Diego, a remarkable pitching talent in baseball, was born in Cuba and made his way to the United States as a signee for the Cincinnati Reds in 1958. His Major League debut came in 1962 with the Kansas City A’s, kicking off an impressive 15 year career with the Washington Senators, Oakland A’s, Seattle Pilots, St. Louis Cardinals, Boston Red Sox, and Seattle Mariners. He was the American League Earned Run Average Leader in 1970. Diego‘s love for baseball extended far beyond the Major Leagues. He also pitched in the Venezuelan Winter League for 15 seasons, and set the all-time strike out record with 941 strikeouts which still stands today. He pitched 10 years in the Mexican League where he made his mark when he pitched a perfect game for the Cafeteros de Cordoba in 1978.
After 28 years of pitching professionally, he began serving as a pitching coach for the Ponce Lions in Puerto Rico, then the Pocatello Giants of the Short Season Pioneer League followed by the Class A Everett Giants of the Northwest League in the San Francisco Giants organization.
His journey through baseball was a testament to his skill and passion for the game. He loved sharing his baseball knowledge and stories from his past with all who sat to visit with him.
His talent and achievements earned him induction into both the Venezuelan Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum and the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Hall of Fame. Most recently he was honored by the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and received their Jose Mendez “Beisbol” Legend Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024.
Diego had a passion for hunting and fishing, one that he passed on to his children. His years of raising cattle evoked memories of his youth, echoing his childhood in Cuba. This connection to the land reminded him of tradition and memories of simpler times. But his greatest treasures were his grandchildren and great grandchildren, who filled his life with joy and love.
Diego was preceded in death by his beautiful wife Emilia (Emily), his parents Cantalicio and Angela Segui, and his siblings Dagoberto, Dario and Elia.
He is survived by his children, Diego Segui and wife Stacey, David Segui, Daniel Segui and wife Tracy, Diana Segui, and 21 grand and great grandchildren.
Diego will be remembered for his exceptional talent on the mound, his dedication to his family and his unwavering love of the outdoors. He was a beloved figure in both the baseball community and his hometown, known for his kindness, generosity and love for life.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7
Contributions in his memory can be made to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
Funeral services will be held Monday, July 7, with a visitation at 9AM at St. Patrick's Church in Kansas City, Kansas. A funeral mass will follow immediately at 10AM, with burial at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. A luncheon will be held at the Buck O'Neill Education & Research Center, located at 1824 Paseo Blvd., KCMO 64108.
