Former White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper has died at age 70.
The news was first shared on Facebook by Cooper’s family under Don’s personal account. A cause of death has not yet been revealed.
“On September 22, Donald James Cooper passed away in Brentwood, TN, leaving Earth to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” the family wrote.
“His fierce passion for baseball, and the coaches and players around him, brought him a life filled with great pride, stories, and accomplishments.
“This passion was superseded only by his unbreakable love for his family and friends. He cared immensely for his loved ones.
“He lived a life blessed by God, which he talked about whenever he had the chance. He was very thankful for his blessings and success both in and out of baseball.
“He checked in with his friends and family constantly, and was always a call away, willing to lend an ear and give his sincere advice and encouragement.
“Thankfully, we believe Don passed away peacefully.
“We’ll communicate funeral arrangements once established.”
The team shared a statement on social media shortly afterward.
“The White Sox send our condolences to the family, friends and fans of Don Cooper, who has passed away at 70.
“Don Cooper spent 33 seasons as a coach in the White Sox organization from 1988-2020, including 18 full seasons as the major-league pitching coach. Cooper served as the pitching coach for the 2005 World Series champion club, which became the first team since the 1928 Yankees to toss four consecutive complete games in a single postseason.
“Forever in our thoughts.”
Former White Sox skipper Ozzie Guillen offered his thoughts on X.
“My career wouldn’t have been the same without Don Cooper. Coop was one of a kind and taught me so much about pitchers, pitching, and their mindset. Always a close friend to my kids and family. Thank you for everything, Coop. My deepest condolences to his family. Rest in peace.”
Former bench coach Joey Cora also paid tribute to Cooper in an Instagram post.
“R.I.P, Not only a great coach, a great Person, all he wanted to do in life was to help people,” Cora wrote in his caption.
Members of the White Sox’s 2005 World Series championship team have also begun reacting to the news.
“Coop will be missed,” former White Sox right fielder and 2005 World Series MVP Jermaine Dye wrote in a comment on Cora’s post. A.J. Pierzynski shared a similar sentiment on his Instagram Story, writing, “RIP Coop. You will be missed.”
Our entire team at Sox On 35th sends our deepest condolences to Cooper’s family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time. He will be greatly missed by all of us in the White Sox community.
Featured Photo: White Sox/Twitter
I am very sorry to hear of Don Cooper’s passing. He contributed greatly to the success of all the White Sox team he was part of.
I offer my sympathies to his survivors who surely are feeling his loss.
May he always rest in peace.