The baseball world is mourning the loss of Lee Tinsley, a former Major League Baseball outfielder and coach who died on January 12, 2023, at the age of 53. Tinsley played for the Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies during his five-year career in the big leagues. He later served as a coach for several teams, including the Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Angels, Mariners and Cincinnati Reds.
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Early Life and Career
Tinsley was born on March 4, 1969, in Shelbyville, Kentucky. He attended Shelby County High School, where he excelled in baseball and basketball. He was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the first round of the 1987 MLB draft, becoming the first player from his high school to be selected in the first round.
Tinsley spent five years in the Athletics’ minor league system before being traded to the Cleveland Indians in 1991. He made his MLB debut with the Mariners in 1993, after being claimed off waivers by Seattle in 1992. He hit his first home run on July 21, 1993, off of Steve Farr of the New York Yankees.
Stints with Red Sox and Phillies
Tinsley was traded to the Red Sox in 1994, where he had his best season in 1995. He hit .284 with seven home runs and 47 RBIs in 100 games for Boston. He also set a team record by stealing 15 consecutive bases without being caught. He had two hitting streaks of 14 and 15 games that year.
Tinsley was traded again in 1996, this time to the Phillies. He played in 83 games for Philadelphia, hitting .246 with four home runs and 18 RBIs. He returned to the Red Sox later that year, playing in nine games. He finished his MLB career with the Mariners in 1997, appearing in 16 games.
Coaching Career and Legacy
After retiring as a player, Tinsley pursued a coaching career. He coached in the minor leagues for the Angels and Montreal Expos before joining the Diamondbacks as their first base coach in 2006. He was part of the coaching staff that led Arizona to the National League Championship Series in 2007.
Tinsley moved to the Cubs as their outfield and baserunning coordinator in 2008. He then rejoined the Mariners as their first base coach in 2009. He spent two seasons with Seattle before becoming the assistant hitting coach for the Reds in 2014. He coached with Cincinnati until 2015.
Tinsley was known for his speed, versatility and positive attitude. He played all three outfield positions and batted from both sides of the plate. He had a career batting average of .241 with 13 home runs, 79 RBIs and 50 stolen bases in 361 games. He also coached hundreds of players and helped them improve their skills and confidence.
Cause of Death
Tinsley died in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he lived with his three children. The cause of death has not been announced yet. His former teams and colleagues expressed their sadness and condolences on social media.
The Mariners tweeted: “We are saddened by the passing of former player and first base coach Lee Tinsley, and extend our condolences to his family and loved ones.”
The Reds also tweeted: “The Reds mourn the loss of Lee Tinsley. ‘We are sad to hear of Lee’s passing,’ VP/GM Nick Krall said of Tinsley, who was the Reds’ assistant hitting coach for the 2014 and 2015 seasons. ‘Our thoughts are with his family and friends, inside and outside the game.’”
Lee Tinsley will be remembered as a talented and passionate baseball player and coach who touched many lives with his smile and spirit. Rest in peace, Lee Tinsley.
