The Philadelphia Phillies are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of Lee Elia, former manager and lifelong contributor to the game of baseball, who died on July 9, 2025, just one month shy of his 88th birthday. A respected figure throughout Major League Baseball and a revered presence in the Phillies organization, Elia leaves behind a legacy defined by passion, perseverance, and unwavering dedication to the sport he loved.
Born on July 10, 1937, Lee Elia’s life was intertwined with the game of baseball for over six decades. As a player, coach, scout, and manager, he served the sport in nearly every capacity imaginable. His managerial career, marked by fiery determination and loyalty to his players, earned him the respect of generations of athletes, colleagues, and fans.
Elia first joined the Phillies as a minor league player in the 1960s before transitioning into coaching roles that would shape his trajectory for years to come. In 1982, he became the manager of the Chicago Cubs, and later returned to the Phillies organization to manage the big-league club from 1987 to 1988. During his tenure in Philadelphia, Elia was known not only for his competitive edge but also for his mentorship and deep understanding of the game.
Beyond the wins and losses, Elia was a baseball lifer—a man whose knowledge and instincts earned him positions with multiple MLB organizations, including the Yankees, Mariners, Blue Jays, and Rays. His coaching influenced countless players, from rookies just breaking into the league to seasoned veterans. Even off the field, Elia remained committed to scouting and player development, often working behind the scenes to elevate the next generation of baseball talent.
To those who knew him, Lee Elia was much more than a coach. He was a teacher, a storyteller, a competitor, and above all, a devoted friend. He brought fire and focus to every dugout he entered, and his candid, sometimes colorful personality became part of his enduring charm. Though his infamous 1983 tirade while managing the Cubs remains a widely remembered moment in baseball folklore, it also underscored the deep sense of loyalty and protectiveness he felt toward his players.
The Phillies organization remembers Elia not only for his managerial service, but for the decades of wisdom, leadership, and fellowship he brought to the team and the larger baseball community. His influence continues to echo through the clubhouse walls, in the hearts of former players, and across the league where his impact will never be forgotten.
“Lee was one of the great baseball men of his generation,” said a Phillies spokesperson. “His fiery spirit, deep love for the game, and commitment to those around him made him a true treasure to this organization and to baseball as a whole. He will be missed, but his legacy will live on.”
As the Phillies and the broader baseball community mourn the loss of Lee Elia, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, former players, and colleagues. His contributions to the game were many, but it is the strength of his character, his love for baseball, and the enduring relationships he built that will stand the test of time.
Rest in peace, Lee Elia. Thank you for a lifetime of baseball. You will always be part of the Phillies family. ⚾🕊️