Sal Bando, Renowned MLB All-Star and World Series Winner, Dies at 78

Sal Bando, a celebrated former Major League Baseball (MLB) All-Star and World Series champion, passed away at the age of 78, as confirmed by the league on Saturday.

The Bando family expressed their sorrow in a statement, announcing that Sal had succumbed to a long battle with cancer on January 20. “It is with a heavy heart the Bando family is sad to announce the passing of their husband and father, Sal,” the statement read.

“Sandy, Sal’s wife of 54 years, and sons, Sal Jr, Sonny, and Stef, extend their love to family, friends, and fans who mourn the loss of a humble and faithful man.”

Bando’s baseball journey began at Arizona State University before he made his MLB debut in 1966 with the Kansas City Athletics. He later captained the Oakland Athletics, leading the team to three consecutive World Series titles from 1972 to 1974 and earning All-Star selections in 1969 and from 1972 to 1974.

The Oakland Athletics honored him in a statement, saying, “We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Athletics Hall of Famer Sal Bando. ‘Captain Sal,’ as he was affectionately known among the A’s faithful, was a four-time All-Star and led the Club to three consecutive World Series titles. Our deepest condolences are with his family, friends, and fans.”

After his successful stint with the Athletics, Bando joined the Milwaukee Brewers, where he concluded his playing career in 1981. He then transitioned to an executive role within the Brewers organization, eventually becoming general manager in 1991 and serving until 1999. Bando was inducted into the Brewers Wall of Honor in 2014.

“Sal seriously impacted the organization for many years as both a player and an executive,” Brewers president of business operations Rick Schlesinger stated. “His addition to the team in 1977 helped establish the first great era of Brewers baseball. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Sal’s loved ones.”

Bando’s 16-year career included a .254 batting average, 242 home runs, and 1,039 runs batted in, marking him as a distinguished figure in the history of baseball.