GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Word of Tony Phillips’ death quickly circulated around White Sox camp on Friday followed by shock and sorrow.
Phillips reportedly suffered a heart attack and died on Wednesday. On Friday, the Oakland A’s confirmed the death of Phillips, 56. Phillips played for the White Sox from 1996-97 as part of an 18-season career.
“It's sad,” White Sox manager Robin Ventura said. “Any time you hear news like that, you have your own reality check of things, your own mortality and things like that. Just hearing news of a guy that you played with, seeing him around here in spring training and every once in a while on the road, he looked in good health when you'd see him, it was fun to see him.