Bruce Sutter, a Hall of Fame closer who helped the Cardinals win the 1982 World Series, died Thursday at the age of 69.

By: RB NEWS

Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement "I am deeply saddened by the news of Bruce Sutter's passing, whose career was an incredible baseball success story,"

During his career, the star reliever played for the Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, and Atlanta Braves, and he also won a World Series in 1982.

Sutter led the National League in saves five times, and he won the Cy Young Trophy in 1979.

Sutter, a six-time All-Star, was the fourth reliever to be voted out of Cooperstown in 2006, despite being in his 13th year of eligibility.

Sutter is also a member of the Cubs and Cardinals Halls of Fame, and his number 42 is retired in St. Louis.

Sutter was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame for the 13th time in 2006. For a player who helped pave the way for today's closers, it was fitting that Sutter became the first pitcher to be inducted into Cooperstown.

"Bruce Sutter was so honoured when he was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2006, and since then, his generosity, love for Cooperstown, and humility have gleamed every time he returned to the Hall of Fame," said Jane Forbes Clark, president of the Baseball Hall of Fame.