Springfield MA (WGGB) — Retired Judge Daniel Keyes has died. He died in his sleep this morning, just a week before his 94th birthday.

Daniel Keyes served as presiding judge of Chicopee District Court, retiring from the bench after fourteen years and returning to his law practice.

Judge Keyes was a member of the Springfield American Legion Post 21 baseball team that made it to a national tournament in 1934 in North Carolina.  But the team returned home when their one black teammate, Bunny Taliaferro, was not allowed to play. Many years later, Judge Keyes told Republican sportwriter Ron Chimelis, it was the right thing and the only thing to do.

Funeral arrangements for Judge Daniel Keyes are incomplete.