Hal Keller, a former Seattle Mariners general manager and longtime Texas Rangers executive who helped bring the radar gun to the major leagues, has died.
Keller, 84, died in his sleep at his home in Sequim early Tuesday, the Rangers said. He was being treated for esophageal cancer
Keller, younger brother of the late Yankees standout Charlie “King Kong” Keller, played 25 games with the Washington Senators from 1949-52.
Keller had stints as farm director of the Senators (1961-62, 1965-71) then held the same role from 1972-78 with the Rangers. He joined Seattle’s front office in 1979, first as director of player development before spending three years as GM.
LASORDA IN HOSPITAL
Hall of Fame manager Tom Lasorda was hospitalized in stable condition Tuesday, a day after having a “mild” heart attack while representing the Dodgers at the Major League Baseball draft.
The Dodgers said doctors in New York inserted a stent to repair a blocked artery in Lasorda’s heart. The energetic, enthusiastic 84-year-old was resting comfortably and there was a chance he could return to California today.
“The doctors confirmed I do bleed Dodger Blue. I’m looking forward to being back at the stadium to cheer on the Dodgers,” Lasorda said, according to the Dodgers’ Twitter feed.
SHORT HOPS
The Angels placed catcher Bobby Wilson on the seven-day concussion DL and recalled catcher Hank Conger from Triple-A Salt Lake. Wilson was struck in the facemask by a foul tip off the bat of the Mariners’ Munenori Kawasaki and was removed from Monday’s game. … The Red Sox have optioned right-handed pitcher Daniel Bard to Triple-A Pawtucket to work on his mechanics.
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