On behalf of the Ott family, the Pittsburgh Pirates confirmed the passing of former catcher Ed Ott today in Danville, PA. Ott was 72 years old.

“We are saddened by the loss of such a beloved member of the Pirates family,” said Pirates President Travis Williams. “Ed spent seven of his eight years in the Major Leagues with the Pirates and was a valued member of our World Series Championship team in 1979. It was great to see him last summer when he was in Pittsburgh to support former teammate Kent Tekulve at our Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

“Our sincere condolences to his wife, Sue, daughter Michelle, and the entire Ott family,” said Williams.

After being selected by the Pirates in the 23rd round of the 1970 June draft out of Muncy (PA) High School, Ott made his Major League debut in 1974. Known to be a team clubhouse leader and a hard-nosed player on the field, Ott produced his finest season in 1979 as the Pirates won the World Series. After seven seasons with the Bucs (1974-1980), Ott spent the 1981 campaign with the California Angels and retired after the 1984 season.

Following his playing days, Ott coached and managed in the California, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati farm systems before serving the Astros and manager Art Howe as a big league coach for five years (1989-1993). He was also Detroit’s bullpen coach in 2001-02.