**Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic** – The baseball world mourns the loss of former major league pitcher José DeLeón, who passed away at the age of 63. DeLeón’s death was confirmed by the Leones del Escogido of the Dominican Winter League.
Born in the Dominican Republic, DeLeón began his professional career in 1979 after being drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Standing at 6’3″, the right-hander quickly made his mark in the major leagues, showcasing his talent with an impressive debut season highlighted by a 2.83 ERA and 118 strikeouts.
Throughout his career, DeLeón played for various teams, including the Pirates, White Sox, and Cardinals. He reached a career-high in 1989 when he led the National League in strikeouts with 201, demonstrating his prowess on the mound.
Despite facing challenges, such as leading the MLB in losses during the 1986 and 1990 seasons, DeLeón remained resilient and continued to contribute to his teams. He also had the opportunity to experience the postseason with the White Sox, showcasing his dedication to the game.
After retiring from the major leagues in 1995, DeLeón continued his baseball career in Taiwan before ultimately retiring in 1998. Throughout his 13 seasons in the MLB, DeLeón amassed nearly 1900 innings pitched, striking out close to 1600 hitters.
DeLeón’s legacy extends beyond his statistics, as he is remembered by his family, loved ones, friends, and former teammates. His impact on the baseball community will always be cherished, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the hearts of those who knew him.