Baseball has lost many important contributors over the past
12 months, including two Hall of Famers, two current-day major league players,
and several Hall of Fame caliber writers and broadcasters. In tribute to their
memories, we present the following list of notable baseball figures who have
died during 2003.
Cooperstown’s Finest
Larry Doby (Died on June 18 in Montclair, New
Jersey; age 78 or 79 [age disputed]; cancer): As the first black player in
American League history and the second African-American major league player of
the 20th century (after Jackie Robinson), Doby played a major role in
the game’s social history. Yet, it was that attachment to the breaking of
baseball’s color barrier that overshadowed a stellar career in both the Negro
Leagues and the major leagues. The teenaged Doby launched his professional
career in 1942, when he debuted as a second baseman for the Newark Eagles. He
initially played under the name of “Larry Walker,” as a way of protecting
his amateur status. After a stint in the U.S. Navy during World War II, the
hard-hitting Doby returned to the Eagles before receiving the call to the major
leagues. On
July 5, 1947
, just 11 weeks after Robinson had debuted for the Brooklyn Dodgers, Doby broke
into the big leagues with the Cleveland Indians, who had purchased him from the
Eagles for $15,000. The Indians quickly converted him from the middle infield to
a combined position as a first baseman and outfielder. The following summer,
Doby moved into the starting outfield and helped the Indians to the American
League pennant and the last World Championship in the team’s history. A fine
defensive outfielder who possessed both speed and power, Doby qualified for
seven All-Star teams during his 13 years in the major leagues. He also led the
American League in home runs twice and RBIs once… Much like Robinson, Doby
endured opposition from racists both at the ballpark and away from the stadium.
On one occasion, Doby slid into second base, only to be treated to a spitting
shower from the opposing shortstop. In addition, numerous hotels and restaurants
turned their backs on Doby because of their policy of serving whites only. With
no other black players on the Indians until the arrival of Satchel Paige in
1948, Doby had to deal with much of the racism on his own. Yet, he rarely
expressed much public anger or bitterness over his treatment… After his
playing days, Doby continued to play a role as a racial pioneer; in 1978, the
Chicago White Sox named him manager, making him the second African-American
skipper (after Frank Robinson). Prior to his managerial tenure, Doby had worked
as a coach with the Indians and Montreal Expos. He later moved from major league
baseball to the NBA, working in community affairs for the
New Jersey
Nets… In 1998, Doby received baseball’s ultimate individual honor when he
won election to the Hall of Fame by the shrine’s Veterans Committee.
Warren Spahn (Died on
November 24 in
Broken Arrow
,
Oklahoma
; age 82; lengthy illness): The colorful
Hall of Fame left-hander won more games than any southpaw in major league
history, compiling a record of 363-245 in a career that spanned 21 seasons with
the
Boston
and Milwaukee Braves, New York Mets, and
San Francisco Giants. Using a deceptive high-kicking delivery that puzzled many
hitters, Spahn won 20 or more games 13 times and captured the Cy Young Award in
1957. He also authored two no-hitters during his career. Spahn’s long-term
pitching dominance earned him election to the Hall of Fame in 1973, his first
year of eligibility. “Warren Spahn was a fighter and a winner,” New
York Yankees manager Joe Torre told the Associated Press “He made catching in
the big leagues a lot easier for me because he took me under his wing along with
Lew Burdette. One of my biggest thrills to this day was catching his 300th
victory in 1961.” … In addition to his
standout pitching, Spahn was also regarded as one of the better hitting
pitchers of his era. He hit 35 home runs, the most in the history of the
National League… Off the field, Spahn gained acclaim as a certified war hero.
A veteran of World War II, he fought at the
Battle
of the Bulge and earned the prestigious
Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his military efforts.
Youngsters
Steve Bechler (Died on
February 17; age 23; complications from heatstroke): The young Baltimore
Orioles’ right-hander died less than 24 hours after collapsing during a
workout at the team’s spring training camp in
Fort Lauderdale
,
Florida
. Bechler’s body temperature rose to 108 degrees, causing several of his
internal organs to fail. As indicated in a report by the
Broward
County
medical examiner, Bechler had been taking the dietary supplement Xenadrine
RFA-1, which contains the controversial stimulant, ephedrine. The FDA has linked
ephedrine, which has been banned by the NFL, the NCAA, and the International
Olympic Committee, to heatstroke and heart disease. According to his mother,
Bechler had a history of heat-related illnesses, having suffered heatstroke on
two occasions during his high school career. Bechler had made his major league
debut in 2002—pitching in three games and allowing seven earned runs in four
and two-thirds innings—and was trying to make the Orioles’ Opening Day
roster this past spring.
