Raymond "Ray" Hayes Crone, a former Major League Baseball pitcher and longtime scout, passed away on January 15, 2026, in Waxahachie, Texas. He was 94 years old.

Born in Memphis, Tennessee, on August 7, 1931, Crone attended Christian Brothers High School and Christian Brothers University before embarking on a professional baseball career. A talented right-handed pitcher, he made his mark in the minor leagues, most notably as the ace of the 1953 Jacksonville Braves. That season, he won 19 games and helped lead the team to a league title alongside a young teammate named Hank Aaron.

Crone made his Major League debut for the Milwaukee Braves on April 13, 1954, the same day Hank Aaron played his first big-league game. He pitched for the Braves from 1954 to 1957 before being involved in a significant mid-season trade. On June 15, 1957, Crone was dealt to the New York Giants as part of a package for eventual Hall of Fame second baseman Red Schoendienst. He continued his career with the Giants through their move to San Francisco, making his final MLB appearance on July 14, 1958.

Over his five-season major league career, Crone compiled a 30-30 win-loss record with a 3.87 ERA and 260 strikeouts in 137 games, including 61 starts.

Following his playing days, Crone dedicated his life to the game he loved, embarking on a long and successful career as a professional scout. He shared his keen eye for talent with several organizations, including the Montreal Expos, Baltimore Orioles, San Diego Padres, and Arizona Diamondbacks. His passion for baseball became a family tradition, as his son, Ray Crone Jr., also became a respected Major League scout.

Ray Crone leaves behind a lasting legacy in professional baseball, remembered as a competitive pitcher, a dedicated scout, and a beloved figure within the baseball community.