Former Grizzlies Manager Champ Summers Passes Away
October 11, 2012 - Frontier League (FL)
Gateway Grizzlies News Release
The Gateway Grizzlies are sad to announce the passing of former manager Champ Summers, who died at the age of 66 on Thursday after a battle with kidney cancer.
Summers managed the Grizzlies during their inaugural season in 2001, leading the team to a 37-44 record and fifth place finish in the West Division.
Summers played in the Major Leagues for 11 seasons, spending time with the Oakland A's, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers, San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres.
He was signed by the A's in 1971 and made his Major League debut in 1974 with Oakland. Summers batted .255 with 54 home runs in 698 Major League games. He appeared in the 1984 World Series as a member of the Padres.
A two-sport star at nearby Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Summers excelled at both basketball and baseball for SIUE, where he's a member of their athletics Hall of Fame.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Champ's family during this tough time," Grizzlies general manager Steve Gomric said. "He was the first manager in team history and will always be remembered for helping get the Grizzlies to where they are today."
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