Chuck Carr, an original Marlin, dies at 55

Chuck Carr, a key member of the Marlins' expansion, recently died at the age of 55. According to family social media posts, the San Bernardino, Calif., native was apparently battling health issues.

"We are saddened to hear of the passing of Chuck Carr," the Marlins said in a statement. "One of the original Florida Marlins, Chuck quickly engrained himself as a fan favorite as he was often seen making amazing catches in the outfield or speeding around the bases. We send our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time."

At the start of his professional career, Carr bounced around three organizations before making his Major League debut with the Mets on April 28, 1990. But he appeared in only 16 games and didn't receive an everyday opportunity until the Marlins selected him with the 14th pick in the 1992 Expansion Draft.

Though a 25-year-old Carr didn't start in the Marlins' inaugural game on April 5, 1993, he went on to play in a career-high 142 contests that season. Carr stole a National League-best 58 bases and posted the highest range factor per nine innings among center fielders, finishing fourth in NL Rookie of the Year voting.

Carr slashed .256/.320/.326 with 58 doubles, four triples, eight homers and 115 stolen bases in 353 games across three seasons in South Florida before being dealt to the Brewers with Minor Leaguer Ty Narcisse for Juan Gonzalez in December 1995.

During his tenure in Milwaukee in 1997, Carr infamously ignored a take sign, swung on a 2-0 pitch and made an out. Following the game, Carr said, "That ain't Chuckie’s game. Chuckie hacks on 2-0." He was granted free agency soon after and signed with the Astros.

Carr's eight-year MLB career came to a close with the 1997 NL Central champion Astros, who lost in the NL Division Series to Atlanta. In that matchup, Carr went deep off Hall of Famer John Smoltz. The Braves would later fall in the NL Championship Series to the eventual World Series champion Marlins.