LaMarr Hoyt dead at 66: White Sox star and AL Cy Young Award winner dies of cancer as team pays tribute

FORMER White Sox star LaMarr Hoyt has died after a lengthy battle with cancer aged 66, the team announced on Wednesday.

The baseball player, who was the 1983 AL Cy Young Award winner, passed away in his South Carolina home on Monday.

"The White Sox send our thoughts and condolences to the family and friends of LaMarr Hoyt," the White Sox said in a tweet.

Hoyt's eldest son Mathew Hoyt confirmed he died of cancer in a statement.

“My dad passed away from cancer with me by his side early in the morning of the 29th,” he said.

“He genuinely loved being a part of the White Sox organization, and I can say without a doubt those were the best years of his life.

"All he talked about in his final days was baseball, the White Sox, and all of his former teammates.”

Hoyt had spent eight seasons in the major leagues with the Chicago White Sox.

“My first impression of LaMarr was, ‘Here is a pitcher.’ He had average stuff but amazing command and tremendous confidence, and he never showed fear,” said Hall of Fame Sox manager Tony La Russa.

“We brought him up to the big leagues in 1979 and nothing bothered him. He had this impressive cool where he believed if he made his pitches, he would get hitters out.

"He faced teams multiple times in a season but could change up his looks and keep them off balance.

"What a great competitor.”

Richard Dotson, who played alongside Hoyt with the White Sox in 1983, added: “LaMarr was a great pitcher and a great teammate."

We would sit around and talk pitching for hours.

“He really knew how to pitch. His stuff was never great, but he had a great sinker and exceptional command. LaMarr, Britt Burns, Harold Baines, and I all came up to the big leagues around the same time and grew up together, which eventually led to that memorable 1983 season.

"We are all going to miss him.”