Former Red Sox Pitcher, Newton Native Jim Corsi Dies Of Cancer

NEWTON, MA — Former Boston Red Sox pitcher and Newton native Jim Corsi died of cancer Tuesday at the age of 60 at his home in Bellingham, MA.

Corsi, who was born in Newton and graduated from Newton North High School in 1979, began his career in baseball when he drafted by the New York Yankees in 1982. He went on to pitch for the Oakland A's, Houston Astros, Florida Marlines, Boston Red Sox, and Baltimore Orioles and was part of the 1989 World Series.

“We were saddened to hear of Jim’s passing after his courageous battle with cancer,” said Red Sox President & CEO Sam Kennedy in a statement. “Jim’s heart was so big and full of love that his legacy goes far beyond his playing career and World Series Championship. The affection he showed his family, this region, and every fan he encountered was incomparable. For me and so many others, he was the embodiment of that childhood dream to someday play for the hometown team. We were lucky to have had him as part of our Red Sox family, and extend our deepest condolences to his children, and all who knew and loved him. We lost a great one today.”

Corsi was signed by the Red Sox as a free agent in 1997 and made more than 50 relief appearances in each of his first two seasons. He helped lead the Red Sox to the Postseason in 1998 and was one of 27 players to join the played in the alumni game at Fenway Park in May 2018.

“I could always count on Jim,” said Pam Kenn, Red Sox Senior Vice President of Community, Alumni & Player Relations, in a statement. “His love and passion for the Red Sox, as well as his easy manner, constant willingness to help, and gift of great storytelling made him such a perfect representative for our organization. He brought so much to so many, with an infectious love of baseball, humor, and boundless energy and heart. We lost a great player today, but more importantly, a great friend.”

Corsi is survived by his four children, Julianne, Jenna, Mitch, and Joey.