Longtime MLB Infielder Dies In Car Crash At 61

Photo of a car accident. John Lamparski/Getty Images

A longtime Major League Baseball infielder died in a car accident at 61 years old on Saturday night.

Mike Brumley, a former Major League infielder and coach, was killed in a car accident in Mississippi over the weekend. He played in the Major Leagues from 1987-95 and previously served as a minor league instructor for the Atlanta Braves from 2018-22.

Braves star Austin Riley credits Brumley for a lot of his development as a player.

"I got a text about 2:30 this morning and I have been up since," Riley said after Sunday's loss to the Rays. "There are very few people that have been role models in my baseball career, my dad being No. 1 and Mike Brumley being No. 2.

"I feel for his family and his kids and everybody that he was close to. This is a tragic day. Prayers out to his family. It's a tough pill to swallow."

Brumley spent some of his career with the Mariners, who released a statement on his passing.

"We are saddened by the passing of former Mariners player and coach, Mike Brumley," the team said in a statement. "Our hearts go out to his family, friends and loved ones. Mike's impact on the field, in our organization and across baseball, was felt by generations of players."

Our thoughts are with his friends and family members during this difficult time.