Josh Brinkley (Died on
October 16 in
Wallace
,
North Carolina
; age 30; car accident): The hitting coach for the independent Bangor
Lumberjacks of the Northeast League, Brinkley was jogging near the side of a
road when he was struck and killed by a passing car. Brinkley had joined
Bangor
this season after previously working for
Lincoln
in the Northern League. His minor league playing career included stops in
Harrisburg
(a Montreal Expos affiliate) and independent Little Falls, where he batted .327
during the 2000 season.
Stephen Gates (Died on
October 4 in
Hillsborough
,
North Carolina
; age 27): Gates was serving as the media relations director for the independent
Northeast League at the time of his death. He was killed in a hit-and-run
accident after stopping to fix a flat tire on the interstate near Hillsborough.
Leigh Neuage (Died on
August 16 in
Sydney
,
Australia
; age 20; injuries from a fall): The young right-handed pitcher, who had spent
three years in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization, died after falling 15
floors in a
Sydney
hotel.
Dernell Stenson (Died on
November 5 in
Chandler
,
Arizona
; age 25; shot to death, murder still under investigation): A member of
the Cincinnati Reds in 2003, Stenson was playing in the Arizona Fall League
(AFL) when he was found dead, having been shot and run over by a car.
Police are continuing to investigate both the circumstances and motives
behind the murder. Stenson made his major league debut this past summer,
appearing in 37 games for the Reds. The young outfielder-first baseman then
continued his season in the AFL and was batting .394 for the Scottsdale
Scorpions at the time of his death. He was expected to compete for a spot on
Cincinnati
’s 25-man roster in the spring of 2004.
Semistars
Earl Battey (Died on
November 15 in
Ocala
,
Florida
; age 68; cancer): Regarded as one of the finest catchers of the 1960s,
Battey batted .270 and hit 104 home runs during a 13-year career with the
Chicago White Sox, Washington Senators, and Minnesota Twins. In 1965, he
finished in the top 10 in the American League’s MVP voting, helping the Twins
to their first American League championship. He also finished in the top 10 in
MVP voting in 1960 and ’63 and earned four selections to the All-Star Game.
Known for his strong arm and ability to handle pitchers, he also won three Gold
Glove awards. As one of the most popular Twins players with his teammates,
Battey’s ability to speak Spanish helped him become friends with Latin-born
players like Tony Oliva. Battey also remained connected to the current-day game.
According to the Associated Press, Battey counseled Twins catcher A.J.
Pierzynski (now with the San Francisco Giants) several times during the 2003
season.
Bobby Bonds (Died on August 23 in
San Francisco
,
California; age 57; multiple cancers): Often compared to Willie Mays in his earliest major
league days, Bonds debuted for the San Francisco Giants in 1968. Taking his
place next to Mays in the Giants’ star-studded outfield, Bonds enjoyed a
notable major league debut, blasting a grand slam in his first game. The
following summer, Bonds played his first full season and led the National League
in runs scored… The
peak
of
Bonds
’ career occurred from 1969 to 1973, when he emerged as an All-Star player who
blended speed and power to unusual levels. He achieved his first two 30-30
seasons (home runs-stolen bases) during that span, and in 1973, set a record by
hitting 11 leadoff home runs, a mark that would not be broken until 1996…
After the 1974 season, the Giants engineered a controversial blockbuster trade,
sending Bonds to the New York Yankees for another star outfielder, Bobby Murcer.
