Former infielder Lenny Randle dead age 75

By Lachlan Wellington January 03, 2025 08:47

Photo by Richard Drew / Associated Press

Charismatic former MLB infield star Lenny Randle died aged 75 on Sunday December 29 at his home in Murrieta, California, according to Marca.com.

Randle’s wife, Linda, asked that the cause of death not be public. This is a sad day for the MLB world as we say goodbye to one of the most interesting former players of all time.

Randle, famous for getting suspended after punching his Texas Rangers manager at the time Frank Lucchesi, spent 12 seasons from 1971-1982 in the MLB playing for several different teams including the Washington Senators/ Texas Rangers franchise, the New York Mets, New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs and Seattle Mariners.

The California native was dubbed “The most interesting Man in baseball” by Rolling Stone Magazine, and for good reason. Randle spoke five languages, performed stand-up comedy and was surrounded by controversy throughout his career.

Originally born in Long Beach, California, Randle’s first major baseball success came in helping Arizona State to the 1969 College World Series, where he also played football. However, a year later he committed to baseball, entering the draft- selected with the 10th overall pick by the Washington Senators in the second phase of the 1970 draft.

Randle’s debut came on June 16, 1971 for the Senators- getting his first hit when he beat out an infield single against Vida Blue.

The infielder hit .257/ .321/ .335 for an On-base plus slugging percentage (OPS) of .656. Randle managed 1016 hits across 3950 at-bats with 27 home runs, 322 runs-batted in (RBI), 156 stolen bases and 488 runs. His Wins Above Replacement (WAR) was 11.6.

However, Randle’s career had plenty of other big moments. He collided with Cleveland pitcher Milt Wilcox after bunting sparking a brawl; played second base in the Ten Cent beer Night riot in Cleveland a year later; was in the batter’s box against the Chicago Cubs during the July 13 blackout and was the Yankees roster replacement for Thurman Munson after his death in August 1979.

Randle also got on his hands and knees to blow Amos Otis’ slow roller foul on May 27, 1981, an action which plate umpire Larry McCoy viewed as against the rules so ruled a hit- something Randle still refutes he did up until 2024.

After his playing career, Randle served as a youth baseball coach, distributing “Don’t Blow It, Go to College” T-shirts.

For punching his manager on March 28, 1977, the Rangers suspended Randle for 30 days, fined him $10,000 and withheld $13,407.90 of his $80,000 salary. Randle had lost his second base spot to Bump Wills during spring training and asked to be traded if he was not going to play. Lucchesi told the media he was tired of complaints from $80,000 a year punks.

Randle punched Lucchesi three times as the manager sustained a triple fracture of his right cheekbone which resulted in him needing plastic surgery. According to Randle, he approached Lucchesi at the third base line to talk to him when the manager said “What do you got to say, punk?”

After issuing a public apology, Randle was charged with felony aggravated battery by Orange County, pleading no contest to misdemeanor as he was fined $1,050. Randle settled a civil lawsuit filed by Lucchesi in 1978.

Randle bounced around several different teams, the Mariners released Randle before he became the first American player to go and play in Italy in the Italian baseball league, where he played for Nettuno in 1983, keeping a home in Anzio.

In his ever expanding journey, Randle even attempted an MLB comeback with the California Angels in 1995, however, this did not pan out. Randle did say he enjoyed hit time in Italy though as there was not as much pressure compared to the MLB.

Off the field, Randle also performed stand-up comedy at clubs after games and even released a funk song called “Kingdome” by Lenny Randle & the Ballplayers.

Randle leaves wife Linda, three sons, Bradley Kumasi and Ahmad; as well as three grandchildren. They are planning a celebration of his life.

Despite everything during his career and life, Lenny Randle is arguably one of the most iconic MLB players on and off the field who leaves a major legacy and gap in our hearts. Rest in peace Lenny and thank you for the memories.