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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My condolences to Rick's family and the town of Trion where we both grew up and played many a game of baseball. Rick was a great guy and friend, and I will always remember those good old days. Rest in Peace my friend.
Gary McCoy
March 07, 2025
It´s been 10 years since Rick Camp´s Death but today I remember him because I shared a room at Piedmont hospital with his wife. We were both in labor. I think she had her baby before, but I remember that he was there in my room.
PATTI LYNN APICELLI
May 20, 2024 | Other
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
Ramon Aleman
November 11, 2023 | Bronx, NY | Acquaintance
A good friend we miss you
Larry&diane Hemmlngs
December 31, 2020 | Rutledge, GA | Friend
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
Eddie Overby
June 17, 2020 | Friend
Valenda Newell
September 25, 2016 | Indianapolis, IN
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...
Brett Blankenship
February 13, 2016 | Winder, GA
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.
mary stewart
April 12, 2014 | Fort Myers, FL
I am sorry for your loss. I hope you can find comfort in the words written at (Jeremiah 29:11,12)
JW
November 17, 2013 | FL