Although most talent evaluators considered Bonds the superior player, Yankee
fans reacted with disgust to the trade, given the popularity of Murcer in Yankee
pinstripes. Moving on to a city with something other than open arms waiting for
him, Bonds played well in his lone season in
New York
. Bonds slugged .512 in his only season with the Yankees (while playing in the
pitcher’s haven of Shea Stadium), but he could never make people forget the
more popular Murcer and soon became a California Angel, in exchange for the
uncelebrated package of outfielder Mickey Rivers and pitcher Ed Figueroa. From
there, Bonds hurt his hand and bounced from club to club—from the Angels to
the Chicago White Sox to the Texas Rangers to the Cleveland Indians. Ever a
threat to hit 30 home runs and steal 30 bases (which he accomplished five times
during his career), the accomplished leadoff man remained productive but
enigmatic, never quite living up to the foreshadowing of superstardom and always
giving teams reasons to move him on to another destination… Given his constant
travels, the names of players traded for Bonds reads like a “who’s who” of
baseball notables in the 1970s. The list included Murcer, Rivers and Figueroa,
outfielders Claudell Washington, Brian Downing and Jerry Mumphrey, and pitchers
John Denny and Jim Kern… By 1980, Bonds had started to show significant
decline. Bonds struggled with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1980 and the Chicago
Cubs in 1981, bringing his career to a premature end… Still, Bonds achieved
numerous awards and statistical milestones. He won three Gold Gloves for his
fielding excellence in the outfield, a tribute to his range and powerful
throwing arm. He twice finished in
the top four in the voting for the National League’s Most Valuable Player
Award. Over one span of five consecutive years, he scored 100 or more runs each
year. He also earned selection to three All-Star games, winning MVP honors for
his performance in the 1973 Midsummer Classic… After retiring as a player,
Bonds became a coach with the Indians, working for them from 1984 to 1987. In
1993, he returned to the Giants’ organization, serving as both a batting
instructor and first base coach. His reunion with the Giants allowed him to
spend more time with his superstar son, Barry, who had joined
San Francisco
as a free agent in December of 1992. Since 1996, Bobby Bonds had served the
Giants as a special assistant to general manager Brian Sabean… Bonds’ last
public appearance occurred on Wednesday, August 20, when he visited
Pac
Bell
Park
. The visit allowed the elder Bonds, confined to a wheelchair, to watch his son
play in person for a final time.
Claude Passeau
(Died on August 30 in
Lucedale
,
Mississippi
; age 94; injuries related to a broken hip): A veteran
of 13 major league seasons, Passeau pitched a one-hit shutout for the Chicago
Cubs in the 1945 World Series. He also pitched for the Pittsburgh Pirates and
Philadelphia Phillies, winning a total of 162 career games. Passeau earned
selection to four National League All-Star teams.
Journeymen
Toby Atwell (Died on
January 25 in Purcellville, Virginia; age 78): A left-handed hitting catcher
with the Chicago Cubs, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Milwaukee Braves, Atwell broke
into the major leagues in 1952 by hitting an impressive .290 in 395 at-bats. He
never achieved such success again—or received as much playing time—during a
five-year career in the National League.
Sam Bowens (Died on
March 28 in
Wilmington
,
North Carolina
; age 64): An alumnus of the Negro Leagues, Bowens went on to play seven seasons
as an outfielder in the major leagues, all with the Baltimore Orioles. During a
two-year stint with the Nashville Elite Giants, famed
Baltimore
scout Jim Russo spotted him and signed him to a contract with the Orioles’
organization. After four years in the minor leagues, Bowens finally cracked
Baltimore
’s roster in 1963. He hit .333 in 48 at-bats, helping him earn a fulltime job
the following year. Bowens batted .263 with 22 home runs and 71 RBIs for the
O’s in 1964, but never again matched that level of success. A slow start in
1965 resulted in a demotion to the minor leagues. Even after subsequently
returning to the big leagues, Bowens failed to raise his batting average above
the .210 mark in any single season.
Ken Brett (Died on November
18 in
Spokane
,
Washington
; age 55; brain cancer): The brother of Hall of Famer George Brett, he
pitched 14 seasons in the major leagues and gained notoriety when he became the
youngest pitcher in World Series history. Drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 1966,
Ken Brett found himself in the middle of a pennant race, part of the
“Impossible Dream” season that saw the Red Sox earn a berth in the World
Series. He pitched one and a third scoreless innings of relief against the St.
Louis Cardinals, becoming the youngest World Series pitcher at 19 years and one
month. Brett later pitched for the Milwaukee Brewers, Philadelphia Phillies,
Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Yankees, and California Angels. In one of the
highlights of his career, Brett earned selection to the 1974 All-Star team as a
member of the Pirates. Fittingly, he picked up the win in the All-Star Game, as
the National League beat the American League in his home park,
Pittsburgh
’s Three Rivers Stadium. Brett’s
pitching was often overshadowed by his hitting; he batted .262 with 10 home runs
in 347 major league at-bats. Known for his affable, friendly nature, Brett later
enjoyed success as a color announcer with both the Angels broadcast team and the
ESPN network. In 1999, he attended his brother’s induction ceremony in
Cooperstown
,
New York
.
