José DeLeón (1960–2024), 13-year MLB veteran

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José DeLeón was a 13-year veteran of Major League Baseball (MLB) who played with the Pittsburgh Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago White Sox, and others. 

• Died: February 25, 2024 (Who else died on February 25?) 
• Details of death: Died in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, of cancer at the age of 63. 
• We invite you to share condolences for José DeLeón in our Guest Book. 

José DeLeón’s legacy 

Born in the Dominican Republic, DeLeón went to high school in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, and was drafted in the third round by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1979. He made his major league debut in July 1983 and got off to a strong start, with a 2.83 ERA and 7-3 record in 15 starts his rookie year. He finished seventh in Rookie of the Year voting. 

DeLeón was traded to the Chicago White Sox for Bobby Bonilla in 1986, then moved to the St. Louis Cardinals. In 1989, he topped the National League in strikeouts with 201, his second consecutive season with over 200 strikeouts. In 1993, he pitched 4 2/3 innings of playoff baseball for the Toronto Blue Jays. 

DeLeón retired after the 1995 season at age 34. He finished his career with an 86-119 record and 1,594 strikeouts. 

Tributes to José DeLeón 

It’s difficult to describe the electricity through our city each time a young Jose DeLeon took the mound at Three Rivers. He was a no-hitter waiting to happen, and he’d be the only one in the place unfazed by it. Special slice of franchise lore. RIP https://t.co/NA6fRu8ZSO

— Dejan Kovacevic (@Dejan_Kovacevic) February 27, 2024

RIP Jose DeLeon. Haven't read anyone pointing out how he seemed to flirt with a no-hitter at least 6 or 7 times his rookie season with the Pirates. So electric, a pure fun time for Pirates fans! Why we love the game and why he's a part of that love.

— John Toperzer (@PiratesTalk) February 26, 2024

Saddened to learn of former @MLB RHP Jose DeLeon's passing over the weekend at age 63. We were together for five years with the @WhiteSox. He was consistently a kind person with a great smile. Oh my, he had plus-plus fastball life and was so versatile.

— Dan Evans (@DanEvans108) February 26, 2024

Condolences to the family and friends of Jose DeLeon, #Pittsburgh #Pirates 🏴‍☠️ pitcher 1983-86. 😞

As a rookie, DeLeon burst onto the scene: 7-3 2.83 ERA 2.51 FIP 26.9K%. 🔥

Here DeLeon faces future Hall of Famers Joe Morgan &Mike Schmidt:#LetsGoBucspic.twitter.com/8fJzYOA4dS

— 1986-92 Pittsburgh Pirates (@1992Pirates) February 26, 2024

Full obituary: USA Today