The brotherhood of Major League Baseball also lost one of its own this week. Former big league outfielder Robert Leon “Butch” Huskey passed away from a pulmonary embolism at the age of 54.
If you don’t remember the name Butch Huskey, I can’t say I blame you. The seventh round pick out of Eisenhower High School in Lawton, Oklahoma was mostly known for his five seasons with the New York Mets. In 1999 he played for the Seattle Mariners before being traded to the playoff-bound Boston Red Sox. In 2000 he played the first half of the season with the Minnesota Twins.
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Butch Huskey only played 45 games in a Colorado Rockies uniform, and it was the last Major League playing time of his career.
The Rockies—fighting for a playoff spot in a season full of incredible performances—wanted a bench bat and extra outfielder. They sent minor league first baseman Todd Sears to the Twins in exchange for infielder Todd Walker and Huskey himself.
Although the Rockies missed the playoffs, Huskey delivered at the plate. In 111 plate appearances he hit .348/.432/.565 with eight doubles, four home runs, and 18 RBIs. He also drew more walks with 16 than he struck out with 14.
Huskey became a free agent after the season and ended up signing a minor league contract with Cleveland. After not making the Opening Day roster for the 2001 season he returned to Colorado and spent the final year of his baseball career with the Triple-A Colorado Springs Sky Sox.
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Over parts of seven seasons Huskey finished his career with a .267/.318/.442 line and 86 home runs. It was quietly a solid career that could have lasted much longer. He was just 29-years-old.
Huskey is also remembered as one of the final MLB players to wear the number 42 before it was universally retired by Major League Baseball in honor of Jackie Robinson.
“I told myself if I ever got a chance to play professional baseball, I would wear his number,” he once told the Daily News. “I think about it quite often.”
But this isn’t about the number on the uniform or on the stat sheet. This is about a young Rockies fan’s affection for a player most Rockies fans might not even remember.
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They say to never underestimate the feelings a kid has for a random ballplayer. It’s something I’ve grown somewhat famous for throughout my life (Please ask me about my Garrett Hampson collection). I was nine when Huskey was traded to the Rockies and I immediately latched on.
I thought his name was cool and I loved watching him hit. I went out of my way to make sure he was in a Rockies uniform when I played Triple Play 2000 on my dad’s computer. I was incredibly sad when he wasn’t a member of the 2001 Rockies roster.
26 years later, I still remember Butch Huskey with immense fondness. When I heard of his passing, I mourned a part of my childhood.
Following his death, I’ve started to learn more about the man himself. From an outpouring of statements from those that knew him or from fans like me, I have seen only positivity and fondness. Huskey also worked with the Player’s Alliance and promoted youth baseball in his Native Oklahoma.
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Huskey’s passing is another reminder that our childhood heroes are with us here forever. However, they exist forever so long as they are remembered with fondness and joy. I feel like this is especially important when it comes to the rank and file members of Major League Baseball. For every superstar making $400 million with their faces everywhere, there are dozens of everyday players that will escape the memories of most fans.
I think what I’m trying to say is how important I think it is to remember those players that made your childhood special even if they weren’t the face of the franchise or the national superstar. Support those players of today on and off the field. Remember and support the Butch Huskeys of the game.
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Weekly Discussion Topics
Who was a baseball player who made your childhood special? Who was your first favorite Rockie? Let us know in the comments!
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