[ThePundit]

CINCINNATI (AP) -- Vern Ruhle, a former major league pitcher and coach for several teams, died after a yearlong battle with cancer. He was 55

Ruhle died Saturday at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston of complications from treatment for multiple myeloma, a cancer of the bone marrow, the Cincinnati Reds said Sunday.

Ruhle pitched for Detroit, Houston, Cleveland and the California Angels from 1974-86, going 67-88 with a 3.73 ERA. He was a pitching coach with Houston, Philadelphia and the New York Mets before joining the Reds organization in 2004.

Ruhle began 2006 as the Reds' pitching coach, but he was diagnosed during a routine physical in February and missed the whole season. He had been assigned to work as the Reds' minor league pitching rehabilitation coordinator for the upcoming season.

"The baseball and Cincinnati Reds families mourn the loss of an excellent coach, wonderful husband and loving father," the team said in a statement.

Vern Ruhle, ex-pitcher and coach, dies at 55 - MLB - Yahoo! Sports

This is so sad. 55 is much too young to die.

[MJHMarc]

Indeed.

This is a sad occassion.

The title of this thread sounds a bit harsh, doesn't it?

[EmpireWF]

Sad news. I hoped Ruhle could pull through.

R.I.P. Vern.

[azrael492]

I hoped he would pull through too. He was doing some good work with the pitchers. RIP Verne. You will be missed.

[ThePundit]

Originally Posted by MJHMarc

Indeed.

The title of this thread sounds a bit harsh, doesn't it?

Is there really a good way to put it?

[MJHMarc]

Passed away...
Closed in on wonderful life...

In other words, paint it in a brighter perspective.