The sudden death of Mitchell Page

For much of his life, Mitchell Page battled addiction. He drank too much. He was a heavy smoker. Back in 2007, he took a leave of absence from his job as hitting instructor for the Nationals, taking time off for what were described as “personal reasons.”

According to Cardinals coach Dave McKay, Page had straightened out his life. He saw Page last fall, and Page looked great. He had just purchased a home and was spending a lot of his time with church-related activities. All seemed well.

On Saturday, Mitchell Page died in his sleep. He was just 59 years old. No cause of death has been established.

So what happened? We may not know for awhile, but I suppose it’s possible that Page’s body just gave out. He lived a hard life, battling the bottle for years. Whatever the reason, all that matters now is that Page is gone at a young age, short of his 60th birthday. His death is all too reminiscent of the story of former Dodgers standout Willie Davis, who died suddenly last year after apparently overcoming his own demons.

At one time, Page looked like a star in the making. He made his debut in 1977 for a strange band of Oakland A’s. No longer the dynastic A’s of “Mustache Gang” lore, the franchise had been ravaged by free agency.

They still had a bevy of big-name players, but most of them were past their prime: Dick Allen, Willie Crawford, Manny Sanguillen, Earl Williams, Doc Medich, Joe Coleman, Stan Bahnsen, Dave Giusti. It was a like a “who’s who” of baseball, but about five years after the fact. The ’77 A’s also had some classic 1970s characters, including Rodney “Cool Breeze” Scott, Rich “Orbit” McKinney and the inimitable Dock Ellis.

Page stood out as one of the few bright spots on a team that lost 98 games. As a 25-year-old rookie, he took over the starting left field job and hit 21 home runs, stole 42 bases, and drew 78 walks. His OPS of .926 should have won him the American League Rookie of the Year, but that honor went to Eddie Murray, the first-year DH for the Orioles. Murray would have the far better career—a Hall of Fame ledger at that—but Page was the better player in 1977.

Page also became a popular player with Oakland fans. He always seemed to have a smile on his face, whether in the outfield or on the basepaths. A’s broadcaster Monte Moore dubbed him “The Swingin’ Rage,” a wonderful nickname that caught on in the Bay Area.

The A’s hoped they could rebuild their team around Page, but he never equaled his rookie year success. He had a productive year in 1978 but he lost some of his patience at the plate and began to fall out of shape, which affected his speed and defensive ability. By 1981, he was back in the minor leagues. By the end of the 1984 season, after a brief stint with the Pirates, he was out of baseball—at the age of 32.

Still, Page had something to offer. He eventually returned to the game in the 1990s, initially as a minor league hitting coach. He then became a coach with the Royals before finding his true calling as a hitting instructor with the Cardinals, a job in which he thrived.

Page knew how to work with videotape in breaking down his hitters’ swings, diagnosing flaws that needed correcting. He also had the kind of outgoing personality that helped him get through to players of a later generation, young Cardinals who didn’t remember him as a player. He was passionate and smart, always a good combination.

Some Cardinals fans called Page the best hitting instructor in the team’s history, but he lost the job because of his drinking problems. Some players noticed alcohol on his breath at the ballpark, and he also fell out of touch with some of his hitters. Immediately after the 2004 World Series, Tony LaRussa informed him that he was out as hitting coach. Page accepted the firing and entered himself into a 28-day stint in rehab.

He later became the Nationals’ hitting coach and did good work there, too, but his tenure was cut short by additional personal problems. In 2010, he returned to the Cardinals as a minor league hitting instructor, but the job lasted only through spring training.

When I saw that Page was 59 at the time of his death, I was somewhat surprised. He always looked older to me, with deep lines through his face indicating that he was in his sixties. But the timeline checks out. If he was in his mid-twenties in 1977, he would have been in his late fifties by now.

Sadly, that span of years wasn’t long enough.


