Jimmy Hurst Cause of Death

Jimmy Hurst has died. He died on  July 6, 2024, after being hospitalized with a brain bleed.

Standing at an imposing 6-foot-5, Hurst was a standout outfielder for the Falcons under the guidance of baseball coach Norm Lacey. His prowess on the field caught the attention of major league scouts, leading to his selection in the 12th round of the 1990 MLB Draft with the 321st pick. This was a notable achievement, considering he was drafted ahead of future baseball stars such as Andy Pettitte, Jason Varitek, Jorge Posada, and Mark Sweeney.

Reflecting on his draft experience, Hurst shared his excitement and anxiety with the Tuscaloosa News in June 1990. “I’m really, really surprised,” he said. “I was also nervous when they called around [round] 5. I knew the draft had started at noon and it was starting to get late. But they had called earlier in the day and asked if I was interested.”

Coach Norm Lacey, who had high hopes for Hurst, believed he was worth a second-round pick. The young ballplayer’s potential became evident to scouts after he hit a massive home run against Hillcrest, further solidifying his reputation as a formidable player.