Former MLB infielder, coach Mike Brumley dies in car crash at 61

Former MLB infielder and coach Mike Brumley was killed in a car crash on Saturday night, according to multiple reports. He was 61.

A second-round draft pick by the Boston Red Sox in 1983, Brumley played parts of eight seasons in the majors. His death was confirmed by the Seattle Mariners, one of six MLB teams he played for between 1987 and 1995. He was also a coach for the Mariners from 2010-2013.

"Our hearts go out to his family, friends and loved ones. Mike’s impact on the field, in our organization and across baseball, was felt by generations of players," the team said in a statement.

Most recently, Brumley had served as a minor league coach and instructor for the Atlanta Braves, where one of his prized pupils was All-Star third baseman Austin Riley.

"There are very few people that have been role models in my baseball career, my dad being No. 1 and Mike Brumley being No. 2," Riley said Sunday after homering in Atlanta's 8-6 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays. "I feel for his family and his kids and everybody that he was close to. This is a tragic day. Prayers out to his family. It's a tough pill to swallow."

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Riley said he spoke to Brumley on a regular basis and worked on his swing with him just days ago when the Braves were in Baltimore.

Brumley was part of a big trade before he even made it to the majors. The Red Sox sent him and reliever Dennis Eckersley to the Chicago Cubs for first baseman Bill Buckner in May 1984.

He eventually reached the majors with the Cubs in 1987. He also played for the Detroit Tigers, the Red Sox, Houston Astros and Oakland A's, as well as the Mariners, hitting .206 in 635 career at-bats.

Contributing: Field Level Media