Jim Poole, Former MLB Pitcher, Dead at 57: ‘He Is and Will Remain an Inspiration’

Former Major League Baseball pitcher Jim Poole has died. He was 57 years old.

The athlete died of complications from ALS on Friday in the Atlanta area, according to a statement from his alma mater, Georgia Tech.

Poole passed while surrounded by his family, ESPN reported. Two years ago, he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative condition also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

He is survived by his wife, Kim, three children and two grandchildren, Georgia Tech said.

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Jim Poole.

Jonathan Daniel / Allsport

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Poole’s MLB career began with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1990.

He then played mostly for the Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland Indians and San Francisco Giants, but also played for the Texas Rangers, Philadelphia Phillies, Detroit Tigers and Montreal Expos before retiring after the 2000 season.

Poole was diagnosed with ALS in 2021, and in recent years has worked to raise awareness of the disease.

Currently, Georgia Tech said it awards Poole’s No. 21 to a player who demonstrates self-determination, a strong academic work ethic and high character on and off the field.

Jim Poole.

Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty

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“We are saddened by the passing of former MLB pitcher Jim Poole at the age of 57,” said MLB He said, partly in a statement for social networks. “Our thoughts are with Jim’s family and friends.”

“I was heartbroken this morning to learn that Jim Poole had passed away. He was a first-rate husband, father and teammate,” Georgia Tech head baseball coach Danny Hall said in a statement.

“He loved Georgia Tech and was dedicated to serving our coaches and players for years. He epitomized the meaning of Tech Man. God rest his soul,” Hall continued.

Georgia Tech Director of Athletics J Batt added, “Jim Poole is a Georgia Tech legend, not only for his incredible accomplishments on the baseball diamond, but also for the way he has attacked ALS over the past two years. He is and will remain inspiration. On behalf of the entire Georgia Tech athletics community, I send our deepest condolences to Jim’s wife, Kim, their children and grandchildren, and to all of Jim’s family and friends whose lives he touched. We will miss him.”

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Source: HIS Education