Former Montreal Expos’ pitcher Charlie Lea dies at the age of 54 – MLB News
The former American League franchise Montreal Expos’ pitcher Charlie Lea has been reported to have died at his home at the age of 54.
According to the Collierville Police Lieutenant Doug Marshall, the police are investigating his death. He however expressed a hope that it would not turn out to be murder. He also stated that the family has not announced the funeral timing yet.
Charlie Lea was the first French-born pitcher to toss a no-hitter in the Major League since the game came into existence. Just a year after he made his debut at the big leagues, Lea tossed a no-hitter to help the Expos get a 4-0 shut-out over the San Francisco
Giants in the second outing of the double header. Lea was able to win only five games in the 1981 strike-shortened season, but his performance on May 10, 1981 washed away all his wrongs of the whole season.
Lea spent seven valuable years with Major League Baseball, six of them were associated with the Montreal Expos while the single one was with Minnesota Twins. Over his seven-year career, the right-handed pitcher posted a 62-48 record with a 3.54 ERA in just
over 923 innings. He made 535 strike-outs in 152 games pitched, out of which 22 were complete games and eight shut-outs.
Lea made his first double figure win in 1982 when he posted a 12-10 and then taking career high 16 wins in 1983, he proved his value with the Expos. He got his name in 1984 All-Star after putting up 15-10 with exceptionally well 2.89 ERA, but had to sit
on bench due to an arm and shoulder injury. He remained out of the mound throughout 1985 and 1986 as he struggled in the Minor League in 1987 and finally was able to re-enter his name at a big level. He made a comeback as a starter with Minnesota Twins in
1988 and finished 7-7 with a 4.85 ERA.
Lea has also been associated with a radio channel since 2002 as a commentator for the Minor League Memphis Redbirds. After hearing the news of his death, his fans immediately started coming to condole with his wife and children. Fans have also started presenting
him tribute on different websites.
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