The NBC Sports Philadelphia team is remembering Jeff Bottalico, the older brother of analyst and former Major League Baseball relief pitcher Ricky Bottalico.
“Ricky told us he lost not only a brother, but a best friend,” anchor Amy Fadool Kane, a member of the network’s Philadelphia Phillies pregame crew, said, growing audibly emotional as she broke the news of his death at age 59 ahead of the Phillies’ Tuesday, September 15, game against the Washington Nationals.
Former Phillies outfielder Ruben Amaro Jr., who was teammates with Ricky, 57, called it a “very, very difficult day.”
“We got a chance to know Jeff a little bit and I know how close Ricky was with his brother,” Amaro Jr., 61, said. “This is a very, very difficult time for the NBC family and, obviously, for the Bottalico family. Our hearts are hurting, are heavy for you and God bless the entire Bottalico family. Ricky, we’re here with you brother.”
The NBC crew did not discuss or share Jeff’s cause of death. An official cause has not been publicly revealed at the time of publication.
“Losing a sibling obviously is very, very difficult,” Kane, 49, continued. “Unfortunately it’s a loss many of us have experienced, myself included. And I know it doesn’t make it any easier but maybe sharing in some of that pain can help ease the way for Ricky.”
In addition to Ricky, Jeff is survived by his wife Jessica, brother Gary, parents Jay and Cindy, as well as four nieces and nephews. Ricky grew up in New Britain, Connecticut, where NBC said he is now returning to be with his family.
NBC Sports Philadelphia shared the clip to its social media accounts as fans added their condolences to the comments. Ricky himself also commented via Instagram, thanking his colleagues for their support.
“Thank you Amy and Ruben!!!!” he wrote. “That was so sincere and special, my family thanks you deeper than you could ever imagine, I’m touched by so many people that have reached out… the pain is deep but the love so many have shown will never be forgotten, thank you all from the bottom of my heart!!!”
Ricky played 12 seasons in the Major Leagues, including seven with the Phillies. HIs best season and lone All-Star nod came in 1996 when he pitched to a 3.19 ERA out of the Phillies’ bullpen.
He is best known, however, for sparking a benches-clearing brawl with MLB home run king Barry Bonds in 1998 after hitting the slugger with a pitch. Ricky remembered the incident in an episode of the Bull Session radio show on Thursday, September 10, when he revealed former manager Terry Francona brought him into the game specifically to throw at Bonds, 62.
“Let me tell you something, he was all roided up,” Ricky said. “When I hit him, it was like hitting a brick wall.”
