The MLB world was struck with some horrible news on Saturday regarding former All-Star third baseman and general manager Sal Bando.
The Oakland Athletics posted a statement from the Bando family on social media on Saturday revealing that Sal Bando had passed away on Friday after a lengthy battle with cancer at 78 years old.
Bando played for the Athletics for 11 seasons from 1966-1976, earning four All-Star appearances in his career along with being a huge part of three World Series Championships.
He then joined the Milwaukee Brewers and played there from 1977-1981 for the remainder of his career. The Brewers organization also posted a heartfelt statement after his unfortunate passing.
His role in baseball following his playing career was also extremely impactful, first working for NBC in a broadcasting role alongside Bob Costas.
He then transitioned into a front-office role with the Brewers, becoming their general manager in 1991 and serving in that role until 1999.
Bando was undoubtedly one of the influential figures in his era of baseball, and his loss clearly had a profound impact on many around the MLB world.
Former Brewers owner and MLB Commissioner Bud Selig also issued an emotional message following Bando’s passing, detailing the huge role that he had within the Brewers organization.
“It can never be overstated the role Sal has in Brewers’ history, both on and off the field,” said Selig via Tom Haudricourt formerly of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “I cannot emphasize that enough. When he joined us as a player, that was a big day in our history.”
Bando is survived by his three sons and Sandy, who is his wife of 54 years.
[Milwaukee Brewers on Twitter, Oakland Athletics on Twitter]