Don Cooper, the longtime Chicago White Sox pitching coach and a member of the club’s 2005 World Series championship team, has died at the age of 70.
Cooper died on September 22, 2026, at his home in Brentwood, Tennessee, according to his family. The Chicago White Sox also confirmed his passing.
His family remembered him for his deep love of baseball and the lasting relationships he built with family and friends.
A cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
Don Cooper’s Longtime White Sox Career
Cooper spent 33 seasons with the White Sox organization, from 1988 through 2020.
He became the team’s major-league pitching coach in July 2002 and remained in the position for 18 full seasons.
One of the defining moments of his career came in 2005, when Cooper helped guide the White Sox pitching staff through a historic postseason run.
Chicago won 11 of 12 postseason games that year before capturing its first World Series championship since 1917.
Remembering the 2005 Championship Season
During the American League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Angels, White Sox starters Mark Buehrle, Jon Garland, Freddy Garcia and Jose Contreras each completed a game in four consecutive contests.
The pitching accomplishment had not been achieved in the postseason since the 1928 New York Yankees.
Throughout his long career with Chicago, Cooper also worked with several notable pitchers, including Mark Buehrle and Chris Sale.
Baseball Community Mourns Don Cooper
News of Cooper’s death prompted tributes from former players, coaches and members of the White Sox organization.
Former White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen, who managed the 2005 championship team, remembered Cooper as an important part of his career and spoke about their longtime friendship.
The White Sox also recognized Cooper’s decades of service and his contribution to the franchise’s championship history.
Don Cooper’s Legacy
Cooper leaves behind a significant connection to one of the most memorable periods in White Sox history.
His 33 years with the organization, work with generations of pitchers and role in the 2005 World Series championship remain important parts of his baseball legacy.
Funeral and Memorial Information
Funeral and memorial arrangements for Don Cooper had not been publicly announced.
His family, former players and the wider baseball community continue to remember his life and decades of service to the White Sox organization.
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