Rico Carty, who claimed the 1970 National League batting title with a .366 average for the Atlanta Braves, has passed away at the age of 85. Major League Baseball, the players’ association, and the Braves all honored Carty on social media Sunday. A family friend informed Listín Diario, a newspaper from Carty’s home country of the Dominican Republic, that he died Saturday night in an Atlanta hospital.

The players’ association remembered Carty as one of the pioneering Latino stars in Major League Baseball, noting that he became a beloved figure not only in his hometown of San Pedro de Macoris and the Dominican Republic, but also in Atlanta, where he was adored by fans.

The Braves honored Carty, saying he left a lasting legacy on the organization.

“While his on-field achievements will never be forgotten, it is his unforgettable smile and generous spirit that will be deeply missed,” the team remarked in a statement.

Carty debuted with the Braves in September 1963 and quickly made an impact, hitting .330 with 22 home runs and 88 RBIs in his first full season in 1964. He finished second in NL Rookie of the Year voting behind Dick Allen.

After the Braves moved from Milwaukee to Atlanta in 1966, Carty recorded the franchise’s first hit in its new home on April 12, 1966, against Pittsburgh.

His best season came in 1970, when he batted .366, hit 25 home runs, and drove in a career-high 101 RBIs. He was also voted to start the All-Star Game as a write-in candidate, joining Willie Mays and Hank Aaron in the NL outfield.

Carty played 15 seasons in the majors, posting a .299 batting average, with 204 home runs and 890 RBIs. In addition to the Braves, he also played for Cleveland, Toronto, Oakland, Texas, and the Chicago Cubs before retiring after the 1979 season.