Bruce Markusen has authored seven baseball books, including biographies of Roberto Clemente, Orlando Cepeda and Ted Williams, and A Baseball Dynasty: Charlie Finley’s Swingin’ A’s, which was awarded SABR's Seymour Medal.
16 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Anna McDonald
13 years ago

Thanks for this. I never knew why he was fired in 2004, it’s sad to hear.

JT Jordan
13 years ago

I played ball with Mitchell’s son in High School- Mitchell came out to work with us for a little bit, and he was a fun guy to be around.  Very, very nice man.  RIP, Mitchell.

Tom
13 years ago

Mitchell is one of my all time favorite A’s players. I attended many games during that late 70’s stretch and, in ‘77 especially, he was the shining light for a team Finley had allowed to deteriorate dramatically from the glory days.

Glad Sporting News gave him the Rookie award that year at least. MLB voting for the “official” one should have gone his way as well but I think an anti-Finley bias among some writers could have cost Page. Purely by the numbers, frankly, it shouldn’t have been close. Page clearly had the better year, Murray obviously the better career.

Sad to see him go at such a young age but there are still many Page fans out there. I know I won’t forget the guy.

R.I.P. Mitchell

Jack Morrow
13 years ago

I saw him play in person in a few games in ‘77, ‘78, and ‘79, and again in ‘81, just after he’d been sent down to Tacoma.  He hit the hardest home run shots seen that year at Renfrew Park in Edmonton, and those of us who saw him wondered why he wasn’t still in the majors.

I thought he deserved the Rookie of the Year award in ‘77, but Eddie Murray played for a team that was in a 3-way pennant race until the last weekend of the season, while Mitchell Page played for a bad team that was getting worse.  Vida Blue was about the only big name left from their glory days.

Debbie Page
13 years ago

Hi, my name is Debbie.  I am Mitchell’s baby sister.  I just wanted to thank each of you for sharing your fond memories of my big brother.  I was so proud of him when he admitted publicly that he was an alcoholic and checked himself into rehab.  Sure he may have fallen off the wagon a few times, but by the mercy and grace of God he never failed to rise up. 

Mitchell was in one of the best places of his life at the time of his death.  He was active in his church and was in the process of becoming a mentor to the youth.  He lived for the Lord and his son.  He was attending AA meetings several times a week and had been sober for quite some time.  He was happy, proud of his lengthy sobriety, and loving his life.  When he laid across his bed and died in his sleep my family was shocked and devastated. 

There are some people who have focused on his alcoholism and made derogatory comments.  To those people I say shame on you.  If you did not know him, how can you judge him?  It is cruel to speak ill of the dead, especially when you are passing judgment.  Remember, those who live in a glass houses should not throw stones. 

Mitchell was a wonderful person, a great dad who loved his family with all of his heart.  He was a generous neighbor, a loyal friend, an excellent teacher and mentor, but most importantly he was a child of the living God.  Mitchell by no means was a perfect man, but each and every day of his life he sought the mercy and grace of his God.  He had a strength and courage many can only dream about—I mean how many of you would publicly admit alcoholism and seek help.  AA taught him to live life one day at a time, what has life taught you to do?

When Mitchell closed his eyes that final time on March 12 he had finished his race, running his course.  God thought it the appropriate time to call one of his favorite sons home to heaven. On behalf of Mitchell and my entire family I will pray to our Lord and savior asking my Lord to “forgive them Father for they know not what they do.” 

But for the grace of God there go you or I, so think about that the next time you even think about posting something negative about my brother or any one else, especially when you do not know all of the facts and your opinion is based on unsubstantiated facts, speculation, and is pure and simple mean spirited.  Maybe you should ask yourself “what would Jesus or a power higher than yourself do?”

Debbie Page
13 years ago

Hi, my name is Debbie.  I am Mitchell’s baby sister.  I just wanted to thank each of you for sharing your fond memories of my big brother.  I was so proud of him when he admitted publicly that he was an alcoholic and checked himself into rehab.  Sure he may have fallen off the wagon a few times, but by the mercy and grace of God he never failed to rise up. 

