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BORN
1939
DIED
2013
Gates Brown Obituary
The team confirmed Brown's death Friday.
Brown, jailed for armed robbery in Ohio before starting his baseball career, played on Detroit's 1968 team that won the World Series, and was part of another title with the Tigers in 1984 as a batting coach.
Brown never played more than 125 games in a season, but he made a nice contribution during the title year of '68, when he hit .370 in 67 games. He ended up playing 1,051 games in his career, finishing with a .257 average and 84 home runs.
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
98 Entries
Pete Hadges
December 14, 2022
I remember Gates as a young guy trying out for the Detroit Tigers when Chuck Dressen was the manager. He came up to me while I was putting on a uniform and said, come on son let's go warm up..he made me feel great. What a wonderful person. RIP Gates, condolences to your family.
Peter Hadges
May 17, 2022
Good guy
Carol Mowen
October 13, 2021
As a young girl from Ludington, Michigan I traveled to Detroit with my family to see the Tigers play. Prior to the game, I was rounding a corner to catch up with my family when Gates Brown and I ran right into each other. He looked down and said, “Excuse me”. Those two words began a paradigm shift that was life long, having come from an all white community and family that portrayed those not like us in a manner that was different and frightening. Mr. Brown could not possibly have known how his brief kindness began that important questioning of those views. I went on to teach minorities and advocate for a shift in our national consciousness as a college professor. This legacy continues with my sons.
Don Parker
March 31, 2020
Met Gates at Barbizon School for Modeling that my daughter and one of his relatives was attending.. we reminisced about baseball and our children over lunch, one of my best times ever. I know God blessed you Gates and
May he
Continue to bless your family.
How you can show support
April 15, 2016
There's only one Gater.
And he would respond, "and he's the badest beast in the whole damn pond."
Bill Westlund
November 30, 2014
My God, what a clutch hitter!! How many times did you break this Minnesota Twins fan's heart with a game-winning pinch hit?!!! You were the best ever at your craft!!!! RIP
Michael Shane Wig Flair Company
January 29, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
January 9, 2014
There's only one Gator........
Brian P
October 13, 2013
The "gator" was one of my favorites. I am sure liKe many 50+ year old's he inspired many of us who wanted to be Gates. RIP Gates and may your family find peace in this difficult time
Duval Sewer
October 8, 2013
Our loving Creator never intended for us to die and have to endure such pain as we do when we lose a loved one. As the God and Father of tender mercies, He wants you to find comfort in Him through prayer.
victor checketts
October 8, 2013
truly saddened to hear of the passing of one of the top pinch hitters in baseball. he was one of the reasons the Detroit Tigers won the 1968 world series. may your family be comforted by the love of our savior at your time of loss.
Laverne
October 6, 2013
Gates you are now with daddy, Uncle Pete,and Uncle Boogie. Together again. RIP and you will be missed. Thanks for all the childhood memories.
travis stringer
October 6, 2013
rip old friend, every time i think of the clock on six mile and greenfield,ill think of you.
michelle plakas-kaiser
October 5, 2013
rip
The Carters
October 4, 2013
To the Family, Close Friends, and Fans of Gates Brown: Our deepest sympathy for your loss. Words cannot express our appreciation for the contributions Mr. Gates made to the baseball game. I can remember my Dad going on and on recounting Mr. Gates' many accomplishments. I believe that this is one of the things that keeps this 98-year-old man alive, alert, and well. May you find comfort in God's promise of a time when we will see no more sickness and death. Until then, hold tightly to the many grand memories of Gates!
October 3, 2013
My deepest condolences to the family of Gates. May the God of all comfort, comfort you at this time. 2 Cor 1:3. Find the peace of God through prayer and supplication. Phil 4:6,7.
October 1, 2013
You are one of my favorite players I can still picture your face when I met your in Detroit as a young teen. Will never forget how you inspired me to do my best. Thank You Gates you are truly miss
Michael McCray
Angel S
October 1, 2013
So sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort be with you at this time.
Harry Simpson
October 1, 2013
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
James (Pete) Parker
September 30, 2013
Gates was a good guy and he will be missed by all.
BaseballTopFan
September 30, 2013
We would like to offer our sympathy and condolences to family,friends and fans of Gates Brown.
He was a great baseball player.
RIP !!!
Lisa Blanchard
September 30, 2013
My father used to take me and my kid sister and brother to Tiger Stadium, where Gates Brown was one of our very favorite players and always received our loudest and most enthusiastic cheers. My dad, sister and brother are all gone now...and with the Gator's passing, I've lost another piece of my childhood. But thanks so much for the wonderful memories, Mr. Brown.
Cynthia
September 30, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
September 30, 2013
RIP...One of the greatest players in Syracuse Chief's history...as a kid when played wiffle ball I was gates Brown!
Dick Jones Syracuse NY
September 30, 2013
My condolences to family and friends, May God's word of promised future blessings for mankind to be reunited with their loved ones bring you comfort. Acts 17:28-31.
