On Friday, the baseball world mourned the loss of Jim Poole, a former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher who played for 11 seasons. Poole, who famously gave up the deciding home run to Atlanta Braves’ David Justice in the 1995 World Series, passed away at the age of 57 due to complications from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). His alma mater, Georgia Tech, announced his passing and revealed that he died in the Atlanta area surrounded by his family.
Poole began his professional career in 1990 with the Los Angeles Dodgers and went on to play for several teams, including the Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland Indians, San Francisco Giants, Texas Rangers, Philadelphia Phillies, Detroit Tigers, and Montreal Expos. Over the course of his career, he made 431 appearances, all as a reliever. He recorded 22 wins, 12 losses, four saves, and maintained a 4.31 earned run average (ERA).
Although Poole had many notable moments in his career, his most memorable came during the 1995 World Series, where he was part of the Cleveland Indians team that faced the Atlanta Braves. In Game 6, Poole entered the game in relief and managed to escape a tight jam in the fifth inning, striking out Fred McGriff. However, in the sixth inning, David Justice hit a towering home run, securing the Braves’ championship victory. The Braves’ Tom Glavine and Mark Wohlers combined for a one-hitter and a 1-0 win.
In addition to the 1995 World Series, Poole made six postseason appearances for the Cleveland Indians in 1998. Unfortunately, the Indians were defeated by the New York Yankees in the American League Championship Series. Throughout his postseason career, Poole displayed excellent pitching skills, giving up only four hits and two runs in 7 1/3 innings, while striking out nine batters.
Poole’s baseball journey began at Georgia Tech. He played a vital role in leading the Yellow Jackets to four consecutive Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament championships. Poole’s outstanding performance on the field, including 263 strikeouts in 188 innings, earned him numerous accolades and a place in the Georgia Tech Sports Hall of Fame. The left-handed pitcher still holds the school record for the most career saves with an impressive total of 22.
After retiring from professional baseball, Poole returned to Georgia Tech, where he became deeply involved with his alma mater’s baseball program. He served as a fundraiser and supporter of the team and even coached at Johns Creek High School in the suburbs of Atlanta. Poole’s impact extended beyond the baseball diamond when he was diagnosed with ALS in 2021.
Following his diagnosis, Poole demonstrated incredible strength and resilience in raising awareness for ALS. In 2022, he organized an ALS Awareness Day during the Georgia Tech baseball season. The team honored Poole by wearing shirts bearing his name, and both teams sported honorary wristbands. Poole’s dedication to fighting ALS and advocating for those affected by the disease left a lasting impact on his community.
A True Inspiration
Jim Poole’s legacy goes far beyond his accomplishments in baseball. His unwavering dedication to serving his alma mater, his resilience in the face of ALS, and his commitment to raising awareness for the disease made him a true inspiration. As Georgia Tech athletic director J Batt stated, “He is and will remain an inspiration.” Poole’s memory will live on, inspiring future generations of baseball players and individuals facing adversity.
Jim Poole is survived by his wife, Kim, three children, and two grandchildren. The baseball community mourns the loss of this remarkable individual but celebrates the immeasurable impact he made during his time on and off the field.
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