The sports world is mourning the loss of Johnny O’Brien, a rare two-sport professional athlete and beloved grandfather of St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Riley O’Brien. He passed away on June 13, 2025, at the age of 94 in his hometown of South Amboy, New Jersey.
Johnny’s passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy continues through generations, especially in the Cardinals organization, where his grandson carries forward the family name and passion for the game.
A Rare Athletic Journey
Johnny O’Brien’s life was defined by extraordinary versatility. He starred in both basketball and baseball at the highest levels—a feat achieved by only a few in American sports history.
In the early 1950s, O’Brien was a standout basketball player at Seattle University, where he became the first player in NCAA history to score 1,000 points in a single season. His athletic talents soon carried him to Major League Baseball, where he made his debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1953.
Over several seasons, Johnny played as a second baseman and pitcher for the Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals, and Milwaukee Braves. He played in 339 MLB games, finishing with a .250 career batting average. Alongside his twin brother, Eddie O’Brien, the two became the only twins in baseball history to both pitch in the same major league game.
A Quiet Life After the Spotlight
After his playing career ended, Johnny stepped away from professional sports but remained deeply connected to the game. He worked in public service and later in sports administration, always mentoring and encouraging young athletes with the same discipline and humility that defined his career.
But perhaps his most meaningful impact came as a grandfather. Riley O’Brien, now a rising pitcher within the Cardinals system, has often spoken about the wisdom and guidance his grandfather provided throughout his baseball journey.
Those close to the family say Riley carries a sense of maturity and poise on the mound that traces back to lessons Johnny instilled in him as a child.
Remembered with Respect and Reverence
While the cause of Johnny O’Brien’s death has not been publicly disclosed, family members confirmed he passed away peacefully at home.
Tributes from across the baseball community have poured in. Former teammates and MLB officials described Johnny as a player who carried himself with dignity both on and off the field.
A longtime Cardinals scout reflected, “Johnny was the kind of player who didn’t chase headlines. He played with heart, and he passed that heart on to his grandson.”
A Lasting Legacy
A private funeral service will be held this week in New Jersey, with a public memorial planned at South Amboy High School, where Johnny’s journey began.
Though Johnny O’Brien’s playing days ended more than 60 years ago, his impact on the game, his family, and his community will endure. For Riley O’Brien, every pitch he throws carries a piece of that legacy—a tribute to a grandfather who lived with quiet strength and rare grace.
