Don Larsen, former Yankees pitcher who threw perfect World Series game, dead at 90

Former baseball player Don Larsen, best known for pitching a perfect World Series game for the New York Yankees more than six decades ago, has died at age 90, multiple news outlets are reporting.

According to The Associated Press and The New York Times, Larsen, who had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer, died Wednesday in Idaho, his agent said.

The Yankees took to Twitter late Wednesday to pay tribute to the pitcher, whose feat against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1956 remains the only perfect game ever in a World Series.

"We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Don Larsen, who remained a welcome & familiar face at our annual Old-Timers' Day celebrations," the tweet read. "The Yankees organization extends its deepest condolences to Don's family and friends during this difficult time. He will be missed."

 

Former Yankee Alex Rodriguez also lauded Larsen, calling him a "terrific man."

 

Larsen, whose major league career spanned 15 seasons, played for seven teams and had a lifetime record of 81-91 before his retirement in 1967, according to the AP.

Surviving Larsen are his wife, Corrine Larsen; son, Scott Larsen; daughter-in-law, Nancy Larsen; and two grandsons, Justin and Cody Larsen, the AP reported.

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