Art LaFleur has been sadly missed by his role as Babe Ruth’s spirit, in The Sandlot, a family-friendly comedy. He was 78 years old.
LaFleur’s wife Shelley LaFleur announced his death on Thursday in a Facebook post in which she said he had died from ‘A-typical Parkinson’s.’
The actor, who battled the disease for a decade, also had significant roles in Field Of Dreams and classic television shows including M.A.S.H. The Incredible Hulk.

His widow Shelley confirmed the death of Art LaFleur at 78 on Thursday. Shelley wrote that actor Art LaFleur died following a 10 year battle with “A-typical Parkinson’s”. This was seen in Hollywood in 2002.
LaFleur was a television veteran with many credits including appearances on The A-Team and Baywatch as well as Coach, Doogie Howser.
The Sandlot featured him as a fantasy Babe Ruth, who instilled a passion for baseball among young people.
‘Remember kid, there’s heroes and there’s Legends. Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die!’ He said this during a speech from the beyond.
The actor also appeared in another baseball-themed movie, the Kevin Costner–starring drama Field Of Dreams, as Chick Gandil, one of the leaders of the 1919 Black Sox scandal.

LaFleur played an iconic role: LaFleur’s best-known performance was that of Babe Ruth, in 1993’s family-friendly comedy The Sandlot.

Film and TV star: The actor also appeared in another baseball-themed movie, the Kevin Costner–starring Field Of Dreams, as Chick Gandil; pictured in The Sandlot
LaFleur, who was born in Gary in Indiana in 1943, went on play football at Kentucky’s University of Kentucky in early 1960s.
He was an actor until the 1970s, when he made his debut in television and film.
The 1978 TV movie Rescue From Gilligan’s Island was his first film credit. He then made guest appearances on Charlie’s Angels (Lou Grant) and M.A.S.H.
He also starred in The Blob, a cult classic horror film from 1988. The Sylvester Stallone cop thriller Cobra was his other prominent role.

He was a late starter: His first screen credit was the 1978 TV film Rescue From Gilligan’s Island. Following that, he appeared on Charlie’s Angels and Lou Grant, as well as M.A.S.H.LaFleur, (top right), seen with some cats from The Sandlot in 2013.
2011 LaFleur was honored by the Action on Film International Film Festival for his contribution to the movie Dahmer vs. Gacy.
LaFleur’s Widow referred to LaFleur as “the love of our lives” in a Facebook post.
She continued, “He brought laughter to many people,” as she listed his most famous film roles. He was generous and selfless, which extended to his acting and more importantly was his character for his loved ones and friends.
“Every place or set he visited, the cast/crew would introduce themselves to him and tell his story. [his children]Molly, Joe and me, how Art spoke about us with such pride, love,’ she said, adding that the couple had been married for 43 years.

Gift of laughter. LaFleur’s wife referred to her husband as “the love of our lives.” He brought laughter to many people,” she wrote. LaFleur (center) is pictured with Tim Allen and Ron Taylor on Home Improvement 1991.