Rico Carty, who achieved fame as the National League batting champion in 1970 with an impressive average of .366 while playing for the Atlanta Braves, has passed away at the age of 85.

On Sunday, tributes flowed across social media from Major League Baseball, the players’ union, and the Braves, although no specific details regarding the circumstances of his death were shared.

The players’ association paid homage to Carty, highlighting his significance as one of the pioneering Latino figures in the sport who became a role model for many in his homeland of the Dominican Republic, especially in his birthplace of San Pedro de Macoris, as well as in Atlanta where fans cherished him.

The Braves organization commented on Carty’s lasting legacy, acknowledging not only his prowess on the field but also his wonderful spirit and kindness, stating that his presence would be greatly missed.

Carty made his major league debut with the Braves in September 1963, and he made a remarkable impact, finishing his initial full season in 1964 with a .330 batting average, 22 home runs, and 88 runs batted in, placing him second in the National League Rookie of the Year voting behind Dick Allen.

Following the Braves’ relocation from Milwaukee to Atlanta after the 1965 season, Carty etched his name in franchise history by recording the team’s first hit in Atlanta on April 12, 1966, against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

His peak performance came in 1970 when he not only led the league with a .366 batting average, hit 25 home runs, and achieved a career-high 101 RBIs, but he also earned a place in the All-Star Game as a write-in candidate, alongside legends like Willie Mays and Hank Aaron in the outfield.

Throughout his 15-year major league career, Carty boasted a .299 batting average, accumulating 204 home runs and 890 RBIs while also playing for teams like Cleveland, Toronto, Oakland, Texas, and the Chicago Cubs before retiring in 1979.