Donald William Zimmer, the American infielder, manager, and coach in Major League Baseball (MLB) died on Wednesday at the age of 83. He was in hospital for nearly two months.

 He played alongside Jackie Robinson on the only Brooklyn Dodgers team to win the World Series. He coached Derek Jeter on the ‘New York Yankees' latest dynasty. And his own manager once was the illustrious Casey Stengel. Zimmer was involved in professional baseball from 1949 until his death, a span of 66 years. For these years, Zimmer was a most popular presence at ballparks all over, a huge chaw often filling his cheek. Everyone in the game seemed to know him, and love him.

When the crowd roared loudest on Opening Day 2014, the cheers weren't for a star pitcher or a home run hitter. Instead, the roar filling Tropicana Field was saluting the Rays' senior baseball advisor.

"Zim was around when I first came up. He was someone that taught me a lot about the game -- he's been around, he's pretty much seen everything," Derek Jeter said after the Yankees lost to Oakland 7-4. "His stories, his experiences."

Following his team's ninth straight loss Wednesday, Rays manager Joe Maddon's voice cracked with emotion when talking about his colleague.

"We lost a good buddy tonight," said Maddon, fighting back tears. "I'm going to miss his advice ... his feistiness and fire. He was about winning, doing whatever it takes to win."

Many current players, Hall of famers and fans tweeted their condolences on his death.

My heart is very sad. A HOF person and someone overlooked for his service has moved on. Don Zimmer RIP my friend and manager. @MLB

— Johnny Bench (@Johnny_Bench5) June 5, 2014

I cant find the words to express how I feel about Zims passing. I wouldn't be in the big leagues if Zim wasnt there for me as a young player

— BJ Upton (@BJUPTON2) June 5, 2014

We/the game of baseball lost a very special man tonight in Don Zimmer! His presence around the clubhouse made everyone better! #thankszim

— David Price (@DAVIDprice14) June 5, 2014

Statement from Commissioner Selig on the passing of Don Zimmer. pic.twitter.com/YoPg0amXJG

— MLB Public Relations (@MLB_PR) June 5, 2014

Feel like I lost my grandfather. Thoughts n prayers to Don Zimmer's family. #loveuZim

— Todd Kalas (@TampaBayTK) June 5, 2014

One of the nicest ppl in sports that I ever met DON ZIMMER just passed ! Quality in every way with a heart of gold-May he RIP @TBTimes_Rays

— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) June 5, 2014

Always enjoyed talking to Don Zimmer. First player to wear the Mets uniform.

— Jeremy Schaap (@JeremySchaap) June 5, 2014

Don Zimmer was always one of those guys you went out of your way to say hi to on the field. #GreatMan

— Vernon Wells (@VernonWells10) June 5, 2014

So sorry to hear of the passing of Don Zimmer. Baseball man through & through. Great story teller with his years of experience.#willbemissed

— Ken Singleton (@29alltime) June 5, 2014