Former Yankees Outfielder Brian Dayett Remembered for Courage On and Off the Field
Brian Dayett, a former outfielder for the New York Yankees, passed away this past weekend at the age of 68, concluding a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. His legacy extends beyond the baseball diamond, as Dayett is remembered not only for his contributions to the game but also for his indomitable spirit in facing adversity.
A Rising Star in the Bronx
Born in Connecticut, Dayett was drafted by the Yankees in the 16th round of the 1978 amateur draft. After honing his skills in the minor leagues, he made his major league debut with the Yankees in 1983. That season, he showcased his power by leading the International League with 35 home runs and 108 RBIs while playing for the Columbus Clippers, the Yankees’ Triple-A affiliate.
During his two seasons with the Yankees, Dayett made a noticeable impact, particularly in his second year when he hit four home runs, contributing to the team’s offensive efforts. In December 1984, he was traded to the Chicago Cubs, where he would spend the next three seasons. However, the arrival of Andre Dawson in 1987 limited Dayett’s playing time, leading to a transfer to the Nippon Ham Fighters in Japan. After a stint as a reserve player, he officially retired from professional baseball in 1991. Over the span of his career, Dayett appeared in 218 MLB games, achieving a .258 batting average, a .316 on-base percentage, and a slugging percentage of .427, along with 14 home runs and 68 RBIs.
Coaching and Beyond
After hanging up his cleats, Dayett transitioned into coaching, taking the helm of the Windy City ThunderBolts in the independent Frontier League in 1997. Under his leadership, the team clinched the league championship the following year, marking a successful chapter in his post-playing career. In 2014, he joined the Texas Rangers’ coaching staff, stepping in after the resignation of manager Ron Washington, further solidifying his commitment to the sport he loved.
A Long Battle with Parkinson’s Disease
Dayett’s life took a significant turn in 2000 when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, a progressive neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system. For 25 years, he faced this challenging diagnosis with remarkable resilience and the unwavering support of his wife, Christine, and their two sons.
Friend and former teammate Jody Davis reflected on Dayett’s journey, noting, “Brian fought a 25-year battle against Parkinson’s Disease. He became critically ill in early 2024 and held on fiercely for an amazing year and a half—to be with those he held dearest and to continue watching baseball, a game which he loved until the end.” This heartfelt tribute illustrates Dayett’s passion for the game and his dedication to his family during the most challenging times.
As the baseball community mourns the loss of Brian Dayett, his legacy lives on, not just in the records he set but in the inspiration he provided to those around him. His story is a testament to courage, both on and off the field, and serves as a reminder of the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
