With deep sorrow, the baseball community acknowledges the passing of Richard “Rich” Fremont Dauer, a celebrated former player and coach for the Baltimore Orioles, who died on February 3, 2025, at the age of 72. His impact on Major League Baseball spans decades, marked by his steady presence on the field and his insightful guidance from the dugout.
Born on July 27, 1952, in San Bernardino, California, Rich Dauer embarked on his professional baseball journey when he joined the Baltimore Orioles, making his major league debut on September 11, 1976. For the subsequent ten years, Dauer was a consistent and reliable presence for the Orioles, primarily anchoring the second base position. His dependable play was a crucial element in the team’s successes during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
A pinnacle of Dauer’s playing career arrived in 1983 when he played a vital role in the Baltimore Orioles’ World Series championship victory, the franchise’s third title. His performance throughout this period solidified his reputation as a cornerstone of the team’s infield. In recognition of his significant contributions to the organization, Dauer was honored with induction into the Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame in 2012, becoming the twelfth member of the esteemed 1983 championship squad to receive this recognition.
Following his retirement from playing, Dauer seamlessly transitioned his extensive on-field knowledge into a coaching career that spanned 19 seasons across various major league teams. He lent his expertise to the Cleveland Indians, Kansas City Royals, Milwaukee Brewers, Colorado Rockies, and notably, the Houston Astros.
As the first base coach for the Houston Astros, Dauer was an integral part of the coaching staff that guided the team to its historic first World Series championship in 2017. His strategic insights and mentorship proved invaluable in shaping the team’s dynamics and overall performance.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dauer’s life was characterized by remarkable personal strength. In November 2017, amidst the jubilant celebration of the Astros’ World Series victory parade, he suffered a life-threatening subdural hematoma, requiring immediate and critical brain surgery. Displaying incredible resilience, Dauer defied expectations by making a remarkable recovery and returning to throw the ceremonial first pitch at the Astros’ 2018 home opener, an inspiring testament to his indomitable spirit.
However, his health challenges persisted. In 2022, Dauer experienced a severe stroke, which resulted in significant brain injuries. The baseball community rallied around him during this difficult time, with prominent figures such as Alex Bregman and A.J. Hinch spearheading fundraising initiatives to support his medical treatment, highlighting the profound impact Dauer had on those around him.
Rich Dauer’s legacy extends far beyond statistical achievements and accolades. He will be remembered as a dedicated player who embodied consistency, a strategic coach who contributed to championship-winning teams, and a resilient individual who faced life’s most daunting challenges with unwavering courage. His contributions to the sport of baseball have left an indelible mark, serving as an inspiration to both his contemporaries and future generations of players and coaches.
In an official statement, the Baltimore Orioles organization conveyed their deepest condolences to the Dauer family, his former teammates, and his many friends, expressing their profound sadness at the loss of a true stalwart of the game.
