Bruce Sutter, Hall of Fame pitcher and World Series champion, dead at 69

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Bruce Sutter, a decorated Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher who helped the St. Louis Cardinals to a World Series championship in 1982, died Thursday. He was 69.

The Baseball Hall of Fame and the Cardinals released statements on Sutter’s passing on Friday.

"Bruce Sutter was so honored when he was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2006, and since that time his kindness, his love for Cooperstown and his humility sparkled every time he returned to the Hall of Fame," National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum Chairman Jane Forbes Clark said in a statement.

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Pitcher Bruce Sutter #42 of the Chicago Cubs pitches during a circa mid 1970's Major League Baseball game at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. Sutter  played for the Cubs from 1976-80.  (Focus on Sport/Getty Images)

"The Hall of Fame family will forever celebrate his achievements on the field and remember his passion for his family and friends. We extend our deepest sympathies to his wife, Jamye, and his children."

The Cardinals also sent their condolences in a tweet.

"We are saddened over the passing of Bruce Sutter," the team said in a tweet. "Sutter was a dominant pitcher and a member of the '82 World Series Championship team.

"He is a member of both the National Baseball Hall of Fame and the Cardinals Hall of Fame. Our thoughts are with Bruce's family and friends."

Sutter was the pioneer of the split-finger fastball and was one of the most fearsome closers of his era.

He started his career with the Chicago Cubs in 1976 and was an All-Star in his second full season with the club, garnering his first All-Star selection and Cy Young and MVP award