NKyTribune staff
Former U.S. Senator, Major League Baseball Hall of Fame member and Northern Kentucky favorite son Jim Bunning has died.
Bunning (photo courtesy of Major League Baseball)
Bunning, 85, was born in Southgate and made a name for himself in both the baseball world and in Congress. His gruff personality sometimes rankled members of both parties, but he was widely respected among his colleagues for the courage of his convictions.
He graduated from St. Xavier High School and Xavier University in Cincinnati, before breaking into the major leagues in 1955 with the Detroit Tigers.
Bunning was a tall, right-handed pitcher with a career record of 224-184 and an ERA of 3.27. He had more than 100 wins and a no-hitter in both the National and American leagues in a 15-year major league career.
He is the only person in the MLB Hall of Fame to serve in the U.S. Congress.
Bunning, a staunch conservative Republican, was elected to the first of six terms in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1986 and followed with two terms in the U.S. Senate, beginning in 1998.
He married Mary Catherine Theis in 1952. They had five daughters and four sons, including David L. Bunning, a U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Kentucky.
Family members could not be reached for comment, but David Bunning said in a tweet: “Heaven got its No 1 starter today. Our lives & the nation are better off because of your love & dedication to family.”
Bunning suffered a stroke in October and there was not much information available about his condition in recent months.
Praise poured in for Bunning in official statements and through social media, from political leaders and the baseball world.
Bunning in the early years of his career with the Detroit Tigers (photo courtesy of Major League Baseball).
U.S. Sen. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell
“Senator Jim Bunning led a long and storied life. From his days in the major leagues to his years as my colleague in the Senate — and the many points in between, from the City Council to the House of Representatives — Jim rarely shied away from a new adventure. This Hall of Famer will long be remembered for many things, including a perfect game, a larger-than-life personality, a passion for Kentucky, and a loving family. Elaine and I offer our sincere condolences to Mary and the entire Bunning family.”
Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin
“Kentucky lost a true gem today. Sen. Jim Bunning, Baseball Hall of Famer-turned public servant, was a champion of conservatism and the emodiment of Kentucky’s tenacious spirit. Bunning’s unique sense of humor and outlook on life often drew attention, but he was never one to back down. He understood that ‘difficult times require difficult decisons,’ a philosophy that guided him well as he served our state and country. His absence will be felt in the years to come, but we are thankful for what he left behind: an incredible legacy of hard work, determination, and selflessness.”
Former Reds catcher and fellow MLB Hall of Famer Johnny Bench
“He distinguished himself as a servant to the people and baseball fans. RIP Jim Bunning.”
U.S. Rep. Andy Barr, R-KY
“Today, Kentucky mourns the loss of a true legend. After a remarkable career in baseball, Jim Bunning could have gone anywhere and done anything. He chose to come home to Kentucky where he dedicated his life to his family and to public service. Throughout his entire career he remained a principled conservative and unrelenting fighter for the causes he believed in and for the people of the Commonwealth. Today, Carol and I are thinking of and praying for his amazing wife Mary, their wonderful children and many grandchildren.”
KY Sen. Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown
“RIP Jim Bunning. He had a profound, lasting impact on my life, and the lives of many of my friends.”
Visitation for Jim Bunning will be held Muehlenkamp Erschell Funeral Home in Fort Thomas on Friday, June 2 from 2-8 PM Mass of Christian burial will be at Saturday 10 AM, June 3 at Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption in Covington.
