R.I.P. Jeff Torborg, former Expos manager

Former Montreal Expos manager Jeff Torborg died on Sunday.

January 20, 2025

By Danny Gallagher

Canadian Baseball Network

Jeff Torborg had the privilege of being behind the plate for three no-hitters, including Sandy Koufax's perfect game in 1965.

Torborg also spent a long time in the MLB managerial ranks, including a 47-62 tenure with the Expos in 2001 after majority owner Jeffrey Loria fired the much-loved Felipe Alou.

Loria leaked Alou's firing to the New York Times and brought in Torborg, one of his cronies. After Alou's long reign as manager, it was almost impossible for Torborg to emulate his predecessor in the eyes of the fans and the media.

Torborg had not managed in the majors since 1993 and had kept busy with work in broadcasting.

The baseball world is mourning over the passing of Torborg. The cause of death was not released but he had been ill for some time. He was 83.

When Loria sold the Expos prior to the 2002 season to Major League Baseball and purchased the Florida Marlins, he brought Torborg with him. Torborg spent a season and a quarter with Florida before Loria let him go.

Torborg signed a $100,000 bonus contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers on May 23, 1963 but he never panned out as the star he was projected to be. 

He caught Koufax's perfect no-no on Sept. 9, 1965 in a game played at Dodger Stadium. On July 20, 1970, Torborg was calling the signals when Bill Singer no-hit the Phillies. While with the Angels, Torborg caught Nolan Ryan's first of seven no-hitters on May 15, 1973.

Torborg is one of only a few players to catch a no-hitter in each league. Ron Hassey is one of the others. He caught Dennis Martinez’s perfect game with the Expos on July 28, 1991 and Len Barker's gem with Cleveland on May 15, 1991.