Juanita
Danny & Janey Beer
September 30, 2013
We enjoyed him for 18 fantasy camps in Lakeland. He would advise us each year to "start out slow and taper off" so we didn't get hurt the first day. He was my coach several times and would tell some great stories. He would always break things down to something simple to understand. How lucky we were to have known this special man.
Michael Davis
September 29, 2013
Gates,thanks for the memories.May you R.I.P. And may your family find comfort in Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.You made Michigan and Ohio proud.And the whole M.L.B.
September 29, 2013
My condolences to family and friends, May God's Word of promised future blessings for mankind to be reunited bring you comfort. Acts 17:28-31. Sincerely, Zoe
September 29, 2013
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
Brian Daly
September 29, 2013
Although I live in the Philadelphia area, I remember well listening to the '68 World Series on the radio as I delivered my newspapers. I recall Mr. Brown's major contribution to the Tigers' success in that series and the entire season. He was clearly a man of character, and I'll always remember him fondly.
fred allen
September 29, 2013
Thanks for the memories sir !!!!!
Bill Pemstein
September 29, 2013
Gates was quite the pinch-hitter.
September 29, 2013
My condolences to the family of Gates. Keeping in mind the scriptural hope of everlasting life can help to sustain you during this difficult time. John 17:3
September 29, 2013
GATES U WERE MY FAVORITE TIGER -GROWING UP IN CRESTLINE PLAYING BALL IN THE SUMMER TIME -I WILL NEVER FORGET U MY FRIEND --TO JOHN AND THE FAMILY -THE PAIN WILL EASE A LITTLE--RIP MY FRIEND
September 29, 2013
The Brown family are in our prayers. May God bless your family with peace & comfort during this difficult time.-Romans 15:33
Eddie
September 29, 2013
My deep sympathy to the Brown family. At this time of bereavement, please seek comfort in prayer. God will help you endure. 1 Peter 5:6,7
David Schaber
September 29, 2013
A great HERO for a small town like Crestline Ohio
Dave Godfrey
September 28, 2013
One of my favorites from the 60's and 70's. RIP Gator.
Mike Dugan
September 28, 2013
To the Brown Family:
May The Lord give you comfort in the days ahead.
Gates was a crowd favorite.
Danny Gallagher
September 28, 2013
Sorry to hear about Gates, a great name in Tigers history. Sent by Danny Gallagher, a writer and baseball nut in Toronto.
Alex Quiller
September 28, 2013
Gates u and willie horto n were heros 2 me. im a native inner citian. alex quiller
Tony Robison
September 28, 2013
You will never be forgotten, sir. Thank you for all the wonderful memories. My most sincere condolences to the entire Brown family. You will be missed.
Picture and flowers on Tiger Stadium flag pole
Louie Conti Don Krasniewski
September 28, 2013
M M
September 28, 2013
We'll ,iss you Gator...your one of the good ones!!
September 28, 2013
'GREAT HITTER
G. Freeman
September 28, 2013
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Butch Harris
September 28, 2013
RIP Gator Thanks I can still see #26 grabbing a bat to pinch hit,and people let me tell ya,NO one was better at pinch hitting than the great Gator
Keitha McKenzie
September 28, 2013
My condolences goes out to the Brown family during their time of grief. Remember the great memories of your husband, brother, uncle and friend. Your all in my prayers.
Cynthia Vaughn
September 28, 2013
Their will never be another Gator ! He was one of a kind & the sweetest & nicest person too know ! Will miss you always!Huggs ! :)
September 28, 2013
as a young man i saw gate brown play....ft.walton,bch.charlie king
THOMAS BELLE
September 28, 2013
we are sorry for the loss of your family member John 5:28
September 28, 2013
Gator was one of a kind. Sure Cash and Matthews there at gates to welcome him with a couple of hot dogs (reminder of him pinch hitting with a couple of loaded dogs inside his jersey. He got a double but ruined dogs when he slid head first into 2nd. Great laugh for all players. That was Gator. God Bless.
Robert Singer
September 28, 2013
Never forget meeting "Gator" outside Tiger stadium prior to a game. Wearing a floppy hat, he stoped,chated and signed autograph. He did a great job for those 1968 Tigers. I enjoyed watching him play and get clutch hits. Sure fellow teammates Cash and Matthews will be at gates to welcome him home.
Mark Kanges
September 28, 2013
Gonna miss you Gator...RIP
Ronald Lacanfora
September 28, 2013
Green grass blue skies tropical waters sandy beaches
September 28, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of your loss May the God of all comfort and peace at thisost difficult time 2 corth 1:3,4
September 28, 2013
As a Tigers fan the Gator was always one of my favorite players REST IN PEACE GATOR thanks for some great memories
JAY BEAUCAR
September 28, 2013
I will never forget thrill of you hitting a 9th inning home run against the Yankees on a summer of 68 championship year. R.I.P. GATES.
