Former Phillie Rheal Cormier passed away at the age of 53 on Monday after a battle with cancer.
A 16-year major-league veteran, Cormier spent six seasons with the Phillies. His best season with the team came in 2003 when he posted a 1.70 ERA over 82 2/3 innings as a late-inning reliever.
He has a unique place in franchise history as the last Phillies pitcher to record a victory at Veterans Stadium (Sept. 27, 2003 against Atlanta) and the first Phillie to win a game at Citizens Bank Park (April 15, 2004 against Cincinnati).
“Rheal was one of the most vibrant people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing,” said Jim Thome, a teammate of Cormier’s for two seasons.