Jesús Alou, a two-time World Series champion and the youngest of the legendary Alou brothers, has passed away at the age of 80. Jesús died on November 3, 2021, in Miami due to complications from surgery, his family said.
Born on March 24, 1942, in Haina, Dominican Republic, Jesús Alou was one of nine siblings, including his brothers and fellow baseball players Matty and Felipe Alou. The Alou brothers have been recognized as one of the most talented and accomplished families in baseball history, with a combined 5,094 hits and 301 home runs over 49 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB).
Jesús Alou made his professional debut in 1960 with the San Francisco Giants, only two years after his older brothers, and quickly established himself as a reliable outfielder with a strong arm and excellent speed. He spent nine seasons with the Giants, batting .276 with 88 home runs, 427 RBIs, and 132 stolen bases in 1,052 games.
In 1972, Jesús Alou was traded to the Houston Astros, where he played a key role in the team’s memorable run to the World Series in 1980. Alou hit .371 in the NLCS against the Philadelphia Phillies and batted .429 in the World Series against the New York Yankees, helping the Astros win their first pennant in franchise history.
Jesús Alou retired from baseball in 1979 after a 15-year career that saw him play for four teams and earn two All-Star selections. He finished with a career batting average of .280, 177 home runs, and 852 RBIs in 1,667 games.
After his playing career, Jesús Alou worked as a coach and scout for several MLB teams, including the Montreal Expos, Florida Marlins, San Francisco Giants, and Oakland Athletics. He also served as a mentor and advisor to many young Dominican players, including his nephew and current MLB star, Moisés Alou.
Jesús Alou will be remembered not only as a talented and accomplished player but also as a beloved figure in the baseball world who embodied the spirit of perseverance and resilience that his family is famous for. His contributions to the game and his impact on the lives of countless players and fans will be cherished and remembered for generations to come.
