MLBbro Player And Coach Lee Tinsley Transitions At Age 53

by MLBbro Staff | Jan 14, 2023 | 6TH SLOT

The baseball world was rocked with sad news of former MLB outfielder Lee Tinsley passing away at the age of 53.

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. pic.twitter.com/D6FLULqaGV

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) January 12, 2023

Tinsley was a utility outfielder for five MLB seasons with the Boston Red Sox before being traded to the Philadelphia Phillies and later returning to the Mariners as a player and eventually a coach. 

Tinsley was also assistant hitting coach for the Cincinnati Reds in 2014-15. 

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.” pic.twitter.com/1pAvGaWR9M

— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) January 12, 2023

After his MLB career came to an end, Tinsley spent time in the Minor Leagues with the Los Angeles Angels and Montreal Expos. He also played in the Mexican League and the Western Baseball League. 

Tinsley cracked the Bigs at the age of 24 in 1993, making his debut with the Seattle.  Tinsley’s career season was in 1995 with the BoSox, when he appeared in 100 games, hitting a career-best .284 with seven home runs and 41 RBI.

Over the course of his five seasons in Major League Baseball, Tinsley compiled a had a career WAR of 1.7. He had a lifetime batting average of .241 and hit a total of 13 home runs, while also driving in 79 runs.

Tinsley began his coaching career with the El Paso Diablos in 2001, the double-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks at the time. He also served as the roving outfield instructor for the Los Angeles Angels during their run to the World Series in 2002.

This MLBbro was a true baseball lifer and he will be missed.