Fred Claire, a longtime Los Angeles Dodgers executive who later became the club's general manager, has died. MLB Trade Rumors reported the news on Oct. 6, citing multiple sources. According to the report, he died the day before, on his 91st birthday.
Claire was born in Jamestown, Ohio, in 1935. He earned a journalism degree from San Jose State University and spent the 1950s and '60s writing about sports for several publications before he went to work for a team.
He was hired in the Dodgers' public relations department in 1969, which started a connection with the franchise that lasted several decades. He was still working in PR in April 1987 when then-general manager Al Campanis made an infamous appearance on Nightline. Campanis was removed soon afterward, and Claire moved from vice president of public relations to general manager.
The Dodgers finished the 1987 season at 73-89, fourth in the National League West. Before the 1988 season, Claire made several notable moves, MLB Trade Rumors noted, including a free-agent signing and a three-team trade with the Mets and Athletics.
The report then reviewed the 1988 season. Orosco had a 2.72 ERA in 55 relief appearances, and Howell posted a 2.08 ERA with 21 saves in 50 outings. Sutton had a 3.92 ERA over 16 starts, and Dempsey hit seven home runs in 198 plate appearances. Gibson batted .290 with 25 home runs and 31 stolen bases. Griffin had a quieter year.
Some players already on the roster also had good seasons, the report said. The most notable was Hershiser, who ended the season with 59 consecutive scoreless innings. MLB Trade Rumors says that major league record still stands.