Los Angeles, July 2025 – The sad news that choked the entire American baseball world: the family of legendary player Sandy Koufax officially confirmed that he was battling a serious illness, at the age of 89.
The man who once made the entire MLB bow with his wind-cutting pitches – now quietly lies on his hospital bed, with his last wish not for himself, but for the next generation.
“I don’t need a monument. I don’t need to be remembered as a legend.
I just want a small ballpark where kids who have nothing can still play ball.”
—Excerpt from Sandy Koufax’s will, handwritten on July 10, 2025
Baseball was his blood. And now, it was his gift.
The Koufax family said that his health had been deteriorating rapidly in the past few weeks. Although they did not disclose the specifics of his illness, close sources confirmed that it was an incurable disease that affected the nervous system.
In his final moments, what kept him awake was not personal glory, but something simple: a free “baseball class” for poor children in Brooklyn, where he was born – and in Los Angeles, where he became a legend.
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From the pinnacle of fame… to a small room in the middle of silence.
Sandy Koufax was the face of MLB in the 1960s – a humble, stalwart Jew who refused to play in the World Series because it was Yom Kippur. A left-handed pitcher with three Cy Youngs, four no-hitters, and one perfect game.
But behind the bright lights, there was a quiet, private life – and a deep compassion.
He turned down millions of dollars in commentary and sponsorship deals – to maintain his privacy.
“I just want kids to have the chance to hold a glove… like I had.”
It was a phrase he repeated most in recent months.
And now, the “Left Arm of God Foundation” – named after his famous nickname – has been announced by his family, just as it was written in his will.
The Dodgers, MLB, and the entire nation bow their heads.
As soon as the news was announced, the Los Angeles Dodgers released a statement:
“We are grateful for every moment Sandy Koufax spent with this organization – and we are committed to building a baseball academy in his name, right here in Los Angeles, as Sandy’s last wish.”
A final message from a legend
“If I ever die, let the kids play ball.
I’ve had my whole life on the field. Now it’s their turn.”
Sandy Koufax – more than just a divine arm.
He was the immortal heart of baseball.
And with this last will, he continues to throw another fastball – through time, straight into the hearts of all sports lovers.