Who was the pitcher for the Cleveland Indians with ALS?

Jim Poole was the pitcher for the Cleveland Indians with ALS. The baseball world mourns his loss. He was an 11-year Major League Baseball stalwart, and former relief pitcher for the Cleveland Indians. On Friday, at the age of 57, Poole succumbed to his battle with ALS, as reported by the Associated Press.

Poole’s passing occurred in Atlanta, where he was surrounded by his near and dear ones. The tragic news came from Georgia Tech, where he was once a student-athlete. His diagnosis of ALS, also referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, was revealed only two years prior, in 2021.

Georgia Tech’s baseball coach, Danny Hall, expressed his sorrow, stating, “The news of Jim Poole’s demise deeply saddened me. He was an exemplary husband, father, and team member. His love for Georgia Tech was profound, and he served our players and coaching staff with dedication for several years. His essence truly embodies what it means to be a Tech man. May his soul rest in peace.”

Poole’s MLB journey was marked by diversity. He debuted with the Los Angeles Dodgers and later showcased his skills with teams like the Baltimore Orioles, San Francisco Giants, Texas Rangers, Philadelphia Phillies, Detroit Tigers, and Montreal Expos, to name a few. Over his career, he made 431 relief appearances, secured a 22-12 record, notched four saves, and maintained a 4.31 ERA. After the 2000 season, Poole decided to hang up his cleats.

His time with Cleveland, especially between 1995-96, remains iconic. It was during this period that he participated in the World Series, a pinnacle in his career. The Guardians, acknowledging his contributions, said, “We are deeply grieved by the loss of our 1995 World Series pitcher, Jim Poole. Our hearts go out to the Poole family.”

A defining moment in Poole’s career was during the 1995 World Series Game 6. He allowed a home run to David Justice, leading the Atlanta Braves to a championship victory over Cleveland.

Before his professional ascension, Poole was a beacon at Georgia Tech, propelling the Yellow Jackets to four consecutive ACC Tournament titles. Holding a record with 22 career saves, he also found his place in the Georgia Tech Sports Hall of Fame, etching his legacy forever.