Ivan Calderon (Died on
December 27 in Loiza,
Puerto Rico
; age 41; shot to death): Calderon was killed while frequenting a bar in his
hometown of Loiza, shot multiple times in the head and the back by two gunmen.
According to police, Calderon was shot “execution style,” with robbery ruled
out as a realistic motive. At one time considered a star-in-the-making, Calderon
played 10 seasons in the major leagues, compiling a .272 career batting average
and 104 home runs. A native of
Puerto Rico
, he played for the Seattle Mariners, Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox, and
Montreal Expos, and was once traded for star outfielder Tim Raines.
Al Corwin (Died on October
23 in
Geneva
,
Illinois
; age 76): Corwin pitched in 117 major league games for the New
York Giants, posting a career record of 18-10 with a 3.98 ERA. In 1951, he went
5-1 with a 3.66 ERA in 59 innings, with his late-season pitching helping the
Giants catch the Brooklyn Dodgers and eventually capture the National League
pennant. Later that fall, he pitched one and two-thirds innings of relief
against the New York Yankees in Game Five of the World Series.
Joe
Decker (Died on March 2; age 55; head injuries suffered in a fall): A
right-handed pitcher whose career spanned most of the 1970s, Decker played nine
major league seasons, mostly with the Chicago Cubs and Minnesota Twins. He
reached his peak in 1974, when he won 16 games and posted a 3.29 ERA for
Minnesota
. He also enjoyed a 10-win season in 1973. His major league career came to an
end in 1979, after a nine-game stint with the Seattle Mariners.
Harry Eisenstat (Died on
March 21 in
Shaker Heights
,
OH
; age 87): Eisenstat had a losing record during a major league career that
spanned from 1935 to 1942, but he is best remembered for defeating Hall of Famer
Bob Feller in the final game of the 1938 season. Feller struck out 18 Detroit
Tigers that day, but Eisenstat pitched no-hit ball through seven innings on the
way to earning a 4-1 victory over Feller and the Cleveland Indians. Impressed by
his performance, the Indians acquired Eisenstat the following season, in
exchange for Hall of Fame outfielder Earl Averill. Eisenstat also pitched for
the Brooklyn Dodgers, his first major league team, during a career that saw him
post a win-loss record of 25-27.
Al Gionfriddo (Died on
March 14 in Solvang, California; age 81; collapsed while playing golf):
Gionfriddo played only three seasons in the major leagues, but he was more
famous than most journeymen players because of the dramatic catch he made
against Joe DiMaggio in the 1947 World Series. Playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers
as a late-inning defensive replacement, Gionfriddo flagged down a 415-foot drive
to left field at Yankee Stadium, robbing DiMaggio of an extra-base hit and
preserving an 8-6 win for the “Bums” in Game Six of the Series.
Gionfriddo’s remarkable catch inspired one of the most memorable play-by-play
calls in baseball history, as delivered by Dodgers radio broadcaster Red Barber.
“Here’s the pitch,” Barber described to his listening audience. “Swung
on, belted. It’s a long one deep to the left center. Back goes Gionfriddo.
Back, back, back, back, back, back. He makes a one-handed catch against the
bullpen. Oh, doctor.” Although Gionfriddo’s miraculous grab saved Game Six
and infuriated DiMaggio (who kicked at the ground near second base), the Dodgers
went on to lose the Series. Still, Gionfriddo remained famous for making one of
the most acrobatic catches in postseason history, a play that is still talked
about with the same kind of reverence used to describe World Series catches by
Sandy Amoros and Joe Rudi. The sixth game of the ‘47 World Series also marked
the end of Gionfriddo’s playing days, as he never again played in a major
league game. Gionfriddo, who sat on the bench all of Game Seven, was then sent
back to the minor leagues during the spring of 1948… Gionfriddo spent his
first two big league seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates, before joining the
Dodgers in 1947. At 5’6”, Gionfriddo had tremendous range in the outfield,
but little power at the plate, finishing his career with only two home runs in
580 at-bats. He batted only .266 lifetime, but did boast a career on-base
percentage of .366.
