Beloved Former White Sox Pitching Coach Don Cooper Passes Away at 70

Remembering Don Cooper

Don Cooper, the esteemed former pitching coach for the Chicago White Sox, has passed away at the age of 70. His family confirmed the tragic news in a heartfelt Facebook post, emphasizing his profound love for baseball and his family. The White Sox also shared their condolences on social media, reflecting on Cooper’s deep connection with players and coaches alike throughout his incredible career.

A Journey Through Baseball

Cooper’s journey in professional baseball began as a right-handed pitcher, when he was drafted in the 17th round of the 1978 MLB Draft. He made his major league debut with the Minnesota Twins in 1981, where he pitched across four seasons. In 1988, Cooper transitioned to coaching, starting with the White Sox's Single-A affiliate, and eventually climbed the ranks to become the major league pitching coach in 2002.

Key Contributions and Legacy

During his tenure, Cooper became synonymous with the White Sox's successful 2005 season, playing a vital role in securing the World Series championship. He oversaw a formidable starting rotation that included renowned pitchers like Mark Buehrle, Jose Contreras, John Garland, and Freddy Garcia, who made history by achieving four consecutive complete games in the 2005 ALCS.

Cooper's coaching legacy is marked by his ability to cultivate and elevate talent. Notable achievements include Chris Sale’s streak of five consecutive All-Star appearances and guiding Buehrle through some of the best years of his career, including his 2007 no-hitter and 2009 perfect game. His influence extended beyond individual accolades, as the White Sox pitching staff ranked fourth in MLB fWAR from 2003 to 2020.

A Lasting Impact

Beloved by players and colleagues, Cooper was seen as one of the greatest pitching coaches in MLB history, pre-analytics era. His approach was characterized by a unique ability to instill confidence in his pitchers, helping transform undrafted players into stars while co-authoring some of the most memorable moments in White Sox history.

Cooper concluded his career with the White Sox after the 2020 season, leaving an indelible mark on the franchise and the many players whose careers he shaped. His passing is a significant loss for the baseball community, and he will be missed deeply by all who had the privilege to work alongside him.

Matthew Singer, a contributor for White Sox on SI, has detailed Cooper’s impact and the heartfelt tributes flooding in from the baseball world, illustrating the profound respect he garnered over his illustrious career.