Veteran Baseball Pitcher Tom Timmermann Dies at 85
Tom Timmermann, a six-time major league seasons veteran with the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Guardians, has passed away at the age of 85. A stalwart presence in the pitching world from 1969 to 1974, Timmermann left an indelible mark on the sport.
Born in Breese, Illinois, Timmermann began his professional baseball journey in 1960, signing with the Tigers after graduating from Southern Illinois University. He spent parts of a decade in the minor leagues before making his major league debut in 1969. The following year, he emerged as the primary closer for the Tigers, recording an impressive 27 saves in just 61 appearances.
Timmermann's career was marked by a mix of starting and relief pitching stints, with notable achievements including two All-Star seasons and the "Tiger of the Year" award from the team in 1970. However, he found himself traded to the Cleveland Indians in June 1973, where he posted a respectable 9-8 record over his final two seasons.
After retiring as a player, Timmermann quietly returned to baseball through his work with the Toledo Mud Hens, the Triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. While he may not have been a household name during his playing days, Timmermann left a lasting impact on those closest to him and in his local community.
A devoted family man, Timmermann was also the biological father of two sons, Phil Leftwich, a former California Angels pitcher, and Luke Leftwich, who followed in his footsteps by pitching professionally. "He lived life fully, joyfully, and on his own terms," wrote Cindy Timmermann, his niece, in announcing his passing. A native baseball field has been named in his honor back home in Breese, Illinois, as a testament to the enduring legacy of this beloved figure in the world of professional baseball.
Tom Timmermann, a six-time major league seasons veteran with the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Guardians, has passed away at the age of 85. A stalwart presence in the pitching world from 1969 to 1974, Timmermann left an indelible mark on the sport.
Born in Breese, Illinois, Timmermann began his professional baseball journey in 1960, signing with the Tigers after graduating from Southern Illinois University. He spent parts of a decade in the minor leagues before making his major league debut in 1969. The following year, he emerged as the primary closer for the Tigers, recording an impressive 27 saves in just 61 appearances.
Timmermann's career was marked by a mix of starting and relief pitching stints, with notable achievements including two All-Star seasons and the "Tiger of the Year" award from the team in 1970. However, he found himself traded to the Cleveland Indians in June 1973, where he posted a respectable 9-8 record over his final two seasons.
After retiring as a player, Timmermann quietly returned to baseball through his work with the Toledo Mud Hens, the Triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. While he may not have been a household name during his playing days, Timmermann left a lasting impact on those closest to him and in his local community.
A devoted family man, Timmermann was also the biological father of two sons, Phil Leftwich, a former California Angels pitcher, and Luke Leftwich, who followed in his footsteps by pitching professionally. "He lived life fully, joyfully, and on his own terms," wrote Cindy Timmermann, his niece, in announcing his passing. A native baseball field has been named in his honor back home in Breese, Illinois, as a testament to the enduring legacy of this beloved figure in the world of professional baseball.
. The game's lost another legend. Who else remembers 'Tiger of the Year' award? That was some serious pitching back then 
just heard about Tom Timmermann's passing, feels like yesterday he was pitching for the Tigers, man... 27 saves in one season is crazy! 
he might not be a household name but his family and community loved him so much, that's what matters most. His legacy lives on with that field named after him back in Illinois 
, and it's awesome to see how his sons followed in his footsteps too 
, Phil and Luke are both pitchers, what a cool connection! 
idk why ppl still care about old baseball players... like 85 is old dude 
but i guess its good he left a mark on the sport 
anyway, i wonder if he was any good or what kinda pitcher was he? 
not that it matters now lol 
And his legacy lives on through his sons who followed in his footsteps, that's what gets me really emotional 
. It's also cool to see how the community came together to honor him, naming a field after him back home... it just goes to show how much of an impact one person can have on others 
.
he was like so underrated tho, ppl always talkin bout the big names but hes the 1 who stuck it out thru all the ups & downs 
tom timmermann was def not just a baseball player, he was a dad, fam, & community person thru & thru 
his legacy lives on in illinois btw 
Just heard about Tom Timmermann's passing at 85 
. He played for so long, seen so many ups and downs in the game, but always kept going with passion and dedication 
just saw this news about Tom Timmermann and I'm literally feeling nostalgic I had no idea he was a 6x MLB seasons vet 
. He may not have been a superstar player, but he's still a hero to his community and his family.
Plus, it's awesome that he got to stay involved in baseball after retiring as a player, working with the Toledo Mud Hens and all. He really lived life on his own terms, which is something we can all learn from #RespectToTheLegend 
. He may not have been a superstar, but his dedication to the game and his family is truly inspiring 
... it's amazing how our parents can shape us into who we are today 
. A true legend, but what's even more amazing is that he continued to be involved in the sport after retirement 
. The fact that a Toledo Mud Hens stadium got named after him? pure #baseballlove 
! 
i feel bad that nobody remembers him as much now but his legacy lives on thru his family esp those two sons phil and luke who pitched pro they must be so proud of their dad