Former Phillies Pitcher, Longtime Coach Dies Unexpectedly at 63

Newsweek

3 days ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Jeff Bittiger made a small mark on Major League Baseball in parts of four seasons pitching for the Philadelphia Phillies, Minnesota Twins and Chicago White Sox from 1986-89.
Bittiger's impact on the independent American Association was so large, he was inducted to its Hall of Fame in a ceremony that is scheduled to take place Tuesday.
More news: Former Cubs, Phillies Manager Passes Away
Sadly, Bittiger passed away on Saturday after a private battle with cancer. He was 63.
A detailed view of a Philadelphia Phillies baseball hat and glove sitting in the dugout during the spring training game against the Detroit Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium on February 24, 2013.
A detailed view of a Philadelphia Phillies baseball hat and glove sitting in the dugout during the spring training game against the Detroit Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium on February 24, 2013.
Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images
After his final game with the White Sox in May 1989, Bittiger spent 10 seasons in the Northern League, an independent league that preceded the American Association in the midwest. He was named Baseball America's Independent Player of the Decade for the 1990s.
Following his career as a pitcher, Bittiger served as the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks' pitching coach through the 2003 season. After he was hired as a scout by the Oakland A's in 2004, he remained active in the RedHawks' player personnel department, eventually becoming their director of player personnel in 2017.
More news: Tigers All-Star, First Draft Pick to Appear in an MLB Game, Passes Away
Bittiger was still a player personnel consultant for the RedHawks at the time of his death.
"We are heartbroken to share that we've lost a member of the A's family today," the team wrote on its Twitter/X account Saturday. "Jeff Bittiger, a scout of ours for the past 22 years, passed away this morning at the age of 63."
From the Athletics:
We are heartbroken to share that we've lost a member of the A's family today. Jeff Bittiger, a scout of ours for the past 22 years, passed away this morning at the age of 63.
Jeff played parts of four seasons in the big leagues with the Phillies, Twins, and… pic.twitter.com/aIMuV7NKwm — Athletics (@Athletics) July 19, 2025
"As an area scout, he signed Rookie of the Year Andrew Bailey, and he was a critical voice in many trade acquisitions over the last 10 years as a member of our Professional Scouting staff," the statement continued. "Thank you, Jeff, for your dedication not only to the A's organization, but to the game of baseball."
Bittiger's death surely came as a surprise to many who were unaware of his cancer battle and saw him continue working into the 2025 season.
More news:Yankees World Series Champion, St. Louis' Last AL All-Star, Dies at 97
"He's been battling cancer privately for years," Brett Bittiger, Jeff's son, told the The Forum. "He didn't stop working until this spring, which is very much on brand for him. ... He cared about being great."
Originally drafted as a third baseman out of Secaucus (N.J.) High School, Bittiger was converted to a full-time pitcher in 1981 and was in the Mets' farm system until New York traded him to the Philadelphia Phillies in 1986.
More news: Former Cubs, Cardinals Outfielder Who Made St. Louis History Passes Away
Bittiger made only three starts for the Phillies in 1986 before he was released. The Atlanta Braves cut him just before the 1987 season began, and he signed a minor league deal with the Minnesota Twins in April of that year.
Bittiger joined the Twins' major league club in September 1987 when rosters expanded, but he was not included on their postseason roster as they marched to the World Series championship.
More news: Former Red Sox, Indians, Angels Pitcher Passes Away
Bittiger's 25 games (seven starts) with the White Sox in 1988 were his most in any big league season. He went 2-4 with a 4.23 ERA (95 ERA+). In 1989, he made only two appearances with Chicago — the last of his major league career.
That proved to be the beginning of Bittinger's long career in professional baseball. He still holds the RedHawks' team record for lowest career ERA (3.46), and his work as a scout continues to have an impact.
More news: Legendary 2-Sport Star Whose Grandson Followed Him to MLB's Cardinals Dies
Bailey, for example, went into coaching after his playing career ended. He is currently the Boston Red Sox's pitching coach.
"Jeff spent his whole life around the game: playing, coaching, and scouting. He was as good a person as he was a scout, and he was a hell of a scout," Billy Beane, a senior adviser to Athletics owner John Fisher who previously served as the club's general manager, said in a statement. "He knew pitchers inside and out and you could tell how much he loved baseball just by being around him."
For more MLB news, visit Newsweek Sports.