Former Oakland A’s pitcher Matt Keough died Friday, the team announced. He was 64 years old. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Keough’s son, Shane Keough, posted a tribute to the 1978 All-Star on social media.
“My favorite place was always on your shoulders,” the post reads. “It makes me smile knowing McCoy will be there with you; right there on your shoulders. It wasn’t always perfect but I wouldn’t change it for the world. You taught me more than you’ll ever know and I hope that I make you proud. Kick back and enjoy the eternal sunshine. Till I see you again – I love dad.”
Keough was an Athletic for seven seasons from 1977 to 1983. He was named to the American League All-Star team his rookie year, going on to post a 3.24 ERA that season. He was also named the 1980 comeback player of the year after winning 16 games, notching 20 complete games and finishing the season with a 2.92 ERA.
Keough was a key cog in the BillyBall era and was featured as one of the A’s “Five Aces” — along with Rick Langford, Steve McCatty, Brian Kingman and Mike Norris — on a 1981 cover of Sports Illustrated.
Death of Matt Keough made me immediately think of this gem pic.twitter.com/iFXaGj6FcM
— Jeff Pearlman (@jeffpearlman) May 3, 2020
Keough had stints with the New York Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros. He pitched for Japan’s Hanshin Tigers from 1987 to 1990. The right-handed pitcher returned to the States and attempted an MLB comeback with the California Angels, but in 1992 was struck in the head by San Francisco Giants’ John Patterson’s screaming foul ball while sitting in Scottsdale Stadium’s visiting dugout during a spring training game. The then-36-year-old had emergency surgery, effectively ending his baseball playing career.
Keough went on to become an A’s as a special assistant and pitching advisor. He also worked in the executive offices for the Angels and as a scout for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
“Matt was a great baseball man and a proud Oakland A,” said A’s Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations Billy Beane. “He had an incredible passion for the game and we were lucky to have him and his wealth of knowledge alongside us for the years he worked as a Special Assistant. He left an unforgettable impression on everyone he touched in baseball. Our sincere condolences are with the entire Keough family tonight.”
The A’s drafted his son, Shane, in 2005, where he stayed in the lower minor leagues for four seasons before his release in 2010. His father Marty Keough is an Oakland native and former outfielder for the Boston Red Sox, Washington Senators, Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds, Atlanta Braves and Chicago Cubs from 1956 to 1966. His uncle, Joe Keough, was an outfielder who played 34 games for the A’s in 1968 before playing four seasons with the Kansas City Royals.
His daughter, Kara, lost her infant son three weeks prior to her father’s death. The former “Real Housewives of Orange County” personality posted a tribute on social media.
“Daddy, please take care of my son,” the post on Instagram reads. “Teach him the circle changeup and how to find forever friends. You’re on grandpa duty in heaven now. Xoxo, Hammerhead.”
Keough is also survived by his son, Colton.