Longtime Major League Pitching Coach and World Series Champion Don Cooper Dies at 70

BRENTWOOD, Tennessee — Donald James "Don" Cooper, the former Major League Baseball pitcher and decorated pitching coach who spent over three decades with the Chicago White Sox organization, passed away peacefully at his home in Brentwood, Tennessee, on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at the age of 70. Born on January 15, 1956, in New York City, Cooper played collegiate baseball and basketball at the New York Institute of Technology before being selected by the New York Yankees in the 17th round of the 1978 MLB Draft. Over four Major League seasons as a relief pitcher, he appeared in 44 games for the Minnesota Twins, Toronto Blue Jays, and New York Yankees.

Following his playing career, Cooper joined the White Sox organization in 1988, advancing through the club's minor league development system before being named Major League pitching coach in July 2002. Over an 18-season tenure in that role, he became one of the longest-tenured pitching coaches in baseball. Cooper was instrumental in guiding Chicago to the 2005 World Series Championship, notably overseeing a starting rotation—Mark Buehrle, Jon Garland, Freddy Garcia, and Jose Contreras—that pitched four consecutive complete games in the 2005 American League Championship Series. During his tenure, he also coached Buehrle through a no-hitter in 2007 and a perfect game in 2009, as well as Philip Humber’s perfect game in 2012. Cooper briefly served as interim manager for the final two games of the 2011 season prior to his departure from the franchise in October 2020.

Official Announcements and Family Directives

The announcement of Cooper’s death was officially confirmed in joint statements by his family and the Chicago White Sox organization on September 23, 2026. Representatives and medical authorities have not publicly disclosed a specific cause of death. In public statements issued by the White Sox executive team and his immediate family, colleagues honored his 33-year legacy of leadership and player mentorship while requesting privacy for his relatives during this time.

Community Impact and Memorial Tributes

Tributes across Major League Baseball highlighted Cooper’s influence as a technical instructor and personal mentor to generations of professional pitchers, including Chris Sale, Mark Buehrle, and Esteban Loaiza. Former managers, players, and franchise leadership expressed condolences, crediting his guidance for major milestones in team history. He is remembered by colleagues, former players, and fans for his dedication to baseball instruction and player development. Memorial service information, formal visitation schedules, and family-designated charitable contributions will be released as arrangements are finalized