Baseball Hall of Fame manager dies on Caribbean cruise

Orioles “Duke of Earl” described as one of the greatest managers in the history of the game. (File photo)

MARYLAND, United States, Tuesday January 22, 2013 – Tributes are pouring in for the once fiery Baseball Hall of Fame manager Earl Weaver, who died during a Caribbean cruise associated with the Orioles, according to a statement from his marketing agent on Saturday.

Reports indicate that the former Orioles boss, who suffered a mild heart attack in 1998, returned to his cabin with his wife after dinner and began choking between 10:30 and 11:00 pm on Friday.  No further details were available at the time of writing.

"It's a sad day. Earl was a terrific manager," Vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette said. "The simplicity and clarity of his leadership and his passion for baseball was unmatched. He's a treasure for the Orioles. He leaves a terrific legacy of winning baseball with the Orioles and we're so grateful for his contribution. He has a legacy that will live on,"

The “Duke of Earl”, as he was nicknamed in Baltimore, took the Orioles to the World Series four times over 17 seasons, winning the title in 1970. His winning percentage ranks fifth among managers who served 10 or more seasons in the 20th century.

"Earl Weaver stands alone as the greatest manager in the history of the Orioles organization and one of the greatest in the history of baseball," Orioles owner Peter Angelos said. "This is a sad day for everyone who knew him and for all Orioles fans. Earl made his passion for the Orioles known both on and off the field. On behalf of the Orioles, I extend my condolences to his wife, Marianna, and to his family."

Weaver, who died at age 82, had a reputation as an intensely competitive winner in his day, but umpires regarded him as a hothead. He was known for yelling directly into an umpire's face to argue a call, and, after the inevitable ejection, he would often kick dirt on home plate or on the umpire's shoes.

He was ejected 91 times, including once in both games of a doubleheader, and when asked once if his reputation might have harmed his chances to gain entry into the Hall of Fame, he admitted, "It probably hurt me."

He nevertheless entered the hall in 1996.

"When you discuss our game's motivational masters, Earl is a part of that conversation," Baseball Hall of Fame President Jeff Idelson said. "He was a proven leader in the dugout and loved being a Hall of Famer. Though small in stature, he was a giant as a manager." Click here to receive free news bulletins via email from Caribbean360. (View sample)