Former Kentucky U.S. Senator, Representative and Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Jim Bunning has died at the age of 85.
Bunning's son, District Judge David Bunning, posted notice of his father's passing on Twitter.
Heaven got its No 1 starter today. Our lives & the nation are better off because of your love & dedication to family. pic.twitter.com/qkCjHIM32E
— David Bunning (@horstmuhlmann) May 27, 2017
Bunning's death was confirmed by Jon Deuser, who served as chief of staff when Bunning was in the Senate. Deuser said he was notified about the death by Bunning's family.
Governor Matt Bevin, Congressman James Comer, Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes and other officials have issued condolences.
Kentucky lost a true gem today. Sen. Jim Bunning, Baseball Hall of Famer-turned public servant, was a champion of conservatism and (1/5) pic.twitter.com/1dxmXF1UBs
— Governor Matt Bevin (2015-2019) (@GovMattBevin) May 27, 2017
My official statement on the passing of former Senator Jim Bunning: pic.twitter.com/pVh0GbnSQz
— James Comer (@JamesComer) May 27, 2017
We extend our deep condolences to the family & friends of former U.S. Sen. Jim Bunning of KY. https://t.co/xvXVKUVHTL
— Secretary of State Alison L. Grimes (2012–2020) (@KySecofState) May 27, 2017
Bunning as a pitcher for 16 years in Major League Baseball, first with the Detroit Tigers before joining the Philadelphia Phillies. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1996. Bunning was one of only 18 Major League Baseball pitchers to throw a perfect game in the modern era.
Bunning was elected in 1986 to the U.S House of Representatives serving Kentucky's 4th District for 12 yeras.
He was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1998 and served two terms before declaring he would not seek re-election in 2010. He was a staunchly conservative voice in the Senate and a fierce protector of state interests such as tobacco, coal and military bases. He was succeeded by Rand Paul.
The only member of the Baseball Hall of Fame to serve in Congress, Bunning was the second pitcher to record 100 wins and 1,000 strikeouts in the American and National Leagues.
This story has been updated.