Johnny “Hippity” Hopp
(Died on June 1 in
Scottsbluff
,
Nebraska
; age 86): A .296 career hitter, Hopp participated in five World Series during a
notable major league career. After making his debut with the St. Louis Cardinals
in 1939, the young outfielder went on to play for three National League pennant
winners in
St. Louis
. Well-liked by fans and teammates, Hopp was voted the Cardinals’ most popular
player in 1941. Three years later, he put together his most productive big
league season, batting .336 with 11 home runs and 72 RBIs for the wartime
Cardinals. Hopp remained with the Redbirds until 1946, when he was traded to the
Boston Braves. He later played with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Detroit Tigers
before moving on to the New York Yankees. With the Yankees, Hopp won World
Series rings in 1950 and ’51, as part of New York’s uninterrupted four-year
run as World Champions. After his playing days, Hopp served as a coach with both
the Cardinals and the Tigers before retiring completely from baseball in 1957.
Art Houtteman (Died on May 6 in Rochester Hills, Michigan; age 75;
heart attack): A veteran of 12 years in the major leagues with the Detroit
Tigers, Cleveland Indians, and Baltimore Orioles, Houtteman once won 19 games
and earned selection to the American League All-Star team. A product of Detroit
Catholic Central, Houtteman bypassed the minor leagues and made his major league
debut as a 17-year-old with the Tigers in 1945. He enjoyed his best season in
1950, when he went 19-12 for the Tigers with a 3.54 ERA and earned a berth in
the All-Star Game. The following year, he was drafted into the Army and didn’t
return to the Tigers until 1952. In 1953, the Tigers traded him to the Indians,
for whom he appeared in the World Series a year later. As part of a rotation
that featured Early Wynn, Bob Lemon, Bob Feller and Mike Garcia, Houtteman
forged a record of 15-7. In one of the highlights of his career, Houtteman
pitched no-hit ball for eight and two thirds innings, but Harry “Suitcase”
Simpson came up to bat and broke up the right-hander’s attempt at baseball
immortality. Finishing his major league tenure with a record of 87-91 and ERA of
4.14, Houtteman ended his major league career with the Baltimore Orioles in
1957, though he played minor league baseball in
Vancouver
for two more seasons. In one of his final public appearances, Houtteman joined
other Tigers greats for the final major league game at Tiger Stadium in 1999.
Spider Jorgensen (Died on
November 6 in
Rancho Cucamonga
,
California
; age 84): Primarily a third baseman during
his five-year major league career, Jorgensen
debuted for the Brooklyn Dodgers on the same day that teammate Jackie Robinson
broke baseball's color barrier. He enjoyed his best year in his rookie season of
1947, batting .274 with five home runs and 67 RBIs. Later that year, he appeared
in the World Series against the New York Yankees, marking the first of two
appearances in the Fall Classic. After his playing days, Jorgensen worked as an
American Legion coach. Most recently, he served as a scout for the Chicago Cubs,
a position that he held for 22 years.
Johnny Klippstein (Died
on October 10 in
Chicago
,
Illinois
; age 75; prostate cancer): Klippstein posted a record of 110-118 as a durable
right-handed starting pitcher during the 1950s and sixties. A well-liked veteran
of 18 major league seasons, Klippstein debuted with the Chicago Cubs in 1950. He
eventually appeared in two World Series, once with the Los Angeles Dodgers in
1959 and later with the Minnesota Twins in 1965. Klippstein, who was married to
the niece of former major league pitcher Dutch Leonard, passed away while
listening to Game Three of the National League Championship Series between the
Cubs and the Florida Marlins.
Don Landrum (Died on
January 9; age 66): Landrum, a journeyman outfielder who played five seasons for
the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs, and San Francisco Giants, was best
remembered for being part of a major four-player trade in the mid-1960s. After
the 1965 season, the Cubs dealt Landrum and relief ace Lindy McDaniel to the San
Francisco Giants for catcher Randy Hundley and pitcher Bill Hands.
Mickey McDermott (Died
on August 7; age 74; colon cancer): A once-promising left-hander who never quite
fulfilled the predictions of some scouts, McDermott forged a journeyman career
with the Boston Red Sox, Washington Senators, New York Yankees, Kansas City
Athletics, Detroit Tigers, and St. Louis Cardinals. An injury to his pitching
elbow, combined with excessive drinking, contributed to McDermott’s struggles
in the major leagues. In one of the highlights of his career, McDermott pitched
two one-hitters for the Red Sox in the 1940s and '50s. McDermott, who finished
his career with a record of 69-69 in 12 seasons, recently issued an
autobiography entitled A Funny Thing
Happened On The Way To
Cooperstown
.
