Eduardo Bauta

Eduardo “Eddie” Bauta Galvez, age 87, of Daytona Beach, FL., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 6, 2022 at Southern Ocean Medical Center of Manahawkin, NJ.

He was born January 6, 1935 in Florida, Camaguey, Cuba. The eldest son of Pablo Bauta Sr. and Alicia Galvez de Bauta.

Eduardo lived a full and adventurous life as a Major League Baseball player and played all over the US as well as in Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. In his 97 Major League appearances he had 11 saves between 1960-64. His major league debut was with the St. Louis Cardinals. He became a part of baseball history with his notable appearance in the 1963 Mets’ final game at Polo Grounds and again when he pitched the first game at Shea stadium in 1964. His best season came in 1973 for the Poza Rica Petroleros and included a successful Caribbean Series in February 1974. Throughout his recorded pro-baseball career, he was best known for his famous “sinker” pitch. At a lanky 6’3, fans and teammates described him as one of the best.

Eduardo was a natural-born athlete who came from humble beginnings in Cuba. He started playing when he was just 8 years old practicing whenever he could, even if it meant he was playing without shoes or in the rain. He credited his work ethic to countless hours of farming and sugar cane cutting in his youth alongside his family. Regardless of his upbringing, Eddie never stopped dreaming. His wildest hopes came true in 1955 when he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates. From there, he travelled the world playing with various teams for 27 years. Even after he retired, baseball remained his first love, listening to the radio or watching games whenever he could.

In his personal life, Eddie was the life of the party. He was funny, likable, charming, and won over the hearts of many. His life was nothing short of a movie, even having spent time with the late Doris Day, Marilyn Monroe and even Dean Martin! Everyone who met Eddie instantly loved him and said his energy was infectious.

He moved to Daytona Beach, Florida in 1988 and recently moved to New Jersey to be closer to his family. He spent his last months reminiscing over some of his fondest memories, watching baseball and playing dominoes with his son, Freddy.

He was the beloved father to his daughter Alicia Bauta Cano of Cancun, Mexico, and his son Freddy Bauta and wife Pamela of Manahawkin, NJ. He is survived by his son Eduardo; brother, Pablo Bauta, his sister, Eneida Noda; and his five grandchildren, Karla Bauta, Alisha Dixon and wife Alanah, Jesse Bauta, Jared Bauta & Adriana Bauta; his great-grandchild, Wylde Dixon; as well as his loving nieces and nephews.

He will be truly missed.

Visiting hours will be Saturday, July 9, 2022 from 1 PM TO 4 PM with a blessing service, 3:30pm at Maxwell-Tobie Funeral Home, 573 Mill Creek Road, Manahawkin, NJ 08050. Cremation will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, D.C. 20090-6011, or at www.alz.org , would be appreciated.