Former MLB Pitcher Jeff Bittiger Dies at 63 After Cancer Battle

Jeff Bittiger, a former Major League Baseball pitcher and longtime scout, passed away unexpectedly at 63 after a private battle with cancer. Bittiger pitched parts of four MLB seasons from 1986-89 with the Philadelphia Phillies, Minnesota Twins, and Chicago White Sox, and was inducted into the Independent American Association Hall of Fame for his significant impact there. Following his playing career, he was a pitching coach and a scout for the Oakland Athletics for over 20 years, where he signed notable players like Andrew Bailey and was highly praised by former GM Billy Beane for his knowledge and passion for the game. Meanwhile, former Red Sox and Rockies pitcher Daniel Bard has officially retired after attempting an MLB comeback following surgery on his right elbow flexor tendon. Bard, 40, had missed the entire 2024 season due to the injury and decided not to return after attracting some interest from teams earlier in the year. Additionally, right-handed pitcher Trevor Cahill has also retired after an 18-season professional career, highlighted by an All-Star nomination, a World Series ring with the Chicago Cubs, and a lengthy MLB tenure spanning nine teams.