Ray Fosse, whose baseball career included winning the World Series as a player and as an announcer, both with the Oakland A’s, passed away Wednesday after a lengthy battle with cancer. Fosse was 74.

Fosse began his professional baseball career as a catcher with the Cleveland Indians in 1967. He quickly established himself as a star, winning the Gold Glove and being selected for the All-Star team in 1970 and 1971. In the 1970 All-Star Game, Fosse earned greatly undesired baseball immortality when he was injured by Pete Rose barreling into him, separating and fracturing Fosse’s shoulder while scoring the winning run. Although Fosse would return to the All-Star Game, he never fully regained his pre-injury form.

Cleveland traded Fosse to Oakland following the 1972 season. With the A’s, he won the World Series in 1973 and 1974. Fosse retired as a player following the 1977 season.

Fosse joined the A’s radio broadcast team in 1986 as a color commentator, calling alongside the late Bill King and Lon Simmons the A’s 1989 World Series win over the San Francisco Giants. Fosse also provided color commentary for the A’s local television broadcasts. He held both positions until August of this year when he left the broadcast booth to focus on his health issues.

We’ll miss you, Ray. pic.twitter.com/0MWrUzL3iK

— Oakland A's (@Athletics) October 14, 2021

Fosse was universally loved by A’s fans for his knowledge, enthusiasm without patronizing homer-ism, and quick wit. At a time when the team’s future in Oakland is at best uncertain, losing Ray Fosse is an even bitterer blow than was already the case.

God speed, Ray.