Chuck Tanner Has Passed Away

Former Pittsburgh Pirates manager Chuck Tanner has died. He was 82.

The Pirates released the following statements:

Pirates President Frank Coonelly:

“The news of Chuck’s passing at the age of 82 was met today with heavy hearts by everyone within the Pirates organization. Chuck was much more than a highly successful Major League manager who guided the Pirates to the World Series Championship in 1979, he was an integral and loved member of the Pirates family, most recently serving as a Senior Advisor to General Manager Neal Huntington. Chuck will be deeply missed by everyone within the Pirates family.”

“Chuck was a class act who always carried himself with grace, humility and integrity. While no one had a sharper baseball mind, Chuck was loved by his players and the city of Pittsburgh because he was always positive, enthusiastic and optimistic about his Bucs and life in general. Chuck cared deeply about his players and their families. He focused on the positive
attributes of the people who he encountered and made everyone around him better because of his optimism and energetic leadership.”


“While always upbeat, Chuck was a fierce competitor who knew how to get his players’ attention and maximum effort. As a result, Chuck earned the respect and admiration of his players. This was evident even three decades later when the members of the 1979 World Championship team returned to Pittsburgh to celebrate the 30th anniversary of that Championship season just two years ago. Chuck’s players and coaches loved spending time with Chuck and reliving their favorite ‘Chuck Tanner stories.’”

“Chuck was a devoted husband who cared for his beloved wife, Barbara ‘Babs’, until her passing in August of 2006, and a committed father of four sons -- Mark, Gary, Brent and Bruce. Our deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers go out to his sons, his family and his countless friends.”

Pirates General Manager Neal Huntington:

“Chuck was a truly special man who gave so much of himself to those with whom he came in contact. His limitless positive energy set a remarkable example for everyone. Our deepest condolences go out to the Tanner family and to all who have had the good fortune to know Chuck.”


“My early memories of the Pirates organization are of Chuck’s teams, the way they played the game and the genuine affection they seemed to have for each other. This made an impression on me and never did I imagine that I would have a chance to work with Chuck himself.”

“During our time together at the Cleveland Indians, I learned first-hand of his passion for the game, his love of people and I benefitted from his willingness to share his knowledge.”

“It was as easy decision to bring Chuck back into the Pirates’ family. His impact on me personally and on us as an organization will be everlasting. His relentless optimism, strong baseball intelligence, desire to teach and attention for detail are some of the many traits we will work to carry on in his memory. We are proud to have had Chuck be a part of the Pirates
once again.”

“Ultimately Chuck made a tremendous impact on the baseball field, but he made a bigger impact on the lives of those he shared. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will continue.”

Tanner's son Bruce has also released a statement:

“The Tanner family would like to express their sincere thanks to friends, fans, and the entire baseball community for their thoughts and prayers during Chuck’s recent illness.”

“He will forever be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather to his family, and a good friend to every life he touched. In baseball we will remember his eternal optimism and his passion for the game.”

“The family is asking for privacy at this difficult time."


“We Are Family Fund”

Chuck’s pride for the Pirates, love for the city of Pittsburgh and devotion to the game of baseball for more than six decades has left a lasting legacy. Working with Chuck’s family, the Pirates will honor Chuck and his passion for teaching and for those individuals teaching baseball in the minor league system of his beloved Pirates by assisting in the creation of the “Chuck Tanner
‘We Are Family Fund’,” which will annually present an award to the Pirates minor league staff person who best exemplifies Chuck’s optimism, enthusiasm, work ethic and leadership. The Tanner family asked that, in lieu of flowers, a contribution be made to the “Chuck Tanner ‘We Are Family Fund’” in c/o Pirates Charities, 115 Federal Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212.

Photos courtesy of the Pittsburgh Pirates