Jim Poole, who pitched in the big leagues for 11 seasons and gave up the deciding homer to Atlanta’s David Justice in the 1995 World Series, died of complications from ALS. He was 57.
Georgia Tech, his alma mater, announced that Poole died Friday in the Atlanta area surrounded by family. He was diagnosed two years ago with ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative condition also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
Poole made it to the majors with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1990 and played predominantly with the Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland Indians and San Francisco Giants. The left-handed reliever also had stints with the Texas Rangers, Philadelphia Phillies, Detroit Tigers and Montreal Expos before his retirement after the 2000 season.