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Former Chicago White Sox star Jim Landis dies at 83

Jim Landis, a key player for the 1959 Chicago White Sox, died Saturday morning in Napa, Calif. He was 83.

One of the best defensive center fielders of his era, Landis broke into the major leagues in 1957 and spent his first eight years with the Sox. He also played single seasons with Kansas City, Cleveland, Houston, Detroit and Boston, batting a career .247 with 93 home runs, 467 RBI and 139 stolen bases in 1,346 games.

Landis helped the '59 White Sox win the American League pennant, slashing .272/.370/.379 with 26 doubles, 7 triples, 5 homers, 60 RBI and 20 steals while finishing seventh in MVP voting.

In 1960, Landis won the first of five Gold Gloves. He also played in the 1962 All-Star Game.

According to the Sox, Landis passed away surrounded by friends and family, as well as mementos from his career in baseball. His room was filled with bobbleheads and photos of teammates, including Nellie Fox, Billy Pierce and Moose Skowron.

Jim and his wife Sandy celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary on Friday.

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