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Jeff Torborg
1941 - 2025
Jeff Torborg
1941 - 2025
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1941
DIED
2025
Jeff Torborg Obituary
Jeff Torborg was a longtime Major League Baseball player and manager who caught Sandy Koufax's perfect game in 1965, and in 1990 was named American League Manager of the Year.
We invite you to share condolences for Jeff Torborg in our Guest Book.
Read the full obituary in Legacy's headline news section.
(Photo: Andy Lyons/Getty Images Sport)
10 Entries
Joel Erik Thompson
May 16, 2025
I was deeply saddened to hear of Jeff's passing. He was "my" catcher way back in those magic years of Pony League and American Legion Ball in Westfield back in the 1950's.
I found out many years later that my 'career' with the Dodgers 'ended' about when Jeff's began, because my Dad, a sad product of the depression (and unknown to me at the time), refused to sign a contract for his under-aged son to "try and make a living playing some kids' game rather than getting a real job" - like my teammate and catcher so successfully did. (As I cheered for him every step of the way)!
While I savored his well-earned success "second-hand" on the sports pages along with much of the baseball followers, most of his admirers didn't share a significant facet of Jeff that I always honored. I knew he and his devoted wife, Suzie, became a "couple" in Fifth Grade, and never wavered in that commitment either. He was a 'super-star' there too!
Suzie, I'm saddened at your lose, yet feel blessed to have had you both in that special corner of my memory ever since grade school and those years at Westfield Jr. and Sr. High Schools, plus American Legion ball. He was a winner at everything he touched. Deep best wishes!
Joel Erik Thompson, WHS '58
Mainer Marc
February 18, 2025
Became acquainted with Mr (Coach) Torberg while walking on the beach. His White Sox hat, gloves, tennis ball greeting my Red Sox sweatshirt and New England accent and swagger. Always pleasant, always willing to engage in family and baseball talk. An honor to have met him. Our condolences to all who loved and will miss him. Remember the memories and cherish his presence amongst you. RIP! Life well lived!
Mr.Jr.
February 8, 2025
My Condolences.
George Case
February 3, 2025
Jeff Torborg and I were very good friends beginning in 1959 when Jeff and I were both students and fraternity brothers at Rutgers University. Jeff was an OUTSTANDING athlete and an even better person. The last time I saw Jeff was at a Rutgers football game several years ago - we had a very nice visit! I always looked forward to speaking with Jeff on the telephone as we shared many baseball memories! Jeff was recruited to play major league for the LA Dodgers by Rutgers alumnus, Ozzie Nelson of the television show fame, "Ozzie and Hariett". Jeff Torborg was very special and my sincere condolences to his family. Jeff and his wife Suzie were "high school sweethearts", both graduated from Rutgers the same year and were married in the Rutgers chapel shortly after graduation.
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Larry Lancaster
January 25, 2025
Jeff was such a stellar guy who I got to know and be around on network baseball broadcasts. So great to work with, so professional, so well-spoken, and so down-to-earth. He personified baseball in my mind. Everyone loved Jeff! The world needs more like him and he will be truly missed.
Greg Ryan
January 25, 2025
I grew up knowing him. He went to school with my brother. The 2 ironically died on the same day 5 years apart. I always enjoyed his company and I sadly lost touch with him after his move to Florida
Michael Helman
January 23, 2025
Played for Jeff in 70´s at Rutgers, truly a gentleman and teacher. Introduced him to my son at a little league dinner yeats later. Met Jeff at little league dinner when I was 10. He left an lasting impression on both my son and myself
RIP Jeff Torborg
Joel Thompson
January 23, 2025
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Jeff. A bright candle of my personal history has gone dark. I have known Jeff since our Westfield Little League, Pony League and American Legion baseball days. I was a year ahead of him in the Westfield schools. I was a pitcher, and he was my catcher sometimes, and the batter for my opponent at other times. But there is a bond between "battery mates". We chuckled about the "fact" that he 'knew me' as my catcher, but never had a great deal of success batting against me when we were playing against each other. His career was impressive, as I sit here in my "throw-back" White Sox/Torborg #10 jersey remembering well over a half-century ago. My dream of a sports "career" ended in my teens, on a surgical table in the hospital "up on the hill" where I was born. But I could "live" my personal dream watching "my catcher" create his legendary presence.
His baseball history is a matter of record, and impressive. But the thing I always admired about Jeff was his "balance" in maintaining his personna and integrity beyond the sports page headlines. He and Suzie became "an item" in 5th grade and that commitment survived every challenge and was integral to every success.
God speed old buddy and thanks for your presence and impact on the kid I was, and the men we both became! Rest in peace and dignity, well earned!
Linda May
January 23, 2025
My condolences to your family. May God be with your family and give you comfort and peace.
CA
January 22, 2025
Saw Jeff catch at Dodger Stadium and The Big A, during his playing days. A solid catcher, and by all accounts a solid gentleman as well.
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