Rick-Camp-Obituary

Rick Camp

Obituary

RYDAL, Ga. (AP) — Former Atlanta Braves pitcher Rick Camp was found dead in his northwest Georgia home Thursday morning.

The 60-year-old Camp was found at his home in Rydal, about 55 miles northwest of downtown Atlanta, said Bartow County coroner Joel Guyton. Authorities were unclear Thursday on Camp's cause of death.

Camp played with the Braves from 1976 to 1985 and went 56-49 with a 3.37 ERA in 65 starts and 349 relief appearances. The Trion, Ga., native is perhaps best remembered for his tying 18th-inning homer off Tom Gorman on July 4, 1985, a game that ended with the New York Mets winning 16-13 in the 19th inning.

Camp entered the game with a .060 career batting average and no home runs in 167 previous at-bats. Camp hit because the Braves had no one left to bat for him except other pitchers.

"If this team needs me to hit a home run to win a game, they're in trouble," Camp said.

That was the only big league homer by Camp, who finished with a .074 average (13 for 175).

The game went until 3:55 a.m. on July 5, and was followed by a fireworks display for the approximately 8,000 still left from an original crowd of 44,947.

"I'll never forget this one," the Braves' Dale Murphy said after the game.

Murphy tweeted Thursday, "Will miss friend and teammate Rick Camp. Sad news. RIP Rick. Good memories. I join with all (at)Braves family/fans w prayers to the Camp family."

Camp was released by the Braves just before the start of the 1986 season.

He became a lobbyist, was indicted by a federal grand jury and sentenced in 2005 to three years in prison for conspiring to steal more than $2 million from a mental health agency.

He was sentenced along with four others, including former state Rep. Robin Williams, who was ordered to serve 10 years.


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Guest Book

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I never met you but were the main reason that I will forever call this the greatest game I ever saw in my life. Thanks for the memories and even though I'm a few years late, my you be resting in peace

A good friend we miss you

I miss u Rick we had some great times riding dirt bikes and four wheelers and hitting baseballs on the field behind you're house

It's been a few years since his passing but whenever I reminisce about my younger years and the Braves on WTBS, Rick always gave me comfort when he was on the mound. I so vividly remember Rick falling on top of San Diego Padres player Champ Summers to protect him from angry fans that were participating in a brawl at Fulton County Stadium in the 80's. That really blew me away that he was willing to sacrifice himself for the opposing teams player who could have been injured by some home turf...

Rick, what a wonderful friend you were to me. You did so much to help me. Will
always be grateful. Will never forget your
wonderful smile. You were my friend RIP
dear Rick. Wait there for me.
Condolences to the Camp family. We lost a great friend.

I am sorry for your loss. I hope you can find comfort in the words written at (Jeremiah 29:11,12)

I knew Rick for a short time while we were in "camp" together. I learned from his light hearted zest for life. He will be missed in my heart.

I played softball with Rick 89/ 90 at Acworth United Methodist I was saddened to hear of his passing great down to earth guy..And humble.