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Rumors about Darren Daulton’s health had been swirling for nearly two weeks, but it was still a horrible shock to learn about his death last night. Dutch passed away after a long fight with brain cancer, and he was just 55.
He was part of that incredible, legendary 1993 team, the best catcher in Phillies history, and a tremendous leader and personality. Instead of taking a look around the Phillies like I do in the typical news & links post, this morning we’re focusing entirely on Dutch.
I know the perfect place to start.
I know Dad's favorite Phils team was the wonderfully wacky group of grinders in '93. Daulton was the heart/soul of that squad. #RIPDutch
— Todd Kalas (@RealToddKalas) August 7, 2017
Yup, I’m crying already. And it’s okay to cry when one of your favorite players dies. That 1993 team came around at the perfect time for so many fans, and who else could catch our attention but Dutch, with that glorious hair, and, well...
Darren Daulton was my mom's (and I'm sure everyone else's mom's) first baseball crush. she talked about his butt a lot.
— chris jones¯\_(ツ)_/¯ (@LONG_DRIVE) August 7, 2017
I mean, I didn’t want to say it, but it’s true.
The Philadelphia media weighed in, and they had meaningful things to say.
They do not make 'em like Darren Daulton anymore. His courage and toughness should never be forgotten. RIP Dutch.
— Jim Jackson (@JimJPhilly) August 7, 2017
R.I.P. to the great Darren Daulton. A tremendous player and a special person. Epitomized leadership with his smile, work ethic & toughness
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) August 7, 2017
RIP to Darren Daulton. Great leader of the '93 Phils. Every member of that pennant winner will attest that he was a terrific teammate. pic.twitter.com/PfBE5OLRro
— Glen Macnow (@RealGlenMacnow) August 7, 2017
RIP Darren Daulton @TheDDFoundation @TheIntellNews @HSGameOn @CourierTimes @KevinCooney #Phillies #Daulton https://t.co/qZnOEN1ZtH pic.twitter.com/fxaZgq4yuB
— Bill Tull (@TullSportdesign) August 7, 2017
Members of the Phillies organization, including teammates and whippersnappers, remembered him fondly.
Tonight the @Phillies lost a true legend and those of us who were lucky enough to be his teammate lost a brother!
— John Kruk (@JohnKruk) August 7, 2017
Could not have asked for a better teammate and friend. Prayers for his entire family at this time. I love you Bubba!!!
— John Kruk (@JohnKruk) August 7, 2017
(I love that Kruk calls Daulton “Bubba.”)
"Darren was a true leader of men. The Phillies would not have gone to the 1993 World Series without his leadership"
— Jeff Skversky 6abc (@JeffSkversky) August 7, 2017
-Bill Giles pic.twitter.com/xpyFZUiAbL
"Darren was a super human being. His teammates loved him, I loved him like he was one of my own."
— Jeff Skversky 6abc (@JeffSkversky) August 7, 2017
-Bill Giles on Darren Daulton pic.twitter.com/0nSkGiYvVv
Deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Darren Daulton today! You will be missed my friend, always enjoyed your presence at the ballpark
— Cameron Rupp (@CameronRupp) August 7, 2017
Listen to Curt Schilling remember Darren Daulton
— Jeff Skversky 6abc (@JeffSkversky) August 7, 2017
"he was the best leader I have ever been around"
(courtesy:@975TheFanatic / @MikeMiss975) pic.twitter.com/bD0p4KU6VK
(Even a stopped clock is right twice a day, etc etc.)
I just published “The Phillies greatest leader passes, RIP Darren.” https://t.co/4ERPuwCprW
— Larry Shenk (@ShenkLarry) August 7, 2017
Philadelphia has some truly great writers. And they’ve lent their words to Darren Daulton.
Paul Hagen writes a tremendous tribute to Darren Daulton. https://t.co/R7dNnFDFUE pic.twitter.com/kOctdefQjx
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) August 7, 2017
Tough as nails on a baseball diamond. Even tougher in a bigger fight. On Darren Daulton, the leader of a team & city https://t.co/N3wyWKkoSv
— Kevin Cooney (@KevinCooney) August 7, 2017
A great Phillie, a great leader.
— CSN Philly (@CSNPhilly) August 7, 2017
(@JSalisburyCSN) https://t.co/JScPGoUdkN
“It’s like he’s the Godfather, and we’re all a bunch of thugs.” Darren Daulton, memorialized by @philafitz: https://t.co/lMW6Z1HpGB
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) August 7, 2017
RIP Dutch: Remembering the wild and crazy life of Darren Daulton https://t.co/1E2xnaSCSX
— Billy Penn (@billy_penn) August 7, 2017
If you’re not crying already, here are a few videos to push you over the edge. CSN Philly put a video together about Dutch’s life.
It is with heavy hearts we look back at the life and career of Darren Daulton.https://t.co/C9ORDm1iFQ
— CSN Philly (@CSNPhilly) August 7, 2017
Here’s his double from Game 2 of the 1993 NLCS. Please note A) the awesome bat speed and B) the “Whoomp! (There it is)” cheer that broke out.
Rest In Peace, Darren Daulton. You will live forever in our hearts. pic.twitter.com/eEsQmxUOv4
— 2008 Phillies (@2008Philz) August 7, 2017
And I had to include this:
If you’re not crying 10 seconds into that video when you hear Harry Kalas’ unmistakable voice...
And to close it out, some fan reactions.
fuck.
— TH BUT WESTEROSI (@tholzerman) August 7, 2017
RIP Darren Daulton, the heart and soul of that Phillies team that lifted me up and broke my heart. dammit https://t.co/2ukWPKaoxe
'93 was the team that got me - & the rest of my generation - hooked on the Phils. Seemed like we went to The Vet every night. Great memories
— Matt Breen (@matt_breen) August 7, 2017
Watching Darren Daulton as a kid in 1993 was one of the reasons I grew up wanting to be a catcher.
— Justin Klugh (@justin_klugh) August 7, 2017
I read so many books in elem. school just to get Phils tickets through Book It. Dutch was my motivation & where my love for baseball began.
— Meghan Messner (@mmmeghan) August 7, 2017
Thanks for everything, Dutch. Rest in peace.