Former Yankees Pitcher and Royals World Series Champion Coach Dies

Gary Blaylock, who played briefly for the Yankees and later coached the Royals to a World Series title, has passed away at age 94.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Gary Blaylock, a former pitcher who played a brief stint with the New York Yankees in 1959 and later went on to become a successful pitching coach for the Kansas City Royals, including when they won the 1985 World Series, has died at the age of 94.

Why it matters

Blaylock's story highlights the impact that lesser-known players and coaches can have on the game of baseball, even if their time with marquee franchises like the Yankees was brief. His coaching career with the Royals, including a World Series championship, shows how valuable his expertise and leadership was to another organization.

The details

Blaylock pitched in 15 games for the Yankees in 1959, his only major league season as a player. He later spent time in the Yankees' minor league system before joining the Royals' coaching staff in the 1970s, eventually becoming their big-league pitching coach in the 1980s. In that role, he helped guide the Royals to the 1985 World Series title.

  • Blaylock played for the Yankees in the 1959 season.
  • He joined the Royals' coaching staff in the 1970s.
  • Blaylock was the Royals' pitching coach when they won the 1985 World Series.
  • Blaylock passed away on February 7, 2026 at the age of 94.

The players

Gary Blaylock

A former pitcher who played briefly for the New York Yankees in 1959 and later became a successful pitching coach for the Kansas City Royals, helping them win the 1985 World Series.

Whitey Ford

A legendary Yankees pitcher who was Blaylock's teammate during the 1959 season.

Yogi Berra

A Hall of Fame catcher who was also Blaylock's teammate on the 1959 Yankees.

Mickey Mantle

One of the greatest players in Yankees history, who Blaylock also played alongside in 1959.

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The takeaway

Blaylock's story is a reminder that even players who have brief tenures with marquee franchises can go on to have long and impactful careers, especially in coaching roles. His success with the Royals, including a World Series title, shows the value of developing talent and expertise that can translate to winning at the highest levels of the game.