In a career that spanned more than five decades, Rick Hummel's work and presence touched many people's lives.
Just some of the reactions to the news of his death:
From Robert D. Manfred Jr., commissioner of MLB: "Hummel was one of the best and most respected baseball writers of his or any era. It was always a pleasure to see Rick in St. Louis, where the loyal baseball fans enjoyed his work for more than half a century, and at our Jewel Events. In an amazing demonstration of professionalism and longevity, Rick covered 42 consecutive All-Star Games. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest condolences to the family of ‘The Commish,’ his readers, Cardinals fans, and his many friends across our game."
People are also reading…
A journalism icon in St. Louis. For 10 short weeks in 2004, I interned with the Post-Dispatch and Rick Hummel couldn’t have been more welcoming. What a life. What a loss.https://t.co/u34UQ614NU
— Dirk Chatelain (@dirkchatelain) May 22, 2023
Absolutely devastated by the passing of my dear friend and colleague - the Commish Rick Hummel. A St. Louis legend and one of the finest human beings I have ever known. RIP Pal. So glad now we got to hook up again in Jupiter this spring. pic.twitter.com/RcyZT4l2ml
— billmadden1954 (@bmadden1954) May 22, 2023
Commish was the best. I spent a lot of time in St. Louis early in my baseball-writing career, and he was always — always — kind and welcoming. The world would be a far better place if people treated one another the same way Rick Hummel treated everyone. https://t.co/IUjd15PRdB
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) May 22, 2023
There is no one who has ever known Rick Hummel who doesn’t love him.He called everyone sir. He was the essence of class.
— Frank Cusumano (@Frank_Cusumano) May 22, 2023
Rick Hummel was one of only reporters I admired so much I'd stop him and ask for a picture. The absolute best at what he did, for so long, R.I.P., Commish. https://t.co/O1A0xC1axu pic.twitter.com/UJupOrURdP
— Will Leitch (@williamfleitch) May 22, 2023
Holy hell what a loss. Rick Hummel was a great baseball reporter but a much better person. One of the nicest people you could ever meet. Damn. RIP Commish. https://t.co/l7hRCTT3ks
— Charlie Marlow (@CharlieMarlow_) May 22, 2023
RIP to a legend Rick Hummel. Hall of Fame baseball writer. Covered the Cardinals for decades. My favorite times with Commish were spent at the Collinsville Christmas 🏀 Tournament where he never missed his beloved Quincy Blue Devils. A great loss. 💔 pic.twitter.com/NpHa9r3dKj
— Earl Austin Jr. (@earlaustinjr) May 22, 2023
When you grow up reading Rick Hummel, then get to share a press box with him, that's when dreams come true. A true pro. Never made me feel small, taught me many lessons, laughed with me (& at my TikToks) & was always ready to share apple pie. RIP, my friend. Your legacy lives on. https://t.co/6EZVRXT5au
— Anne Rogers (@anne__rogers) May 22, 2023
If you aspired to write ball extremely well for 25 years, earn universal respect and treat everyone with kindness, congrats. You’re halfway to Rick Hummel, the Commish.
— Jason Mackey (@JMackeyPG) May 22, 2023
Sad day for our profession. Commish represents everything good about baseball & covering it. RIP to a legend. https://t.co/8HHQuRBryt
I am heartbroken. I never met a kinder more humble and knowledgeable person in sports or in life in general. Rest In Peace my friend 🙏 https://t.co/FHgyodek7J
— Rene Knott (@reneknottsports) May 22, 2023
Quincy’s own and both a QHS and QU Hall of Famer. Man, the Commish was one of a kind and truly special. I will miss our chats and our conversations immensely. https://t.co/I8ISYVdVNn
— Matt Schuckman (@SchuckSports) May 22, 2023
Just the worst news for journalism, baseball, Cardinals fans, tradition, St. Louis, the list is endless. Commish was a fixture in our Illini-Mizzou Braggin' Rights group in Section 115. Sitting with him, plus the texts/emails that flew before/after, just great fun. Heartbroken. https://t.co/5qxL65XDfU
— Jim Woodcock (@WoodySTL) May 22, 2023
The Cardinals and all of baseball were saddened to learn today of the passing of Hall of Fame writer and friend Rick Hummel at the age of 77.
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) May 22, 2023
Hummel, nicknamed the “Commish”, covered the Cardinals for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch for 50 years before retiring after the 2022… pic.twitter.com/kBUM7XsLOG
The Cardinals and all of baseball were saddened to learn today of the passing of Hall of Fame writer and friend Rick Hummel at the age of 77.
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) May 22, 2023
Hummel, nicknamed the “Commish”, covered the Cardinals for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch for 50 years before retiring after the 2022… pic.twitter.com/kBUM7XsLOG
Rick Hummel was nicknamed "The Commish" because of his vast baseball knowledge/coverage, but he followed the @StLouisBlues as well & some of my all-time favorite conversations with him were about his short stints covering hockey. An absolute sports legend and even greater person!
