Jim-Bouton-Obituary

Jim Bouton

Mar 8, 1939 – Jul 10, 2019 (Age 80)

About

BORN
March 8, 1939
DIED
July 10, 2019
AGE
80

Obituaries

Jim Bouton was the former Yankee pitcher who wrote the first insiders look at life in Major League baseball. For full obituary and coverage from Legacy.com, click here.

Guest Book

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I hope this reaches the family. I, at 44, heard about Ball Four on Lost Ballparks podcast, bought the book, then I saw Mr. Bouton on the Netflix documentary, then I read the book, and even by chance saw him in The Long Goodbye. All of this within a few months. I've since bought a few baseball cards. The point is, your story lives on, people are still enjoying your personality, words, and appearances, still interested in your life and career, still buying your cards, and..I believe in the...

I read ball four after losing my son. I can't explain in words what that book helped me. I loved that I could read it and finally sleep. If I lost my place in the book (which occurred a lot at that time) I could pick it up and reread a chapter and didn't care as it was all so funny. Very little made me laugh at the time. I corresponded with Jim via email. What a great man he was! I'm sorry for your loss. It was the world that lost him. I'll never forget his kindness.

Thank you I spent countless nights reading and re-reading his book. I considered him one if my favorite people.

I first read Ball Four as an early teenager, many years ago. I have re-read it many times since, and have proclaimed it to be my favorite book of all time. Jim Bouton has always been a heroic figure to me, and although I never had the privilege of meeting him in person, I have collected and read all of his other books, and I feel like I have known him.
I have also had the pleasure of exchanging email correspondence with him from time to time over the years. I am very saddened by his...

I just finished listening to his book ( Ball 4 ) It was a great experience. I couldn't wait to get into my car when I knew i was going to be on the road for a hour or so. It was a wonderful surprise when I found out he was the one that was going to do the reading. His emotions were wonderful throughout the book. Although I found Ball 4 very entertaining I was really surprised to know there was more. Ball 5,6,7 and 8 were more about Jim's life and how he managed everything. It made...

My condolences to the family. May the God of comfort, continue to comfort the family, during these difficult times.


I just found out yesterday Jim left us. I cant get him out of my mind as I feel I almost know him. Rest In Peace Jim. Ill see you at the ballpark in Heaven.

I would like to express my deepest sympathies for the loss of a talented and an athletic man. May you find comfort and help in God during this time of mourning.

I love baseball and loved Four Ball. I want to reach out and thank brother Bob for giving me the opportunity to meet Jim, sit and have some pizza and beer in his Teaneck home and laugh a lot.
To a great pitcher and man, Rest in Peace.
Paul Kessenich, La Grange, IL