RIP Darren Dutch Daulton, A True Phillies Legend

Phillies.com – The Phillies have announced that Darren “Dutch” Daulton passed away today at the age of 55 after a four-year battle with brain cancer. Born on January 3, 1962, Daulton attended Arkansas City (KS) High School. He was selected in the 25th round – the 628th overall selection – of the 1980 June draft by the Phillies. He developed into a three-time All-Star who played 14 seasons with the Phillies (1983; 1985-97), the longest tenure for a catcher in franchise history. Known throughout baseball as one of the game’s toughest players, Daulton made 143 starts at catcher in 1993, which was the most in Phillies history and tied for the most by any catcher that season. The Phillies won the National League pennant that year with Daulton’s leadership playing a significant role.

Sad, sad stuff. We’ve seen Dutch battle for the past few years with the #RightOnFightOn movement. Obviously everyone was hoping for the best, and for a good while it looked like Daulton was fighting through. But FUCK cancer. Like Tug McGraw, it’s another Phillies legend gone too soon. And anyone who has met the man will tell ya that Darren Daulton was one of the most down to Earth people you’d ever come across. Just a guy who loved to shoot the shit and talk about baseball over a few Light Lagers. Example: This little story told by Dutch about the ’93 Phils when our Tourette’s Guy, Jim Eisenreich, first came into the clubhouse and met the slob of the century, John Kruk, is one example out of a billion:

I have the attention span of a ferret with ADD, but I would quietly sit Indian style for eons and listen to Darren Daulton tell tales. He was genuine uplifting, funny, and inspirational dude taken way too soon. RIP, Dutch.

PS – Here’s more Dutch and ’93 Phillies glory. Whatever it takes, Dude. Whatever it takes.