Former infielder and coach Mike Brumley died in a car accident at the age of 61

Former Major League infielder, coach and instructor Mike Brumley died in a car accident on Saturday evening. He was 61 years old.

Brumley was reportedly killed in Mississippi.

Brumley played for six teams from 1987 to 1995. He most recently served as a minor league coach and instructor for the Atlanta Braves from 2018 to 2022.

Braves third baseman Austin Riley was awakened Sunday morning with the news that one of the most influential people of his career had been killed.

“I got a text at 2:30 this morning and I’ve been awake ever since,” Riley said after hitting a home run in Sunday’s 8-6 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays. “There are very few people who have been role models in my baseball career. My dad is No. 1 and Mike Brumley is No. 2.”

“I feel for his family and his children and everyone who was close to him. This is a tragic day. Our prayers are with his family. This is a bitter pill to swallow.”

Riley said he has spoken to Brumley regularly and worked with him on his swing just a few days ago when the Braves were in Baltimore.

The Seattle Mariners also paid tribute to Brumley, who played for the club in 1990 and later served as coach for four seasons (2010 to 2013).

“We are saddened to hear of the passing of former Mariners player and coach Mike Brumley,” the team said on social media. “Our condolences go out to his family, friends and loved ones. Mike’s impact on the field, in our organization and throughout baseball was felt by generations of players.”

A second-round pick by the Boston Red Sox in 1983, Brumley was part of a major trade before he even made it to the major leagues. In May 1984, he was sent to the Chicago Cubs along with relief ace Dennis Eckersley for first baseman Bill Buckner.

Brumley made his major league debut with Chicago in 1987 and later played for the Detroit Tigers (1989), Mariners, Red Sox (1991-92), Houston Astros (1993, 1995) and Oakland Athletics (1994).

Brumley had a batting average of .206 with three home runs and 38 RBIs in 295 major league games. He also coached the Cubs in 2014 and worked as a minor league coach with the Texas Rangers (2005 to 2007) and the Los Angeles Dodgers (2009).

Before his draft, Brumley was the starting shortstop on the Texas college team that won the 1983 World Series and featured future major league pitchers Roger Clemens, Calvin Schiraldi and Bruce Ruffin.