Joe Beckwith, former Auburn pitcher and two-time World Series champion, passed away Saturday at the age of 66, Auburn announced Saturday.
Beckwith was born on Jan. 28, 1955, in Opelika, Alabama.
A native of Auburn, Beckwith served as Auburn's bat boy in the 1960s. He later attended and played baseball at Auburn High School.
Beckwith's father, Bill Beckwith, worked for the University for more than 40 years in public relations and ticket sales.
Joe Beckwith played at Auburn from 1974-77 and then spent seven seasons in the MLB with the Los Angeles Dodgers (1979-83, '86) and Kansas City Royals (1984-85).
Following the end of his playing career, Beckwith was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2004.
"Auburn University, Auburn baseball and the Auburn community lost a legend in Joe Beckwith," said coach Butch Thompson. "I'm so thankful for his contributions through the years. He has represented us so well. I'm thankful to Auburn and our athletics department for recognizing Joe and his family a few weeks ago at Plainsman Park.
"I'll never forget his friendship and how he stayed connected and continued to root for his alma mater and for this baseball team," Thompson added. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Joe and his family during this time."
During his time at Auburn, Beckwith was a four-year letterwinner under coach Paul Nix and helped lead the Tigers to their second College World Series in 1976. He remains the program's leader with 20 complete games and is third in career ERA (1.92), fourth in wins (31) and seventh in innings pitched (338.0).
Beckwith was a two-time All-SEC selection and was the Tigers' triple crown winner in 1977.
"Joe leaves a lasting legacy as an Auburn baseball legend and a true Auburn man," said Auburn University President Jay Gogue. "Susie and I offer our prayers and condolences to his many friends and family. He will be missed."
After his four years at Auburn, Beckwith was selected in the second round of the 1977 MLB Draft by the Dodgers. In his seven-year professional career, he won two World Series titles, first in 1981 with the Dodgers and second in 1985 with the Royals.
He appeared in 229 MLB games and finished with a 3.54 career ERA.
Beckwith is survived by his wife, Lee Dyas Beckwith, and his children, Allie Fuller Selman, Reynolds Fuller Tatum, Bailey Beckwith Divers, Tyler Beckwith and Merrill Beckwith Jordan.
Information on funeral arrangements will be provided at a later time.
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Jake Weese, senior in journalism with a minor in history, is The Plainsman's sports editor.
