Darren Daulton Former Catcher with Phillies Dies

Former All-Star catcher with the Philadelphia Phillies Darren Daulton died at the age of 55 said the team on Sunday.

In 2013, Daulton was diagnosed with cancer that in 2015 went into remission. He was an important part of and a leader on the Phillies team in 1993 that surprisingly won the National League Pennant only to lose to the Toronto Blue Jays in the World Series.

In June of 2013, doctors found two brain tumors in Daulton. Following surgery to have them removed, doctors diagnosed him with glioblastoma, a malignant brain cancer.

He received radiation, as well as speech therapy and other forms of treatment prior to announcing in February of 2015 that he was cancer-free.

Bill Giles the chairman emeritus with the Phillies called Daulton a true leader of men. He added that the Phillies would not have reached the 1993 World Series without the leadership of Daulton.

Giles said that Daulton battled through five surgeries on his knees. Darren was loved by his teammates and loved by him like he was one of his own, said the chairman emeritus.

Glioblastoma took the lives of other well-known former players including Johnny Oates, Tug McGraw and Gary Carter.

Daulton was the bonding force for the clubhouse during his more than 13 seasons with the Phillies. He was known for his toughness, smile and work ethic.

He was also a defensive standout while one of the biggest bats from the left side during his best years in the league. In 1992, he led the NL in RBIs with 109 and was awarded the Silver Slugger Award.

The following year he knocked in 105 runs and at the time became one of just nine catchers in the history of MLB to have 100 or more RBIs in two straight seasons.

Daulton was named to the 1992, 1993 and 1995 NL All-Star teams.

Injuries, including chronic knee problems took their toll on the catcher. He underwent a total of 9 knee surgeries during his career and in his last few seasons he moved to play first base, the outfield and pinch hit.

In 1997, he was traded by the Phillies to Florida where he played 52 games with the Marlins and was on the Marlins team that won the World Series batting cleanup in Game 7. He retired after that.

Daulton is survived by his parents, a brother, his wife, and four children.