JayD Schlueter, Beta Phi ’73, a former major league baseball player and a president of a commercial real estate company in Phoenix, died May 13 of complications of ataxia, a rare degenerative nerve disease. He was 60.
Schlueter was drafted by the Houston Astros in the second round in 1967. He also played for the St. Louis Cardinals and Baltimore Orioles organizations. He made it to the major leagues in 1971 but only saw action in seven games before being sent back to the minors.
“He was one of the most gifted athletes I have ever met,” said Larry Hecker, Beta Phi ’69, ”speed, coordination, agility, grace, desire – the whole package. What was even more amazing was his humility and kindness. He never let his athletic prowess and successes go to his head. He treated everyone – even clumsy, talentless wanna-be athletes like me – with true respect and genuine friendship. I cannot remember an arrogant or boastful word that escaped his lips.”
He was a football, track and baseball standout at Central High School in Phoenix before signing his pro baseball contract. “Many Central alums and community members from JayD’s era came out to recognize this incredible athlete from our past,” Central’s athletic director Rob Barnes said about Schlueter’s appearance at the school’s 50th anniversary celebration last February. “Most people who played with or against JayD regard him as one of the best natural athletes to ever come out of Central.”
He juggled his playing career while attending the University of Arizona.
After baseball he supported youth baseball in Scottsdale and was a dedicated member of the Thunderbirds, Major League Baseball Alumni Association and Sigma Chi.
He leaves his wife, Gail, two sons, a daughter, two brothers, a sister and four grandchildren.
Services were held May 21 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Community Church in Scottsdale.