Linda Soper-Staelens
September 28, 2013
Thanks Gates for the great memories. I enjoyed watching you play baseball. My condolences to your family.
September 28, 2013
When I was 16 years old, in 1967, on the K.C. A's ground crew, Gates saw me wearing my too-big sunglasses and bought them from me. Fit the big guy perfectly and absolutely made my day. G'bye, ol' slugger. John C. Blue Springs, Mo
Jeff Wood
September 28, 2013
A great guy and a great Tiger! Rest in Peace Gator!
bill cova
September 28, 2013
to the brown family sorry for your loss.i'll always remember the pinch hits throughout his career/great guy.
Belynda and Bruce Melton
September 28, 2013
R.I.P. Gates we will always remember you in our hearts you be missed.
Karen Crawford
September 28, 2013
gates was my first cousin, his mother and my father were brothers and sisters. we spent many a day at Cleveland or Detroit fields watching him play ball he had a talent. he never forgot where he came from and how he got there cousin gates will be missed may he rest in heavenly peace. love cousin Karen
Sandra Bigelow
September 28, 2013
Gates was not only a great ballplayer, but a genuinely nice guy and gentleman. He used to ride around town on his motorcycle back in the day --- stopping and chatting with everybody along the way - just a real genuine down to earth guy - Detroit will miss you Gates -- Rest in Paradise
Kelly Bryant
September 28, 2013
...thanks for all of those great memories of '68 Gates...you were one of the best that ever wore the 'Old Engish' D...RIP...
Gary Legg
September 28, 2013
Gates was one of the nicest guys I ever knew. I played with him, worked out with him. He would visit me often in the minor league camp when he was with the big club. He was a welcome guest in my parents home when we were young. I will miss him and always remember him and his kindness. He was a great guy.
Ron Gay
September 28, 2013
One of our great team players, taking us all the way in '68. A year to remember. Thanks Gates.
Fred Mingle
September 28, 2013
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
September 28, 2013
I'm sorry for your loss. 1COR.15:26 Says death will be brought to nothing. This gives us hope for the future.
Pat
September 28, 2013
Gates,
You were my favorite! So glad I got to meet you and shake your hand at Macomb mall a few years ago! RIP.
September 28, 2013
My condolences to the Brown family. May the God who supplies endurance and comfort be with you in the days ahead-Romans 15:5. E.D. Park Forest, IL.
September 28, 2013
If you needed a big pinch hit in the 9th inning Gates was the man to do it. Rest in peace.
Mark Geahan
September 28, 2013
Another piece of my childhood memories gone! Rest in peace Gater!
VR
September 28, 2013
My deepest condolences to the Brown family, may God spirit empower you with strength and courage as you face the coming days. Psalms 36:7
Robert Stocker
September 28, 2013
A true and loyal friend, you will never be forgotten, remember what I told you, that time will come.
Don McLeod
September 28, 2013
Rest in Peace Gates. You were one of the most feared pinch hitters in baseball and you will be missed.
y a
September 28, 2013
Rest in peace until.ypu hear his vpice
RON SCHAEF
September 28, 2013
GOOD PLAYER
Mark
September 28, 2013
The Tiger's announcers were talking about you earlier this week. Thanks for those childhood memories. Tell Norm hi,
Ronnie Johnson
September 28, 2013
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Thomas Lance
September 28, 2013
What a person and what a player he really loved the tigers. One of the greats. My uncle took 3 boys from St. Johns MI. to see the tigers in 1968 was on leave from Vietnam we seen gates what a class act of a person God bless his family may God be with you during this time of sorrow and grief and ease your pain amen.
Robin
September 28, 2013
My sincere condolence to the Brown family, ‘persevere in prayer to the God of all comfort'.
Romans 12:12.
September 28, 2013
Death will soon be gone forever
September 28, 2013
He was my first baseball card
Dwayne Bickham
September 27, 2013
in God's care rest in peace
Leila Whitinger
September 27, 2013
Gates, thank you for the memories. To his family, I would like to offer my condolences for your loss.
matt silvas
September 27, 2013
Gates Brown ,, was one off the best in a Tiger game he will be remember forever R,I,P, Mr. Brown...
September 27, 2013
Loved watching "swingin' Gates in Denver when I was a kid. RIP Gates. Thanks for the memories.
Ray Lamrouex
September 27, 2013
One of my favorite Detroit Tigers! Rest in Peace my friend.
September 27, 2013
good player i love baseball i am a pirate fan my home town god bless you
rose paschal
September 27, 2013
may god carry him to heaven. baseball got him out of the rut he was in and he became the one of the greatest. god bless you gates
freddie snelling
September 27, 2013
largo lounge smile fds
Camille
September 27, 2013
I am sorry for your loss. May you receive the needed comfort from God. 2 Cor 1:2-4
Kent
September 27, 2013
Thanks for the memories, RIP.
September 27, 2013
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 65:2.
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