Lee 'Buzz' – Former MLB All-Star Lee “Buzz” Capra, a key figure for the Atlanta Braves, has died at 78. Illinois State University announced his passing, with details of his cause of death not yet released.
Lee “Buzz” Capra, the former MLB pitcher who earned All-Star honors with the Atlanta Braves, has died at 78, his alma mater announced this week.
Illinois State University said Capra passed away on Monday. The school did not reveal a cause of death.
Chicago-born Capra was selected out of Illinois State by the New York Mets in the 27th round of the 1969 Draft, making his big-league debut two years later. After three seasons in New York, his rights were sold to the Braves prior to the 1974 campaign.
That first season in Atlanta became the defining stretch of his career.. Capra earned National League All-Star recognition while posting a 16-8 record and winning the NL ERA title with a 2.28 mark.. In June of that year. he went 6-0 with a 1.05 ERA. produced three shutouts and added another complete game to set a team record of nine consecutive wins.
By the end of the same season, Capra also received down-ballot Cy Young and MVP votes following his breakthrough start. But an arm injury ultimately derailed his career.
After his All-Star campaign, Capra made 62 more appearances before retiring after being released by the Braves in 1978.. He later moved into coaching. working at Northeastern Illinois University and with several minor league organizations. including stints connected to the Braves. Mets. Expos. Phillies and White Sox.
Illinois State head baseball coach Steve Holm paid tribute to Capra. saying. “Buzz is a legend in our program and one of the best baseball players to ever wear a Redbird uniform.. He was a Hall of Famer. national champion. longtime MLB professional and coach and his legacy in the game of baseball will live on.. Our condolences go out to his family, friends and former ISU teammates at this difficult time.”
Visitation for Capra will take place on Monday, May 18, from 3pm until 8pm, and again on Tuesday from 10am until the time of funeral service at 11am at Cumberland Chapels in Norridge, Illinois.
Lee 'Buzz' Capra Illinois State University Atlanta Braves Mets MLB All-Star NL ERA title Cy Young MVP votes baseball coach