
Patty and Garrett
June 5, 2014
RIP Mr. Zimmer
Betty Ogden
June 5, 2014
I do remember Don Zimmer playing for the Elmira Pioneers way back in the 50's. Believe he married in the same park. Rest in peace Don Zimmer
Henry Votsmier
June 5, 2014
Prayers to the Zimmer family. What a class guy, gentleman and baseball man. He gave us so many valued memories with the Cubs. All of baseball mourns with you !!
June 5, 2014
Having been a Red Sox fan since 1970, I grew up watching and hearing about "Zim"! I have talked to others that actually knew him, what great man, baseball and America has truly lost a real treasure, but heaven has gained a new MVP!! rest in peace Mr. Zimmer.
Brian Carle
June 5, 2014
Sad to see ya go "Popeye", you are truly a legend.
J G
June 5, 2014
Ol' Popeye,
Now you've got the best seat in the park --- for every game!
Bless Ya' !
carey morgan
June 5, 2014
Baseball & America has lost a treasure in Don Zimmer. I followed his career from 1955 until this week. His life is a great example for young athletes and non-athletes as well....work hard, have a good attitude and be kind to others.
Pat David
June 5, 2014
As a young girl in Elmira, NY I remember Don playing for the Pioneers. Have followed the Dodgers all my life and Don wherever baseball sent him. Always a class act. God bless. RIP>
Phil
June 5, 2014
RIP an original Met! God bless!
Dick Drago
June 5, 2014
My manager and friend. You will be missed. It was honor to play for you and know you ZIM.
Trixie
June 5, 2014
We will miss you Don, 66 years involved in America's favorite pastime, a link to the golden era never to be forgotten. Thank you Zim for your contributions to baseball!
Jim Anderson
June 5, 2014
It's so sad to lose such a grand baseball legend who was loved by many fans...regardless of which team they rooted for. From an old Brooklyn Dodger fan
Hank Ewert
June 5, 2014
Don Zimmer came to the Cubs in 1961, when I was nine and in my third year of being a Cubs fan in South Texas. I watched him on television and felt he was a special player even then. Little did I know that I would see him in so many uniforms for so many years. A scrappy, witty lover of humanity and the baseball field, and a person who could strive for a higher purpose and then, I'm sure, make the perfect joke over a beer -- the guy was an example of what makes America great.
Katherine Leann Ladd
June 5, 2014
Goodbye to a great American ball player - you were so good!!!! Blessings and RIP!!!!
lyndell cooper
June 5, 2014
i watch don play a lot of games player and coach he will be sady mlssed
Marlin Johns
June 5, 2014
We lost a great baseball PLAYER. MANAGER AND COACH, I watched Don play i n many baseball games on television. I won't say good bye just so long to one the. Greatest men in baseball.
.
Rod Ragazzo
June 5, 2014
As a lifelong Yankee fan ,I never thought I could like much less love anyone who wore the Red Sox uniform but Zim, you made me love you! To me, you will always be revered as a great and proud Yankee. Can't wait to see a plaque for you in Monument Park. Thanks for being the best ambassador the game of baseball has ever had. Rest In Peace, my friend. ??
Gina
June 5, 2014
Rest in peace. You will definitely be the angel in the outfield!
Ed Ward
June 5, 2014
Class Act all the way.....
June 5, 2014
A man who embodied and lived the best that baseball has to offer. Thank you Don Zimmer!! Guy Townsend
Bob and Gail
June 5, 2014
The Major League Baseball community has lost one of the BEST! Thoughts & prayers for his family, friends and the Tampa Bay Rays organization. His presense will be sorely missed at Tropicana Field. RIP Don..
Austin Stearns
June 5, 2014
Zim's coaching the boys on the Field of Dreams by now.
TOM KILLION
June 5, 2014
You were what baseball was all about. REST WELL.
Linda & Dick Laycock
June 5, 2014
To one of the greatest baseball minds ever. RIP. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, extended family , friends and fans. May God's comfort, peace, strength, mercy and grace bring you wonderful memories of this loss and peace as you grieve.
June 5, 2014
Mr. Baseball will be missed.
Jack
June 5, 2014
Watched and listened (he whistled or chirped)to Don play many games at short stop,for the Elmira Pioneers in the Eastern League. I still have score cards with his name on them,].
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