Phillies Hall Of Fame Pitcher Jim Bunning Dies At Age 85
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Minutes before Saturday afternoon's Phillies game at Citizen's Bank Park the entire stadium paused for a moment of silence.
Fans and friends took the time to honor the former Phillies player Jim Bunning, who passed away at the age of 85.
"Bunning was probably one of my favorite heroes growing up as a young kid," said Robert Downey of New Jersey.
Bunning was introduced to the world of baseball in the 1950's, but Phillies fans took notice and fell for the side arm pitcher from kentucky after the perfect gameon Father's Day, 1964.
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"We've discussed that perfect game many times with other fans, what you were doing. I mean everybody knows where they were at that day," said Phillies fan John Weckesser.
Bunning cemented his legacy in the major leagues with many more memorable moments, during his 17 season career.
When her retired and was eventually inducted in the hall of fame, although he pitched for 3 other teams, he chose to honor the Phillies wearing the team cap on his hall of fame plaque.
"I got to know him real well in 1971, because we had Jim bunning day. We gave Jim a Volkswagen bus because of the number of children he had," said Phillies Chairman David Montgomery.
Montgomery was good friend of Bunning's and remembers him as a 'Hall of Famer' beyond baseball. A 'Hall of Famer' in all areas of his life.
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After Baseball Bunning went on to represent his home state of Kentucky as a politician, serving in U.S. House of Representatives and in the Senate.
"The thing I remember him the most about him was his competitive nature, and that competitive nature led him to achieve success as not only in sports but also in politics," said Montgomery, "Jim was able to balance both a hall of fame baseball player with being a U.S. Senator, and also an incredible family man. So it's a tough loss."
Jim bunning passed away from complication after a stroke he had back in October.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, 9 children, 35 grand children and thousands and thousands of fans.
