Former Atlanta Braves All-Star pitcher Buzz Capra, whose unforgettable breakout season made him one of baseball’s biggest surprises in the 1970s, has died at the age of 78.
Capra, whose full name was Lee “Buzz” Capra, died on May 11 after spending decades connected to the game he loved both on and off the field.
While his Major League Baseball career lasted parts of seven seasons, Capra became a household name during an incredible 1974 season with the Braves — the same historic year that Hank Aaron captured national attention while chasing Babe Ruth’s legendary home run record.
At the start of that season, few expected Capra to become one of the National League’s top pitchers.
But by the end of the year, the right-hander had stunned baseball fans by finishing with a 16-8 record and a league-best 2.28 ERA. His dominant season earned him the only All-Star selection of his career and cemented his place in Braves history.
Born in Chicago on Oct. 1, 1947, Capra attended Lane Tech High School before starring at Illinois State University, where he helped lead the school to an NCAA championship in 1969. The university later retired his No. 9 jersey in honor of his accomplishments.
Capra was drafted by the New York Mets in the 27th round of the 1969 MLB Draft and made his major league debut two years later.
He was also part of the Mets’ 1973 National League championship team, although he did not pitch in the World Series against the Oakland Athletics.
Everything changed after the Mets traded him to Atlanta following the 1973 season.
Capra entered 1974 with a modest career record of just 5-7, but quickly transformed into one of the league’s most reliable starters. Fans still remember him for helping stabilize the Braves during an important transition period for the franchise.
Unfortunately, arm injuries cut short his peak years, and Capra never again matched the magic of his breakout season. His playing career officially ended after the 1977 season.
Even after retiring from professional baseball, Capra remained deeply involved in the sport. He later worked as a pitching coach in the farm systems for the Braves, Mets, Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago White Sox, while also spending years coaching youth baseball.
Friends and former teammates often described him as humble, approachable and down-to-earth.
Outside baseball, Capra reportedly worked as a carpenter and remained close with family and longtime friends throughout his life.
In 2021, he was inducted into the Italian American Sports Hall of Fame.
Capra is survived by his daughters, Leanne and Leslie, along with four grandchildren and several siblings.