Former Cubs second baseman Glenn Beckert died on April 12th in Florida. He was 79 years old.

Over 11 seasons, Beckert hit .238 (1,473-for-5,208), nine of those seasons being with Cubs (1965-73). He also played two seasons with the San Diego Padres (1974-75). Beckert won his sole Golden Glove award in 1968. He also led the National League five times by posting the best strikeout-to-at-bat ratio. He did that four seasons in a row (1966-69) and then again in 1972. Beckert finished third in the league in batting average in 1971, hitting a career-best .342.

The Cubs released the following statement:

“Glenn Beckert was a wonderful person who also happened to be an excellent ballplayer.  He was a mainstay at second base for the Cubs for nine seasons from 1965-73, earning a spot on four All-Star teams and a reputation for one of the toughest at-bats in the league as evidenced by his low strikeout rate.  Glenn more than held his own playing alongside future Hall of Famers and won a Gold Glove for defensive excellence at second base in 1968.

“After his playing days concluded, Glenn was a familiar sight at Wrigley Field and numerous Cubs Conventions, and he always had a memory to share of his time on-and-off the field with his beloved teammates.  We offer our deepest condolences to Glenn’s daughters, Tracy Seaman and Dana Starck, his longtime partner Marybruce Standley and his many, many friends.”

We lost a great one today, Glenn Beckert. Glenn was My friend, my @Cubs teammate, and the best man at my wedding. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the Beckert family. pic.twitter.com/JYgadyLPK8

— Fergie Jenkins (@fergieajenkins) April 12, 2020

The Chicago Cubs are saddened to learn of the death of former infielder Glenn Beckert.

Beckert was a gold glove winner and four-time All-Star in his nine seasons with the Cubs. pic.twitter.com/rh9JiEpQod

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) April 12, 2020