World Series champion Rich Dauer dead at 72

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Rich Dauer, who was a key member of the Houston Astros World Series winning coaching staff, died earlier this week. He was 72.

The Baltimore Orioles announced Dauer's death on Monday. Dauer made his Major League debut with the Orioles in 1976 and spent the next decade as an infielder with the franchise. 

A cause of death was not immediately released. 

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Houston Astros first base coach Rich Dauer, #48, watches play during game two of the 2017 ALCS playoff baseball series of the Houston Astros against the New York Yankees at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Oct. 14, 2017. (Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports)

Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Palmer paid tribute to Dauer.

"My long time teammate Richie Dauer passes. Was part of the Oriole way, where you didn’t have to be a star to help the O’s win," Palmer wrote on social media. "Richie had an infectious personality that kept us loose, yet focused. Another reason I was so blessed to be an Oriole for life. RIP."

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Dauer served as the Astros first base coach when Houston defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2017 World Series. He underwent emergency surgery following that season to address a blood clot in his brain. MLB.com reported in 2023 that he had recently had a significant stroke.

Houston Astros first base coach Rich Dauer, #48, gives directions to the infielders during game two of the 2017 ALCS playoff baseball series of the Houston Astros against the New York Yankees at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Oct. 14, 2017. (Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports)

"Baseball has brought incredible