Rest In Peace Jeff Torborg

I was too young to have witnessed the playing career of Jeff Torborg, but I do remember the manager. With his passing in 2025, I am reminded of the first time I saw him. It was his 1978 Topps baseball manager card. Looking back, the red Indians jacket is a perfect reminder of the 1970s.

Torborg was a no hit catcher who spent parts of 10 years in the big leagues, mainly as a backup, who hit only .214 for his career. It shows you the difference in eras as a catcher today could not survive with such a low batting average for so long of a period of time.

He made his mark as a manager for 5 teams over an 11 year managing career. Was he overly successful? No. His overall record was 634-718. But to manager for that long of a period of time between 1977 and 2003 is pretty impressive. He obviously had some skills that owners appreciated. His last season managing was 2003 when he was fired after a 16-22 start with the Marlins. That would be the year the Marlins would win their second World Series trophy.

Although his playing career was forgettable and his managerial career wasn't overly successful, Jeff Torborg spent more than 21 years in the major leagues as a player and manager. For this reason, he will always be a Baseball Card memory. Rest in Peace, Jeff Torborg!