Overview

• Joe Coleman died in his sleep on July 9 in Jamestown, Tennessee, his son Casey announced, ending a life steeped in baseball history at age 78.
• He was selected third overall in MLB’s inaugural amateur draft in 1965 by the Washington Senators and became the first draftee to debut in the majors just four months later.
• Over 15 seasons, Coleman compiled a 142-135 record with a 3.70 ERA, amassed 1,728 strikeouts and earned a 1972 All-Star selection while setting an ALCS single-game strikeout mark.
• Following his playing career, he spent decades as a pitching and bullpen coach in both major and minor league systems, mentoring pitchers across multiple organizations.
• He is survived by his wife Donna, daughter Kristen, son Casey and three grandchildren, extending baseball’s only three-generation pitching family.