The “Beeg Boy” leaves an indelible legacy in national and international sports
San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic – Ricardo Adolfo Jacobo Carty, known worldwide as Rico Carty, died on Saturday night at the age of 85, as confirmed by his youngest daughter, Ivette Carty, through her social networks.
“With a broken heart, the Carty family regrets to inform all our relatives, friends and relatives that our father, Mr. Ricardo Adolfo Jacobo Carty (Rico Carty), lost the battle tonight. He was a warrior until his last breath of life,” Ivette expressed in an emotionally charged message.
Born on September 1, 1939 in San Pedro de Macorís, Cradle of great talents in Dominican baseball, Rico Carty stood out as one of the best hitters of his time. His career in the Major Leagues (MLB) spanned from 1963 to 1979, playing for teams such as the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves, Texas Rangers, Chicago Cubs, Oakland Athletics, Cleveland Indians and Toronto Blue Jays. .
Among his most memorable achievements, the 1970 season stands out, when he won the National League batting champion title with an impressive average of .366, the highest in the Major Leagues since Ted Williams in 1957. That same year, He was selected for the All-Star Game as a starter, despite not appearing on the official ballot, being chosen by fans as a write-in candidate.
Over the course of his career, Carty accumulated 1,677 hits, 204 home runs, and 890 RBIs, maintaining a .299 batting average. His versatility allowed him to play as a left fielder, first baseman and designated hitter.
Beyond his statistics, Rico Carty was a pioneer for Dominican players in the Major Leagues, facing and overcoming challenges such as injuries, illnesses and cultural barriers. His charisma and determination made him a beloved figure both in his native country and in the cities where he played.
The departure of Rico Carty leaves an irreparable void in Dominican sports and in the hearts of those who admired his talent and competitive spirit. His legacy will live on as an example of perseverance and excellence in baseball.
Rico Carty: A Giant of Dominican Batting
Ricardo Adolfo Carty, better known as Rico Carty, was a formidable Dominican hitter who left an indelible mark on the Major Leagues. Carty demonstrated from a young age an innate talent for baseball, which would lead him to become one of the best hitters of his generation.
His Major League career began in 1963 with the Milwaukee Braves.the team with which he would achieve his greatest successes. Carty was noted for his power and consistency at the plate, accumulating an impressive batting average throughout his career. His ability to hit hits and home runs made him a fundamental figure in the Braves lineup, contributing significantly to the franchise’s first division title in 1969.
Carty wore the uniforms of several teams, including the Chicago Cubs, Oakland Athletics, Cleveland Indians, Toronto Blue Jays and Texas Rangers. Despite changing teams on several occasions, his talent was always evident, and his name became synonymous with excellence in baseball.
Beyond his numbers and individual achievements, Carty was recognized for his charisma and cheerful personality. His sense of humor and his anecdotes made him one of the most beloved players by his teammates and fans. His legacy transcends statistics, and his name continues to be remembered with great respect in the Dominican Republic and throughout the baseball world.
Rico Carty was inducted into the Dominican Sports Hall of Fame in 1989, a well-deserved recognition for a career full of successes and contributions to baseball. His story is an inspiration for future generations of Dominican baseball players, demonstrating that with talent, dedication and passion the highest goals in the sport can be achieved.
