Oakland Athletics Special Assistant and former pitcher Matt Keough has passed away. Keough was 64 years old. This is the second loss for the A’s Family this week. Former minor league player Manuel Marte died as a result of COVID-19. As of this writing, the cause of death is unknown.
The A’s organization mourns the loss of former pitcher and special assistant Matt Keough.
“He left an unforgettable impression on everyone he touched in baseball. Our sincere condolences are with the entire Keough family tonight.” – Billy Beane pic.twitter.com/sEGaLiFLc7
— Oakland A’s (@Athletics) May 3, 2020
Keough’s Career
The A’s drafted Keough in the seventh round of the 1973 draft out of Corona del Mar High School in Newport Beach, California. Keough made his Major League debut in 1977 and played nine seasons. Keough is known mostly as an Athletic but did play with four other teams. He was traded to the New York Yankees in 1983. In 1985 he played with the St. Louis Cardinals. In 1986 Keough played for both the Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros.
Keough was a member of the famed “Five Aces” along with Rick Langford, Steve McCatty, Brian Kingman, and Mike Norris. Keough’s career record was 58-84 with a 4.17 ERA and a 1.429 WHIP. Keough was an All-Star in 1978. He was named Comeback player of the year in 1980 after having a 16-13 season with a 2.92 ERA.
Keough Family Tragedy
Matt Keough’s death comes just a few weeks after the death of his grandson. Kara Keough quoted on her Instagram page “Daddy, please take care of my son. Teach him the circle changeup and how to find forever friends. You’re on grandpa duty in heaven now. Xoxo, Hammerhead.”
Keough was married to former RHOC star Jenna Keough. Despite being separated for more than 15 years, the couple did not officially divorce until 2019. The couple remained close throughout the separation.
Keough is survived by his ex-wife Jenna and their three children Kara, Shane, and Colton.
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