Phils lose Vukovich at age of 59

By Michael Rushton
The Phanatic Magazine

The Philadelphia Phillies released an unfortunate press release this morning, announcing that former coach and special assistant to the general manager John Vukovich passed away at the age of 59.

Vukovich fell ill recently, apparently from the effects of having a brain tumor, an ailment he had again reportedly been battling. Vukovich had surgery to remove a brain tumor in 2001.

Funeral services have yet to be announced, but the Phillies did say in the release that the club will wear black patches with "Vuk" on the uniform beginning next week and throughout the upcoming season.

While never reaching the role of manager, Vukovich was the longest tenured coach in Phillies history. Overall, he spent 31 of his 41 years in baseball with the organization.

Vukovich began his playing career as a third baseman with the Phillies, playing part of seven seasons with Philadelphia. After his playing days, which spanned the seventies and early eighties and included a World Series title with Philadelphia in 1980, he had a coaching stint with the Cubs before returning to the Phillies as a coach in 1988.

Vukovich served as first base, third base and bench coach with the Phillies until moving to the front office in 2004.

Some of his coaching highlights include being a coach for the National League All-Star team in 1994 and twice serving as interim manager with the Phillies. In 2000, he was on the coaching staff of the MLB All-Star squad that played in Japan.