Andy Etchebarren, who led York Revolution to two Atlantic League titles, dies at age 76

• Ex-York Revolution manager Andy Etchebarren has died at age 76.
• Etchebarren led the Revs to Atlantic League crowns in 2010 and 2011.
• Etchebarren was a two-time All-Star with the Baltimore Orioles.
• Etchebarren was a part of two World Series championship teams with the Orioles.

Andy Etchebarren, the manager who led the York Revolution to two Atlantic League championships, has died.

Etchebarren was 76. He death was first announced by the Revs and Major League Baseball.

"It is with great sorrow that we inform our fans of the passing of our beloved Andy Etchebarren," the Revs posted on the team's Twitter site on Saturday night. "Etch was the second manager in Revolution history and led the team to its first two (Atlantic League) championships. He will be missed by baseball fans everywhere."

A former All-Star catcher with the Baltimore Orioles, Etchebarren became York's manager during the 2009 season, replacing another ex-Orioles catcher, Chris Hoiles.

In 2010, Etchebarren led the Revs to their first Atlantic League crown. Under Etchebarren, the team successfully defended its league title in 2011. The Revs' franchise arrived in York in 2007.

Etchebarren coached York through the 2012 season. In the three full seasons when Etchebarren was York's manager, the team made the playoffs in each season.

"Greatest man I ever played for," said ex-Revs player Chuck Jeroloman on Twitter. "He made it so easy to come to the park everyday. He was much more than just a manager and will always hold a special place in my heart. Love ya Etch. RIP."

With the Orioles, Etchebarren made two All-Star teams (1966, 1967) and was a member of two World Series title teams. He played 15 seasons in the majors, with his first 12 seasons with Baltimore.

“He was a terrific teammate and a good friend of mine,” Hall of Fame third baseman Brooks Robinson told the Baltimore Sun. “He loved the game, and he loved being an Oriole.”

Etchebarren was primarily known for his defensive abilities as a catcher. He had a career lifetime average of .235 with 49 homers and 309 RBIs. In 1966, when the O's won their first World Series title, he hit 11 homers with 50 RBIs. He had his best batting average in 1971, when he hit .270.

Of the starting eight starters on Baltimore's 1970 world championship team (not including pitchers), Etchebrarren is the only one not elected to the Orioles Hall of Fame. He split catching duties with Elrod Hendricks, who is a member of the select group.

Reach Steve Heiser at sheiser@yorkdispatch.com.