Dutch Meyer (Died on
January 19; age 87): A six-year veteran of the major leagues, Meyer played
second base for the Chicago Cubs, Detroit Tigers, and Cleveland Indians. He
enjoyed his best full season in 1945, when he hit .292 with seven home runs for
Cleveland
.
Joe Ostrowski (Died on January 3; age 86): The
former St. Louis Browns’ left-hander pitched for five seasons in the
major leagues, including a stint with the New York Yankees. Nicknamed
“Specs” and “Professor,” Ostrowski hurled two scoreless innings in the
1951 World Series, as the Yankees claimed the World Championship.
Rusty
Peters (Died on February 21; age 82): The good-field, no-hit Peters played
10 seasons in the major leagues, mostly as a utility infielder. He enjoyed his
best offensive season in his final year (1947), batting .340 in 47 at-bats.
Curiously, Peters never played in the majors again, finishing his career with
four seasons in the American Association.
Billy Rogell (Died on
August 9 in
Sterling Heights
,
Michigan
; age 98; pneumonia): A pugnacious 14-year veteran shortstop who played for the
Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, and Detroit Tigers, Rogell was involved in one of
the most famous plays in baseball history. The incident occurred in Game Four of
the 1934 World Series, as Rogell’s Tigers and Dizzy Dean’s St. Louis
Cardinals battled for baseball supremacy. Having entered the game as a
pinch-runner, Dean ran toward second on a ground ball to
Detroit
’s Charlie Gehringer. The Hall of Fame second baseman threw to Rogell, who was
playing despite a fractured ankle, for the forceout at second. Trying for the
double play, Rogell threw to first, only to hit Dean in the head, knocking him
unconscious. In spite of the injury, the Cardinals went on to win the Series in
seven games. That was a disappointing finish to a season that had seen Rogell
drive in 100 runs despite hitting a mere three home runs. The following year,
Rogell and the Tigers returned to the Fall Classic, this time beating the
Chicago Cubs in five games. Rogell played a key role, hitting a solid .292
against
Chicago
pitching… Following his playing days, Rogell served as a
Detroit
council member, a position that he held for nearly 40 years… On
September 27, 1999
, the Tigers honored Rogell by asking him to throw out the ceremonial first
pitch before the final game in the history of Tiger Stadium.
Johnny Welaj (Died on
September 13 in
Arlington
,
Texas
; age 89; long illness): A 63-year veteran of professional baseball, Welaj
worked in almost area of the game—as a player, manager, and executive. The
outfielder began his major league career in 1939, when he debuted with the
Washington Senators. After three years with the Senators, he closed out his
playing career with the
Philadelphia
A’s, finishing with four home runs and a .250 batting average in 793 at-bats.
In 1954, Welaj began managing in the minor leagues before joining the front
office of the Washington Senators in 1957. Working in sales and promotions, he
began an association that would last for 43 years with the Senators-Texas
Rangers franchise.
Dick Whitman (Died on
February 12; age 82; massive heart attack): A veteran of two World Series and
six seasons, Whitman played primarily as a backup outfielder and pinch-hitter
for the Brooklyn Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies. He reached the Series in
1949 with the Dodgers and in 1950 with the Phillies, but his teams lost both
Series to the New York Yankees. As part of the “Whiz Kids” in 1950, Whitman
led the National League with 12 pinch-hits in 39 at-bats, giving him a batting
average of .308 in such off-the-bench situations. Whitman also spent time as a
minor league teammate of Roberto Clemente during a later stint with the Montreal
Royals.
Chris Zachary (Died on
April 19 in
Knoxville
,
Tennessee
; age 59; cancer): A onetime member of the Houston Colt .45s, Zachary also
pitched for the Kansas City Royals (during their inaugural 1969 season), St.
Louis Cardinals, Detroit Tigers, and Pittsburgh Pirates. In 1970, the Cardinals
acquired Zachary for submarining right-hander Ted Abernathy, one of the
better-known firemen of the 1960s. Zachary’s only sustained success came with
the Tigers; in 1972, he helped the Tigers win the American League East by
posting a 1.41 ERA in 25 games, mostly in middle relief. He finished his career
with a record of 10-29.