Mitchell was in one of the best places of his life at the time of his death.  He was active in his church and was in the process of becoming a mentor to the youth.  He lived for the Lord and his son.  He was attending AA meetings several times a week and had been sober for quite some time.  He was happy, proud of his lengthy sobriety, and loving his life.  When he laid across his bed and died in his sleep my family was shocked and devastated. 

There are some people who have focused on his alcoholism and made derogatory comments.  To those people I say shame on you.  If you did not know him, how can you judge him?  It is cruel to speak ill of the dead, especially when you are passing judgment.  Remember, those who live in a glass houses should not throw stones. 

Mitchell was a wonderful person, a great dad who loved his family with all of his heart.  He was a generous neighbor, a loyal friend, an excellent teacher and mentor, but most importantly he was a child of the living God.  Mitchell by no means was a perfect man, but each and every day of his life he sought the mercy and grace of his God.  He had a strength and courage many can only dream about—I mean how many of you would publicly admit alcoholism and seek help.  AA taught him to live life one day at a time, what has life taught you to do?

When Mitchell closed his eyes that final time on March 12 he had finished his race, running his course.  God thought it the appropriate time to call one of his favorite sons home to heaven. On behalf of Mitchell and my entire family I will pray to our Lord and savior asking my Lord to “forgive them Father for they know not what they do.” 

But for the grace of God there go you or I, so think about that the next time you even think about posting something negative about my brother or any one else, especially when you do not know all of the facts and your opinion is based on unsubstantiated facts, speculation, and is pure and simple mean spirited.  Maybe you should ske yourself “what would Jesus do?”

todd
13 years ago

mitchell was my favorite player.  after finley gutted the a’s, he was a shining star on a pretty bad team.  my wife was nice enough to let me name our youngest son mitchell after my fav player.

P.J.
13 years ago

I had fun watching Mitchell play ball. A more innocent time. He played for the love of the game. He will missed.

Glemon Silva
12 years ago

Mitchell Page became a big star player during winter ball in Veenzuela. Not only was he a great player on the field, but off the field he knew how to treat baseball fans. Specially kids that became such big fans of his approach and enthusiasm. One time during a game at Minute Maid Park against the Cardinals in Houston, I had taken my children to the game. We were located very close to the Cardinals dugout. As we are taking our seats, I noticed Mitchell Page standing right there. I could not stop the excitement of seeing him again right in front of my eyes, and one of the reason I became so passionate about the game. It was great to share that with my kids. Mitchell Page, you were one of my heroes growing up !

Pam
12 years ago

Debbie, I knew your Brother through AA. He was a wonderful man that spoke of his love of the Lord. He and I attended the same meeting. I found him to be a kind, gentle person. I recently hugged and congratulated him on a sobriety chip he had received. He was proud of his sobriety. I regret not getting to know him better. He always had a smile and a “hello” for me when I saw him. He will be missed.

Kevin Mc
7 years ago

Mitchell Page was always one of my favorite players growing up, even though I was a NY Yankee fan. RIP Mitchell you will be missed.

Freda Stevens
6 years ago

I grew up with Mitchell and his family, we go back as far as elementary school. Mitchell was a wonderful person and will definitely be missed. Mitchell was a kind, caring and giving individual. I have many fond memories of the good times shared with Mitchell and his family. Thank you for being in the Stevens family life.

jimmy sexton
6 years ago

my friend and teammate it has been a long time since i last saw mitch we played at oakland together and with pittsburgh in the minor leagues and winter ball in the domincon mitch was always smiling and all the years we played together i never saw mitch drank was shocked to hear of his problems , i want to thank you mitch for being my friend was a joy to play so many games with you , and laugh and be young foolish boys at times , always remember you mitch jimmy sexton

