Bunning's family said the ex-senator and baseball great died late Friday of complications from a stroke suffered last October.
Bunning won 224 games in a 17-year major-league career and pitched the first perfect game in modern National League history.
He became the first pitcher after 1900 to throw no-hitters in both the American and National Leagues.
Bunning served 12 years in the U.S. House, followed by two terms in the Senate. A staunch conservative, he was a fierce protector of state interests such as tobacco, coal and its military bases.
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell released the following statement today honoring the life of former U.S. Senator for Kentucky and American Hall of Fame Major League Baseball Pitcher, Jim Bunning:
"Senator Jim Bunning led a long and storied life. From his days in the major leagues to his years as my colleague in the Senate -- and the many points in between, from the City Council to the House of Representatives -- Jim rarely shied away from a new adventure. This Hall of Famer will long be remembered for many things, including a perfect game, a larger-than-life personality, a passion for Kentucky, and a loving family. Elaine and I offer our sincere condolences to Mary and the entire Bunning family."
