The baseball world has been left in mourning following the death of Chicago White Sox legend Don Cooper at the age of 70.

The franchise confirmed the news with an emotional statement on Wednesday afternoon, while also sending their condolences to Cooper's family and friends.

It read: 'Don Cooper spent 33 seasons as a coach in the White Sox organization from 1988-2020, including 18 full seasons as the major-league pitching coach. 

'Cooper served as the pitching coach for the 2005 World Series champion club, which became the first team since the 1928 Yankees to toss four consecutive complete games in a single postseason. Forever in our thoughts.' 

His family confirmed via Facebook that Cooper 'died peacefully' on September 22 and that 'funeral arrangements will be communicated once established.' 

Their statement continued: 'His fierce passion for baseball, and the coaches and players around him, brought him a life filled with great pride, stories, and accomplishments.

'This passion was superseded only by his unbreakable love for his family and friends. He cared immensely for his loved ones.

'He lived a life blessed by God, which he talked about whenever he had the chance. He was very thankful for his blessings and success both in and out of baseball.

'He checked in with his friends and family constantly, and was always a call away, willing to lend an ear and give his sincere advice and encouragement.'

Cooper began his MLB playing career with the New York Yankees after being selected in the 17th round of the 1978 Draft, before joining the Minnesota Twins. 

After two years, he was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays and then later returned to the Yankees in 1984. Across 44 MLB games, Cooper had a 1-6 record with a 5.27 ERA. 

Following his retirement from playing, Cooper enjoyed a lengthy stint with the White Sox which began in 1988 – where he served as a minor league pitching coach. 

He eventually became the White Sox's minor league pitching coordinator from 1993 through until 2002, before being promoted to pitching coach that year.

He remained in the role until 2020 – where he was fired alongside White Sox manager Rick Renteria – making him one of the longest tenured pitching coaches in MLB history. 

Cooper is survived by his wife Ruby and their three children; Jaime, Luke and Kate.