Rico Carty, who won the 1970 National League batting title when he hit a major-league-best .366 for the Atlanta Braves, has died. He was 85.

Major League Baseball, the players' association and the Braves paid tribute to Carty on social media Sunday. A family friend told Listín Diario, a newspaper in Carty's native Dominican Republic, that he died Saturday night in an Atlanta hospital.

"Carty was one of the first groundbreaking Latino stars in the major leagues, and he established himself as a hero to millions in his native Dominican Republic, his hometown of San Pedro de Macoris, and the city of Atlanta, where he was a beloved fan favorite," the players' association said in its statement.

The Braves said Carty left an indelible mark on the organization.

"While his on-field accomplishments will never be forgotten, his unforgettable smile and generous nature will be sorely missed," the team said in its statement.



https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/42584967/rico-carty-1970-nl-batting-champ-braves-dies-85