Nora Cuellar once posted a heartwarming video on Facebook, sharing a special holiday moment with her husband, Bobby Cuellar, as they spent quality time with their grandchildren.
The South Texas baseball community mourned the loss of a legend this week with the passing of Robert “Bobby” Cuellar, a former Alice Coyote standout, on 19 January.
Bobby Cuellar, 72, passed away after suffering a heart attack in Houston, leaving behind his wife, Nora.
Sad day yesterday as we found out the news that Bobby Cuellar had passed away. A true Alice legend, he had an amazing career with over 40+ years in the professional ranks as both a player and a coach. As a former Coyote, Longhorn, and player/coach for several MLB organizations, he will forever be deeply rooted in Alice Baseball. We had the honor of having him as a speaker at our 1st Annual Alice Armor Banquet back in 2018. Bobby enjoyed giving the boys tips and advice in not only the game of baseball but also in life. He was so excited and honored to speak at the event. But we were the ones who were honored to have him. We pray for Bobby and for his wife, Nora, and their family in this difficult time.
STX Sports Complex
Highlights
- Cuellar and his wife, Nora, lived in the same house they bought in Alice during the 1980s.
- Bobby Cuella and his wife, Nora, were married for 46 years and blessed with three grown children- Tiffany, Bobby Ray, and Emma.
- In their free time, they became loving grandparents, spending quality moments with their grandchildren, Bella and Welly.
Cuellar, a graduate of Alice High School, went on to play at the University of Texas and debuted with the Texas Rangers in 1977.
However, his long and successful coaching career allowed him to remain involved in the game for more than 50 years.
Former Alice Baseball Head Coach Nick Alvarado described Bobby Cuellar as a special person who mentored and positively impacted the lives of hundreds of young men. He regarded Cuellar as a true champion in every way.
Bobby Cuellar Stayed In His Hometown Of Alice, Making A Home With His Wife Nora Since The 1980s
There was nowhere else to play except for the high school team during Bobby Cuellar’s season and then semi-pro leagues, where players get to pitch once a week on Sunday or Tuesday.
He shared how this experience taught him how to compete against college players and older, more experienced players, learning to survive and get them out.
Cuellar recalled that his uniform was far from glamorous, often pitching in jeans, a t-shirt, spikes, and a hat.
With haste of time, he gained prominence at Alice High School before moving on to pitch for the University of Texas.
The Texas Rangers drafted him, and he had an eight-year professional career, including time in the major leagues with the Rangers.
Despite his extensive career, Cuellar stayed connected to his roots in Alice.
So, Cuellar and his wife, Nora, lived in the same house they bought in Alice during the 1980s.
Cuellar explained that their decision to stay in Alice was rooted in family. He had deep connections to the area, and Nora’s parents lived nearby.
He appreciated when he could return home, be with his loved ones, and care for family matters.
He and his wife, Nora, who were married for 46 years, had three adult children: Tiffany, Bobby Ray, and Emma.
In their free time, they became loving grandparents, spending quality moments with their grandchildren, Bella and Welly.
Cuellar saw his wife as the driving force behind his baseball journey, which was far from over, as he continued inspiring and mentoring young players.
Additional Information
- Cuellar grew up in the small South Texas town of Alice, where his father worked as a carpenter, often putting in long hours, while his mother managed the home and cared for their six children.
- During his pitching career, he also played winter ball, and with the lack of pitch limits in the 1970s, he ended up overworking his shoulder, which eventually caused it to wear out.
- After his playing days were over, Cuellar transitioned to coaching and managing. He started working in the Seattle Mariners organization in 1983 and stayed there until 1996.
- Following that, he coached for major league teams like the Montreal Expos, Texas Rangers, and Pittsburgh Pirates. He also coached in the Minnesota Twins minor league system for six years.
