(KNSI) – Former Minnesota Twins pitcher and St. Cloud State University standout Greg Thayer has died.

Thayer passed away on Friday, December 12th, 2025, at CentraCare St. Cloud Hospital. A longtime Sauk Rapids resident, the 76-year-old Thayer was well known throughout central Minnesota for his athletic achievements and decades-long involvement in local sports.

A graduate of St. Cloud Tech High School, Thayer went on to play both football and baseball at St. Cloud State University, where he earned induction into the Huskies Hall of Fame for his accomplishments in both sports. His athletic career continued professionally when he was selected by the San Francisco Giants in the 32nd round of the 1971 MLB Amateur Draft. He spent ten years in professional baseball, primarily in the minor leagues, before reaching the majors with the Minnesota Twins in 1978. He played in 20 games that year, logging 45 innings of work with an ERA of 3.80 and 30 strikeouts coming out of the bullpen.

His family says that, following his playing career, Thayer remained deeply involved in the Sauk Rapids sports community, serving as a baseball coach for many years. Friends and family say his love of sports extended well beyond the field, as he rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on his children and grandchildren at their sporting and music events. Outside of sports, Thayer enjoyed spending time with friends and being outdoors. He was an avid fisherman and bird hunter and often combined his love of nature with his passion for camaraderie.

Memorial services will be held at 5:00 p.m., Friday, December 19th, 2025, at the Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in Sauk Rapids. Visitation will take place from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. prior to the service. Chaplain James Neppl will officiate. Burial will be at a later date at North Star Cemetery in St. Cloud.

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