It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of former Major League Baseball outfielder and coach Lee Tinsley, aged 53. Though no cause was announced, his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
As reported by USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, Tinsley passed away in Scottsdale, Arizona and left behind his three gorgeous children.
During his fleeting five-year MLB tenure from 1993 to 1997, Tinsley donned the jerseys of both the Mariners and Red Sox (later joined by the Phillies) – with a peak performance in 1994 where he ranked second on Boston’s roster for steals without being caught.
Tinsley began his 1995 season with a record-breaking 14-game hitting streak and was quickly moved to the leadoff spot. He kept up the momentum in June, recording another impressive 15-game hitting spree! His batting average also reached an all time high of .284 and he stole 18 bases for Boston’s AL East champion team during 100 games played.
We are saddened by the passing of former player and first base coach Lee Tinsley, and extend our condolences to his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/D6FLULqaGV
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) January 12, 2023
Afterwards, Tinsley took to the field for the Angels, Expos and Reds of Minor League Baseball in addition to featuring prominently in both the Western Baseball League and Mexican League.
Following his days as a professional player, he went on to act as a coach for the Diamondbacks, Angels, Mariners, Cubs and Reds organizations.
The Reds mourn the loss of Lee Tinsley.
“We are sad to hear of Lee’s passing,” VP/GM Nick Krall said of Tinsley, who was the Reds’ assistant hitting coach for the 2014 and 2015 seasons. “Our thoughts are with his family and friends, inside and outside the game.” pic.twitter.com/1pAvGaWR9M
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) January 12, 2023
“We are sad to hear of Lee’s passing,” Reds Vice President and General Manager Lee Krall stated. “Our thoughts are with his family and friends, inside and outside of the game.”
As reflected on Tinsley’s LinkedIn page, he longed for the opportunity to enter “scouting, managing and front office roles.”
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts to hear of the passing of a ROCKET ICON AND LEGEND, one of the ALL TIME GREATS to EVER wear a ROCKET UNIFORM, Mr. Lee Tinsley. Rocket Nation sends our condolences to the Tinsley Family. @RocketPrincipal pic.twitter.com/TnaQkgEV5j
— SCHS Athletics (@SCHSRockets) January 12, 2023
In 2018, he capped off his career as the hitting instructor for the Mobile BayBears – an affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels at that time. His guidance was instrumental to helping them reach their peak performance.
The Shelby County High School community in Kentucky honored one of their own with a heartfelt tribute.
“It is with great sadness and heavy hearts to hear of the passing of a ROCKET ICON AND LEGEND, one of the ALL TIME GREATS to EVER wear a ROCKET UNIFORM, Mr. Lee Tinsley. Rocket Nation sends our condolences to the Tinsley family,” the school wrote on Twitter.
In 1987, the A’s chose Tinsley as their first-round pick directly out of high school.