— Chris Kerber (@chriskerber) May 22, 2023
The baseball world mourns the loss of Rick Hummel, aka “The Commish,” who enlightened and entertained St. Louis fans with his baseball coverage for five decades. The Players Association extends its sympathies to Rick’s family and his legion of friends throughout the game.
— MLBPA Communications (@MLBPA_News) May 22, 2023
When I spent time at Busch as a Rick Hummel intern, the Commish always set the gold standard for writing, reporting and professionalism at the ballpark.
— Luke Thompson (@LukeTScribe) May 22, 2023
Not only that, he somehow found time to share valuable insight and advice to any younger reporter who wanted to hear it. https://t.co/sBtdKRMVML
When I spent time at Busch as a Rick Hummel intern, the Commish always set the gold standard for writing, reporting and professionalism at the ballpark.
— Luke Thompson (@LukeTScribe) May 22, 2023
Not only that, he somehow found time to share valuable insight and advice to any younger reporter who wanted to hear it. https://t.co/sBtdKRMVML
Hummel memories: many fine meals, cab rides to the ballpark, late-night unwinding and telling stories, talking baseball, asking for advice, and just seeing -- on a daily basis -- how much he was loved by those who knew him. Pardon the corny line, but my laptop gently weeps.
— Bernie Miklasz (@miklasz) May 22, 2023
I don't know why he did it -- he was sick -- but Rick Hummel chatted ball with on my Friday radio show. His voice was shaky. But in his usual display of kindness, he was there. Less than 18 hours later he was gone. I wish I would have said "I love you" as we ended our chat.
— Bernie Miklasz (@miklasz) May 22, 2023
This is heartbreaking. The Commish was the best. Great beat writer, the kindest of souls, a model for all of us. RIP. https://t.co/59Cye15UHV
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) May 22, 2023
This is heartbreaking. The Commish was the best. Great beat writer, the kindest of souls, a model for all of us. RIP. https://t.co/59Cye15UHV
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) May 22, 2023
RIP to a giant who never made any of us mortals feel small…The Commish was always there for this young ball writer trying to find his way…a great man…a huge loss… https://t.co/TdrFGK9uhG
— Bill Plaschke (@BillPlaschke) May 22, 2023
Nobody - nobody - loved being around the game and writing about than Rick Hummel. A tremendous tribute by a tremendous ball writer of his own right. May Rick’s memory always be a blessing https://t.co/JBLQHLr4w9
— Evan Grant (@Evan_P_Grant) May 22, 2023
A lot of late-night chats and walks out of the Busch press box to the parking lot. A lot of glances over during a bone-headed play only to share an expected chuckle. A lot of lessons imparted, and a lot of kindness.
— Zach Silver (@zachsilver) May 22, 2023
RIP, Commish. https://t.co/Tn5Hx37YHY
My first season on the #STLCards beat was the last for the legendary Rick Hummel. I had read his articles for decades & suddenly I’m walking out of the press box with him nightly, talking ball & life. It’ll always be one of the great honors of mine to have known & loved Commish. pic.twitter.com/YV20xBSmJV
— John Denton (@JohnDenton555) May 22, 2023
RIP to Rick Hummel. I was lucky enough back in 2015 to be a Hummel Intern with the STL Post-Dispatch, and I learned so much from his experience and wisdom. He was a kind and brilliant man, and the sports writing world won’t be the same without him. https://t.co/mWsgQRXVX5
— Mr. Modelski (@MrModelski) May 22, 2023
Rick Hummel was the best. He set an example that we followed closely. A relentless worker with a fascination and love for our game. We spent many hours discussing baseball, but during spring training we couldn’t wait to get together and talk hoops. I will miss Commish dearly. ❤️
— Tom Ackerman (@Ackerman1120) May 22, 2023
I first met Rick Hummel 25 years ago when I started covering baseball. When I told him I grew up in St. Louis reading him, it started a friendship I cherished for decades. One of the most kind men I ever had the pleasure of knowing. RIP Commish.
— Mark Saxon (@markasaxon) May 22, 2023
Today is a sad day for me. St Louis lost a legend in Rick Hummel. Always fair. Always in a good mood. Always wearing some kind of goofy hat and mismatched pants that made me smile. The respect and trust he earned from players is a rare thing in our world https://t.co/j0GUl5cLbW
— Adam Wainwright (@UncleCharlie50) May 22, 2023
The St. Louis BBWAA chapter is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Hall of Fame writer Rick Hummel. "The Commish" captured the essence of sportswriting for 51 years covering the St. Louis Cardinals and was an instrumental member of our chapter. He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/LHuwd5lYEy
— St. Louis BBWAA (@StLouisBBWAA) May 22, 2023
