Former MLB, Craigmont HS pitcher West dies at 53
David West, who pitched 10 seasons in the major leagues and attended Craigmont High School, died Saturday after battling brain cancer. He was 53. West was born in Memphis.
West, played for the New York Mets, Minnesota Twins, Philadelphia Phillies and Boston Red Sox from 1988-98. He won the World Series in 1991 with the Twins and appeared in three World Series games with the Phillies in 1993.
“It is with great sadness that I write this message about my roomie and best teammate ever. David West had the biggest heart to go with his huge personality,” Phillies radio broadcaster and 1993 teammate Larry Andersen told The Press of Atlantic City. “He was always there to give you a pat on the back when you were down, or a hilarious one-liner when things were going well. He was the ultimate teammate, but an even better friend. He will certainly be missed. Rest in peace, my friend.”
West’s career MLB record was 31-38 and a 4.66 ERA in 202 games.
After his high school career, he was selected in the fourth round of the 1983 MLB Draft by the Mets. He made his major league debut on Sept. 24, 1988, earning a win with three strikeouts, two walks while allowing five hits and one earned run in five innings.
He spent four seasons with the Twins (15-18, 5.33 ERA) before being traded to the Phillies after the 1992 season. As part of the Phillies’ 1993 National League championship season, West appeared in 76 games as a reliever with a 2.92 ERA.
In four seasons in Philadelphia, he finished 15-18 with 3.50 ERA while making 122 appearances.