Jeff Torborg, Former MLB Catcher and Chicago White Sox Manager, Dies at 83: ‘Ran His Team Like a Family’

Jeff Torborg, a former MLB catcher and manager of the Chicago White Sox, has died at the age of 83.

On Sunday, Jan. 19, the Chicago White Sox announced Torborg’s death via a post on X, writing, “Former MLB catcher and Chicago White Sox manager Jeff Torborg passed away this morning in Westfield, N.J. He was 83 years old.”

“Torborg was named the 1990 A.L. Manager of the Year after guiding the Sox to a 94-68 record that season, a 25-game improvement from the previous year,” the post continued.

An official cause of death for Torborg has not been shared as of the time of publication, but he was reportedly diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2010, per The Associated Press.

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Following news of his death, former White Sox player Robin Ventura paid tribute to Torborg’s legacy. 

“It’s a sad day to lose a great man with such high character,” Ventura said, per the AP. “He was a family man who ran his team like a family. I smile as I think of him in the dugout wearing his soccer cleats as he managed his team.”

Among the highlights of his career, Torborg was known for catching Sandy Koufax’s perfect game with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1965 and was named the American League manager of the year in 1990 while he was with the Chicago White Sox, according to the outlet.

After spending 10 seasons in the MLB as a player, Torborg transitioned to managing in 1977. While managing the White Sox, where he found his greatest career success, Torborg led the team to 94 wins, the AP reported.

Torborg is survived by his wife Suzie, who he was married to for over 60 years, and his three sons, Doug, Greg and Dale. He also has four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.