Former MLB Coach Rich Dauer Passes Away Following Severe Brain Injuries Post-Stroke
February 4, 2026
This article was last updated by Reesav Niroula on February 4, 2026
Rich Dauer, a respected baseball infielder, and Major League Baseball (MLB) coach passed away on February 3, 2026, at 72.
He was famous for his outstanding performance as a player and coach.
Dauer played his entire ten-year career with the Baltimore Orioles. He was part of the 1983 World Series championship team.
He coached for 19 years after his playing days were over.
One of his notable works was as a first base coach for the Houston Astros, with whom he won another World Series in 2017.
Richard Fremont Dauer aka Rich Dauer was born in San Bernardino, California, on July 27, 1952.
His baseball career started at Colton High School.
He went to San Bernardino Valley College and the University of Southern California (USC) to play college baseball.
At USC, he and helped the Trojans win two College World Series championships in 1973 and 1974.
Dauer was of the 1974 MLB Draft by the Baltimore Orioles.
He broke into the big leagues in 1976 and became a regular infielder.
Dauer primarily played second base during his career, although he also filled in occasionally at third base.
Dauer is best known for his fielding, as he holds American League records for errorless games and chances.
Rich Dauer Had Been Battling Significant Health Challenges In Recent Years
Dauer’s health issues began with an accident on November 2, 2017, during the Astros’ World Series win celebration parade.
Rich Dauer slipped on a wet floor and hit his head the night before the ceremony.
Initially, he seemed fine, but later, he developed alarming symptoms, struggled, and collapsed on stage during the ceremony.
He was immediately taken to Houston Methodist Hospital, where doctors diagnosed that he had incurred a subdural hematoma.
It was a bad situation; the surgeons informed his family that he had only a as his situation was highly critical.
The three-hour emergency brain operation was conducted by physicians, who relieved pressure on his brain and stopped the bleeding.
After nearly dying following the ’ World Series parade, retired 1B coach Rich Dauer returns to Houston to throw out tonight’s first pitch.
— MLB (@MLB)
Unbelievably, just a few months after this critical event, Dauer returned to throw the first pitch at Minute Maid Park the following season.
Even though he recovered, Dauer still had issues with his health.
In the following years, he suffered from a massive stroke, which left him with severe brain damage and in ICU, but despite several surgeries and many procedures, he continued fighting for his life daily.
Before passing away, Rich was in a rehabilitation facility in Jacksonville, Florida, with a rigorous schedule of three hours plus therapy every day.
His daughter Kelsey Hoffman started a in 2026 to help cover growing medical bills as he faced serious health issues day by day.
Dauer Passed Away, Leaving Behind A Rich Legacy In MLB As Both A Player And A Coach
On February 4, 2026, The Baltimore Orioles announced Rich Dauer Passing news.
They stated:-
‘We mourn the passing of Orioles Hall of Fame second baseman Rich Dauer, who spent his entire 10-year career with the O’s. We send our deepest sympathies to the Dauer family as well as his many teammates and friends.”
ViaThey did not state the cause of death, but they said he had been suffering from serious health issues for some time.
Dauer’s reputation surpasses his numbers; he is best remembered for his affable nature and leadership abilities, which made him a favorite fan and teammate.
Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Palmer captured this notion by stating-:
My long time teammate Richie Dauer passes. Was part of the Oriole way, where you didn’t have to be a star to help the O’s win. Richie had an infectious personality that kept us loose, yet focused. Another reason I was so blessed to be an Oriole for life. RIP
— Jim Palmer (@Jim22Palmer)
Rich Dauer’s life was entirely of dedication and a hard baseball attitude. His fight against serious illness made his life even more inspiring.
He leaves a legacy in baseball and wonderful memories for his family, friends, and fans who respected him throughout his life.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Dauer appeared in the 1988 film Stealing Home as the coach of the San Bernardino Spirit.
- Dauer is among the few players to have won a College World Series (twice) and an MLB World Series.
- Rich married Chris King and had three children: Casey Lynn, Kelsey, and Katie.
- Check other Articles on
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