Seattle Pilots pitcher and “Ball Four” author Jim Bouton dead at 80.

Photo by Transcendental Graphics/Getty ImagesThe world of baseball as seen through the eyes of its players might have long remained mythical and elusive were it not for Jim Bouton, who passed away at 80 years old today per the New York Daily News after battling a brain disease linked to dementia. While Bouton’s playing career spanned nearly two decades, few players wove as interesting a path through the big leagues and beyond.

After serving in the army for six months, Bouton was a key member of a couple pennant runs for the Yankees in the early 60s before injuries took their toll. Bouncing around the league, a limited but still effective Bouton joined the Seattle Pilots for their lone season…