Jim Caple, a veteran sportswriter who spent over a decade covering the Minnesota Twins, died Sunday at 61 years old, according to a social media post by his wife Vicki.
“My person, best friend and husband died on Sunday afternoon,” Vicki wrote on her husband’s Facebook account. “We all love Jim Caple so much and he loved you. Many great times, laughs and adventures with all of us with Jim. Go in peace my love.”
The Twins have honored Caple by placing his photo and followers in the press box for Tuesday’s playoff game between the Twins and Blue Jays.
Beautiful tribute by the Minnesota #Twins for beloved writer Jim Caple, a staple in the Twin Cities for his brilliant Twins coverage pic.twitter.com/CnUmuqqKNI
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) October 3, 2023
Caple covered the Twins from 1989-2000 for the Pioneer Press before joining ESPN, where he covered baseball and wrote columns about the lighter side of sports on ESPN.com’s Page 2. He also wrote several books including one on the Yankees dynasty titled “The Devil Wears Pinstripes.”
Heartbroken over the passing of one of my favorite people in the world, Jim Caple
Jim & I shared a special love of the offbeat side of baseball. And it led us to so many laughs, unforgettable stories and “award-winning” ESPN videos.
Jim was a brilliant, beautiful soul. RIP, pal pic.twitter.com/bZu6qGdqY5
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) October 2, 2023
“Devastated beyond words by the loss of my longtime friend and former ESPN colleague Jim Caple,” wrote Jerry Crasnick. “He was brilliant, creative, thoughtful and kind. We love you, Capes. Rest easy.”
Bob Nightengale, the longtime MLB scribe at the Washington Post, called Caple “one of the most brilliant and insightful writers the sports world has ever known.”
Keith Olbermann called Caple’s death “Another immeasurable loss.”
Social media posts from Caple’s family say he battled ALS and dementia. He was 61.
