Search

A SPIRIT THAT IS NOT AFRAID

Search
Home
Coronavirus
Community
Sports
Campus
Lifestyle
Opinion
Blogs
Video
Photo
Audio
About Us
Classifieds
Advertise

Auburn's News Source

The Auburn Plainsman

Sunday, June 26, 2022 Print Edition

Send a News Tip
Donate
  • Plainsman's Choice
  • Community
  • Campus
  • Sports
  • Lifestyle
  • Opinion
  • Video
  • Photo
  • About Us
  • Classifieds
  • Advertise
  • Community
  • Campus
  • Sports
  • Lifestyle
  • Opinion
  • Video
  • Photo
  • Audio
  • Blogs
  • About Us
  • Classifieds
  • Advertise

5/22/2021, 2:19pm

Former Auburn pitcher Joe Beckwith passes away at 66

By Jake Weese | Sports Editor
Former Auburn pitcher Joe Beckwith passes away at 66
Shanna Lockwood | Auburn Athletics
Former Auburn Tigers and MLB baseball player Joe Beckwith speaks before the game between Auburn and Florida at Plainsman Park on Apr 23, 2021; Auburn, AL, USA. Photo via: Shanna Lockwood/AU Athletics

Share

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Mail
  • Print

Joe Beckwith, former Auburn pitcher and two-time World Series champion, passed away Saturday at the age of 66, Auburn announced Saturday. 

Beckwith was born on Jan. 28, 1955, in Opelika, Alabama.

A native of Auburn, Beckwith served as Auburn's bat boy in the 1960s. He later attended and played baseball at Auburn High School.

Beckwith's father, Bill Beckwith, worked for the University for more than 40 years in public relations and ticket sales. 

Joe Beckwith played at Auburn from 1974-77 and then spent seven seasons in the MLB with the Los Angeles Dodgers (1979-83, '86) and Kansas City Royals (1984-85). 

Following the end of his playing career, Beckwith was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2004.

"Auburn University, Auburn baseball and the Auburn community lost a legend in Joe Beckwith," said coach Butch Thompson. "I'm so thankful for his contributions through the years. He has represented us so well. I'm thankful to Auburn and our athletics department for recognizing Joe and his family a few weeks ago at Plainsman Park.


Sign up for our newsletter

Get The Plainsman straight to your inbox.


"I'll never forget his friendship and how he stayed connected and continued to root for his alma mater and for this baseball team," Thompson added. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Joe and his family during this time."

During his time at Auburn, Beckwith was a four-year letterwinner under coach Paul Nix and helped lead the Tigers to their second College World Series in 1976. He remains the program's leader with 20 complete games and is third in career ERA (1.92), fourth in wins (31) and seventh in innings pitched (338.0).

Beckwith was a two-time All-SEC selection and was the Tigers' triple crown winner in 1977.

"Joe leaves a lasting legacy as an Auburn baseball legend and a true Auburn man," said Auburn University President Jay Gogue. "Susie and I offer our prayers and condolences to his many friends and family. He will be missed."  

After his four years at Auburn, Beckwith was selected in the second round of the 1977 MLB Draft by the Dodgers. In his seven-year professional career, he won two World Series titles, first in 1981 with the Dodgers and second in 1985 with the Royals. 

He appeared in 229 MLB games and finished with a 3.54 career ERA. 

Beckwith is survived by his wife, Lee Dyas Beckwith, and his children, Allie Fuller Selman, Reynolds Fuller Tatum, Bailey Beckwith Divers, Tyler Beckwith and Merrill Beckwith Jordan.

Information on funeral arrangements will be provided at a later time. 

Share

Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.

Support The Plainsman

Jake Weese | Sports Editor

Jake Weese, senior in journalism with a minor in history, is The Plainsman's sports editor.

@TheJakeWeese

Sports@theplainsman.comĀ 



Related Stories

After the primary election in May, the Republican primary winner for the District 27 senate race could be decided by a coin toss. 

Republican primary winner for state Senate to be decided by lot

By Destini Ambus | Editor-in-Chief

Students protest outside of Regions Bank in Birmingham, Ala. on Dec. 28, 2020, for the bank's investment in CoreCivic, a private prison development company.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR | Alabama student activists to hold rally against new prisons

By Taylor Gusler | Auburn student

PERIOD members run in the Period Proud 5k. 

LETTER TO THE EDITOR | Period poverty demographics and accessibility

By Maris Laney, Landry Tharp and Maddie Gutkowski | Auburn Students


Share and discuss “Former Auburn pitcher Joe Beckwith passes away at 66” on social media.

 facebook  twitter

Editor's Picks


6/26/2022, 3:05pm

LETTER TO THE EDITOR | Alabama student activists to hold rally against new prisons

By Taylor Gusler | Auburn student

6/23/2022, 9:45pm

More history made for Auburn hoops as Timberwolves snag Kessler in NBA Draft


6/23/2022, 7:42pm

Jabari Smith selected third overall by the Houston Rockets


6/20/2022, 6:53pm

Auburn stays alive in College World Series behind Foster's big swing


Virtual Print Edition


Plainsman Podcasts

The Auburn Plainsman To Homepage
  • About
  • Contact
  • Corrections
  • Archives
  • Advertise
  • Letters

All Rights Reserved

© Copyright 2022 The Auburn Plainsman

Powered by Solutions by The State News.