Oakland, CA – Ray Foss, the hard-armed MLB player whose career was upended when he was thrown by Pete Rose during the 1970 All-Star Game, has died. He was 74.

Carol Voss, his wife of 51 years, said in an online statement that Voss died Wednesday after a 16-year battle with cancer.

Fosse was a budding talent for Cleveland when he made his first All-Star team at the age of 23 in 1970, the same year he hit .

Rose pounced on him to score the 12th round win of the show at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati. Voss fractured and separated his left shoulder, telling the Associated Press in 2015 that his body was still in pain after 45 years.

“As far as it’s shown, I don’t have to watch it on TV as a replay of what happened. It’s new,” Voss said.

A first-round draft pick by Cleveland in 1965 from Marion, Illinois, Voss made his second and last All-Star team in 1971 but did not repeat his brilliant 1970 season over 12 years with the Cleveland and Oakland Athletics, Seattle Mariners and Milwaukee Brewers.

He hit 0.256 with 61 players in 924 games and helped athletics win the world championships in 1973 and 1974.

After his playing days were over, Fosse became a popular anchor for the A’s, beginning in 1986, and worked through part of the 2021 season.

“The heart of Auckland is heartbroken by any knowledge of the death of Ray Voss,” the team said in a statement on Wednesday. Few sums up what it means to be an athlete more than Ray. He has been an icon of excellence who has always made sure every player, coach, teammate and fan knew they were part of the A family. We send our heartfelt condolences to Carol, Nicky, Lindsey, his family and friends during this difficult time. Ray.”

Voss told the AP in 2015 that he suffers from joint pain and inflammation, had five knee surgeries, and had previously unrepaired shoulders and a stiff neck.

Of course, he knew this wasn’t all from Rose’s hit in the All-Star Game. Much of that was a result of the rigors of being a hunter.

“My body hurts,” Voss said. “My shoulder still hurts.” “There wasn’t anyone at the time to say, ‘Don’t play.’ I continued, that’s something I cherish very proudly.”

Two days after the 1970 All-Star Game, Foss had a nine innings win at the Kansas City Royals. He could not raise his left arm above his head.

“It’s something people will continue to talk about, whether they’re alive at the time or they watch the video and see the outcome,” Voss said.

“There were some harder hits. Just because it’s been an All-Star game, they always vote for All-Star highlights or highlights, and that always seems to be the top that people are talking about.”

Cleveland also issued a statement after Fauci’s death.

“The Cleveland Indian family is deeply saddened by the passing of Ray Voss, a true fan favorite who loved wearing the Cleveland Indians uniform. He was very proud to have been our top pick in 1965. Our deepest sympathy goes to the entire Voss family,” said Bob DePasio, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs. :