Jim Grab
6 years ago

I met Page in Florida. He owned a condo in the same unit we were in.
I came out on the front walk one day and I heard this guy shout up to me “Hi.”
We started walking towards each other and he put out his hand and said “‘m Michell Page” as we shook hands.
As we talked he told me that he was the batting coach for the Nationals who had their training field in a good rock throw of the condo’s
If I had been a great sports fan I would have known who he was at the first introduction.
My interest in baseball had only recently peaked as I had a grandson that was one of the best shortstops around.
That is not just the opinion of a grandfather. many coaches he had worked under said the same thing.
He attended many showcases and I think that the only thing that held him back was his temper and not so great with the stick.
I mentioned to Mitch that I wish that my grandson had come down with us for a week or two, my wife and I were retired and usually came down for a three month period.
But, Eddie had school and was unable to come with us.
Mitch said that if he made it down and the team was still in training that I should bring Ed over to the field and he would give him some lessons and tips.
I called Ed’s mom and told her and she said for a chance like that he could miss a week of school and that she would put him on a plane and we could meet him at Orlando airport.
At one point Mitchell had set a date for Ed to come to the field and that he would take a look at him and see where he needed help.
He offered me a copy of the book had written froma box full of t hem sitting in his living room and at the same time introduced me to is son that was taking a rest on the couch. I declined the book – stupid move!
We went to the field and told someone there that we were invited over by Page and that we were to ask for him.
The guy replied that Mitchell was not there right at that moment and what was it about. We told him that my grandson was to get some tips from him in actual play on the field.
Whoever we were talking to said that he was the pitching coach and that he would gladly come back out after a short visit to the clubhouse and give Eddie some tips on pitching, this was positon that Eddie played when they were in a tight spot and was just as good at that as he was at shortstop.
he returned and gave Ed some tips and said that we should stick around as he was sure that Mitch would soon be back.
We waited for about a half hour and when itch didn’t show up we left.
Later back at the condo’s Mitchell saw me and asked where we were and that he was sorry that he was not there at the time that he had set.
The following days did not present any chance to get Ed and Mitch together again.
I had gone to a antique store and found a card of Page’s and got him to sign it for me.
In order to repay him for his kindness and not having any idea that he had a drinking problem I took a case of beer to his condo and apologizing for not knowing about this left with the case trying to think of some other gift I could give him.
The chance presented itself several days later when he returned to the condo with a new medicine cabinet in the back of his truck.
I offered to help him upstairs with it as by this time I had taken notice that Mitch had temporarily-at least I had hoped it that it was a temporary – fallen off the wagon.
I asked him if he had the necessary tools that I could use to hang the cabinet for him. he asked if I knew how to do that and when I had reassured him that I knew what I was doing, he brought the tool kit and I hung tha cabinet for him.
He thanked me and I said good-bye for now and left.
I don’t think that I had many opportunities to see him around the condo from then on but I did holler to him as he sat behind the fence and we headed for the seats to watch a game in which the Nationals was playing – I don’t remember the name!
When I had first met him and told him that my name was Jim he paused and asked himself what could he associate that with to remember my name.
he chose “Jimmy Crack Corn.” That is the reply that I got as he sat behind the fence in the dugout. Hey, Hi Jimmy Crack Corn!
I was not aware that Mitchell had passed away and I was sorry to read it.
He was a good man, great to take you as a friend with no reservations. I was sorry to find that he was tormented by something that drove him to the bottle for relief. But, even if he was heavily “relieved” at any time you were around him he still proved to be a gentleman. I was glad that I met and knew for a short while Mitchell Page.

james
6 years ago
Reply to  Jim Grab

didn’t know who the guy I was hanging out with until now,at the palm beach kennel club in west palm beach florida ,I was young,now 58 years old,i would handicap the races simulcast from southern and northern California horse races and he would take my advise and bet,often wondered what happened to him smoked yes dranked hmmm I didn’t see that in him,went on for at least 2 to 3 seasons

Pre Order Jordans
6 years ago

Considered one of the most popular colorways of the Air Jordan 13, Jordan wore these for the first time during the ’98 NBA All-Star Game and was also his go-to shoe for the playoffs that followed soon thereafter