Rick Camp Cause of Death: The Tragic Story of a Braves Legend

Rick Camp was a former pitcher for the Atlanta Braves who played in the major leagues for nine seasons from 1976 to 1985. He was best known for hitting a game-tying home run in the 18th inning of a marathon game against the New York Mets on July 4, 1985, which ended on July 5. It was the only home run of his career and one of the most memorable moments in baseball history. But his life after baseball was not as glorious as his moment of glory. He faced legal troubles, financial woes, and health issues that eventually led to his death at the age of 59. Here is the tragic story of Rick Camp and his cause of death.

A Promising Career Cut Short by Injuries

Rick Camp was born in Trion, Georgia, on June 10, 1953. He was a talented athlete who excelled in baseball, basketball, and football. He was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the third round of the 1974 amateur draft and made his major league debut in 1976. He was primarily a relief pitcher who could also start when needed. He had a career record of 56-49 with a 3.37 ERA and 57 saves. He was an All-Star in 1981 and a key member of the Braves’ bullpen that helped them win the National League West division title in 1982.

However, his career was hampered by injuries, especially to his shoulder and elbow. He underwent surgery in 1983 and missed most of the season. He returned in 1984 but was not as effective as before. He struggled in 1985 and was released by the Braves after the season. He tried to make a comeback with the Chicago White Sox in 1986 but was cut in spring training. He retired from baseball at the age of 32.

A Home Run for the Ages

Rick Camp’s most famous moment came on July 4, 1985, in a game against the New York Mets at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. The game started at 7:05 pm but was delayed three times by rain. It went into extra innings and became a slugfest. The Braves and the Mets exchanged leads and tied the game several times. The game reached the 18th inning with the Mets leading 11-10. The Braves had run out of position players and had no choice but to let Camp bat with two outs and nobody on base. Camp was a terrible hitter who had a career batting average of .074 and had never hit a home run in his 12 seasons of professional baseball. He faced Tom Gorman, a Mets reliever who had already pitched five innings. Camp fell behind 0-2 in the count and looked hopeless. But then, he did the unthinkable. He swung at a fastball and hit it over the left-field fence for a solo home run that tied the game at 11-11. The crowd of 8,000 fans who had stayed until the early hours of July 5 went wild. Camp was mobbed by his teammates as he crossed home plate. He later said that he was “as surprised as anybody” by his home run.

The game continued to the 19th inning, where the Mets scored five runs to take a 16-11 lead. Camp came to bat again with two outs and a runner on first. He struck out to end the game and was charged with the loss. The game lasted six hours and 10 minutes and ended at 3:55 am, making it the second-latest game in MLB history. After the game, the Braves still put on a fireworks show for the fans, which annoyed the neighbors who were trying to sleep. The game became known as the “Rick Camp Game” and was one of the most bizarre and memorable games in baseball history.

A Downward Spiral After Baseball

Rick Camp’s life after baseball was not as happy as his home run. He faced financial difficulties, legal troubles, and health problems that plagued him until his death. He tried to work as a car salesman, a real estate agent, and a lobbyist, but none of these ventures were successful. He also suffered from depression and addiction to painkillers. He was arrested several times for DUI, drug possession, and fraud. He was involved in a scheme to steal more than $2 million from a mental health center in Augusta, Georgia, along with four other people, including a former state representative. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy and was sentenced to three years in federal prison in 2005. He was released in 2008 and tried to rebuild his life. He worked as a pitching coach for a minor league team and a youth baseball academy. He also reconciled with his family and became a grandfather. He said that he was “trying to make amends” for his mistakes and that he was “thankful for a second chance”.

A Mysterious and Tragic Death

Rick Camp died on April 25, 2013, at his home in Rydal, Georgia. He was 59 years old. His body was found by his son, who had gone to check on him after he did not answer his phone calls. The cause of death was not immediately known, but it was believed to be from natural causes. An autopsy was performed to confirm the exact cause of death, but the results were not made public. His family and friends were shocked and saddened by his death. They remembered him as a kind and generous person who loved baseball and his family. They also said that he had overcome his demons and was in a good place before he died. His former teammate and friend Dale Murphy said that he was “a good guy who had a good heart” and that he was “glad he had peace in his life”. His former manager Bobby Cox said that he was “a great competitor and a great teammate” and that he was “proud of him for straightening out his life”. His funeral was held on April 29, 2013, at the First Baptist Church of Trion. He was buried at the West Hill Cemetery in Trion.

Rick Camp was a baseball legend who had a moment of glory that will never be forgotten. He was also a human being who had his flaws and struggles. He made mistakes and paid for them. He also tried to redeem himself and make amends. He died too young and too soon, but he left behind a legacy of courage and perseverance. He will always be remembered as the pitcher who hit a home run in the middle of the night.

Doms Desk

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