A Legend Beyond Borders: Former Cardinals Pitcher and Global Baseball Icon Passes Away After a Remarkable Career Spanning MLB, Mexico, and Venezuela
Diego Segui, the Cuban-born pitcher whose career left an indelible mark on baseball across North and Latin America, has died at the age of 87.
Segui, born in Holguín, Cuba, was a true journeyman of the game. Over 15 seasons in Major League Baseball, he pitched for multiple teams including the St. Louis Cardinals, Oakland Athletics, Seattle Pilots, Boston Red Sox, and more—bringing his signature consistency and professionalism to every clubhouse he joined. He also extended his playing days with a decade-long career in the Mexican League and nearly 20 seasons of winter ball in Venezuela.
Segui first signed with the Cincinnati Reds in 1958, but after being released, he found his way back through the minor leagues, eventually debuting in the majors with the Kansas City Athletics in 1962. He would go on to spend nine of his MLB seasons with the A’s, earning the American League ERA title in 1970 with an impressive 2.56 ERA across 47 appearances.
In 1969, he made history with the Seattle Pilots—MLB’s short-lived expansion team—where he was named team MVP. He was also the only player to pitch in the inaugural games for both of Seattle’s MLB franchises: the Pilots in 1969 and the Mariners in 1977.
Traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in June 1972, Segui quickly became a valuable closer. That year, he posted a 3.07 ERA and finished 21 games. His 1973 season was even stronger, logging a 2.78 ERA in 65 games while finishing 43 of them.
Segui wasn’t just respected for his performance—he was admired for his discipline and leadership. Bob Kennedy, who managed Segui in Oakland and later worked in the Cardinals front office, once said, “You wish you had 25 men like him. You wish your own son was like him.”
Following a trade to Boston, Segui played two seasons with the Red Sox, breaking a club record on September 22, 1974, by striking out 12 batters in relief over 7.2 innings against the Orioles—matching a career high he had first set in 1964. In 1975, at age 37, he made his only World Series appearance with Boston, contributing to the team’s memorable pennant run.
Segui officially ended his MLB career in 1977 with the Mariners, but continued playing in the Mexican League until 1984. In 2003, his dedication to the sport was recognized with induction into the Venezuelan Baseball Hall of Fame.
Baseball ran in the family—his son, David Segui, also played 15 seasons in the majors.
Diego Segui’s story is one of perseverance, loyalty, and passion for the game. His impact went far beyond the mound, inspiring generations across three nations and leaving behind a global baseball legacy that will not be forgotten.
