Former MLB relief pitcher and Georgia Tech baseball star Jim Poole dead at 57

The world of Major League Baseball (MLB) lost a legend last week.

According to Fox News, former MLB relief pitcher Jim Poole succumbed to ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, at age 57, according to his alma mater, Georgia Tech.

He was diagnosed with the horrifying disease in 2021.

The famed relief pitcher was part of several moments of memorable MLB history.

Fox News noted:

He played for eight MLB clubs in his 11-year career, primarily with the San Francisco Giants and Baltimore Orioles, but he probably is best known for a moment when he was with Cleveland.

Pitching in the 1995 World Series against the Atlanta Braves, Poole allowed the series-winning home run to David Justice. That was the only run the Braves scored in that game as Tom Glavine and Mark Wohlers combined on a one-hitter in the 1-0 win.

Numerous statements were released regarding the pitcher's saddening death.

"We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Cleveland Indians 1995 World Series pitcher Jim Poole. Poole, 57, was diagnosed with ALS just two years ago. Our thoughts are with the Poole family," the Cleveland Guardians wrote on X.

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Cleveland Indians 1995 World Series pitcher Jim Poole. Poole, 57, was diagnosed with ALS just two years ago.

Our thoughts are with the Poole family.#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/U6h3n1ySqm

— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) October 7, 2023

Poole really shined during his days at Georgia Tech, described as a "strikeout king." Georgia Tech baseball coach Danny Hall released a statement on Poole's passing.

"It broke my heart this morning to learn of Jim Poole’s passing," Hall said in a statement.

He added, "He was a first-class husband, father and teammate. He loved Georgia Tech and was dedicated to serving our coaches and players for many years. He epitomized the meaning of a Tech man. God rest his soul."

After he was diagnosed with ALS, he used his platform to raise awareness about the disease.

Fox News noted:

He hosted an ALS Awareness Day during the 2022 baseball season with the Yellow Jackets wearing Jim Poole shirts and both teams wearing honorary wristbands.

Clearly, Poole will be missed and remembered for his contributions on the field and especially off the field.