Patrick Edward Putnam, a former major-league first baseman and designated hitter whose career stretched across eight MLB seasons and two more in Japan, passed away on August 25, 2026, in Punta Gorda, Florida. He was 72.
Born in Bethel, Vermont, on December 3, 1953, Putnam spent his early years in Shelburne before moving with his family to Fort Myers, Florida. There, year-round baseball helped shape him into one of the most feared Class A hitters of the 1970s. His 1976 season at Asheville remains legendary: a Triple Crown, a .361 average, 24 homers, and 142 RBI — the first Triple Crown in Western Carolinas League history.
Drafted by the Texas Rangers in 1975, Pat Putnam reached the majors in 1977 and broke out two years later. His 1979 rookie season (.277, 18 HR, 64 RBI) earned him a place on the Topps All-Star Rookie Team and recognition from The Sporting News as the American League Rookie of the Year. He spent five seasons with Texas and one with Seattle, where he posted another strong campaign in 1983: .269 with 19 homers and 67 RBI, leading the Mariners in both categories.