The Negro Leagues
Leroy “Red Bass (Died on May 7 in El Paso, Texas;
age 85): A veteran of the Negro Leagues from 1938 to 1941, Bass served as the
backup catcher for the Homestead Grays during his final season. His professional
career was cut short by World War II. Drafted into the service, Bass served in
the Army for 27 years, eventually earning a promotion to colonel.
Sherwood Brewer (Died on April 23 in
Chicago
,
Illinois
; age 79; cancer): A journeyman second baseman in the Negro Leagues, Brewer
developed an interest in baseball because of his uncle, who raised him after the
passing of the youngster’s father. Brewer was just 11 months old at the time
of his father’s death. During a stint in the army, Brewer’s playing skills
started to garner the attention of scouts, particularly those in the Negro
Leagues. After signing a pro contract, Brewer’s playing career included tours
with the Seattle Steelheads, Harlem Globetrotters, New York Cubans, and the
Indianapolis Clowns. He also played briefly in minor league baseball before
returning to the Negro Leagues with the Kansas City Monarchs, for whom he later
served as manager. In one of the highlights of his career, Brewer appeared in
the 1950 East-West All-Star Game. After his playing days, Brewer remained active
in championing the cause of black players. In 1996, Brewer helped organize the
Yesterday’s Negro League Baseball Players Foundation.
Josh Gibson Jr. (Died on September 10 in
Homewood
,
Pennsylvania
; age 73): Although best known as the son of Hall of Fame catcher Josh Gibson,
the younger Gibson also played in the Negro Leagues. Gibson Jr. became
interested in a career in professional baseball while serving as a batboy for
one of his father’s teams, the Pittsburgh Crawfords. Despite the protestations
of the elder Gibson, who did not want his son to face the same kind of racial
prejudice that he had endured in the Negro Leagues, the younger Gibson pursued
his dream and played for the Homestead Grays in 1949 and ’50. Unfortunately,
Gibson Jr.’s career was cut short by an ankle injury, which he suffered while
sliding into a base. After his playing days, Gibson formed the Josh Gibson
Foundation as a way of honoring his father and providing youngsters with a
chance to play youth baseball. In one of his last public appearances earlier
this season, Gibson Jr. traveled to
PNC
Park
in
Pittsburgh
, the home park of the Pirates, to take part in a ceremony honoring players from
the Negro Leagues.
Stokes Hendrix (Died on February 5; age 89): Hendrix
pitched briefly in the Negro Leagues, toiling for the Nashville Elites in 1934.
Cowan
“Bubba” Hyde (Died on
November 20 in
St. Louis
,
Missouri
; age 95; brief illness): Regarded as one of the speediest outfielders in
the Negro Leagues, Hyde enjoyed a long professional career that spanned from
1927 to 1953. In 1950, Hyde attended a tryout camp for the Boston Braves, but
had to discontinue the tryout in order to be with his wife for the birth of
their child. Remaining in top-flight condition in his later years, Hyde
reportedly played in exhibition games while in his eighties.
Max Manning (Died on June 23 in
Pleasantville
,
New Jersey
; age 84; lengthy illness): Nicknamed “Dr. Cyclops” because of his unusually thick
eyeglasses, Manning enjoyed a solid career as a side-arming pitcher in the Negro
Leagues in the late 1930s and 1940s. He was once offered a tryout by the Detroit
Tigers in 1937, only to have the offer rescinded when the Tigers discovered that
he was black. A tall right-hander with a deceiving delivery, Manning pitched for
the Johnson Stars and Newark Eagles, barnstormed with Satchel Paige’s
All-Stars, and served in the
U.S.
military during World War II. In 1946, Manning pitched the final game of the
black World Series, helping the Eagles to a 3-2 victory over the Monarchs for
the championship. After his playing days, which were short-circuited by arm
troubles, Manning worked for nearly 30 years as a popular sixth-grade teacher in
Pleasantville.
Ira Lee Mobley Sr. (Died
on November 30 in
Ocean Springs
,
Mississippi
; age 78): The versatile Mobley played for the Kansas City Monarchs of the
Negro Leagues in 1954, putting in appearances as a shortstop, second baseman,
and outfielder. A standout collegiate player, Mobley was inducted into the
Southern University Hall of Fame in 1991.
John Ritchey (Died on January 14; age 80): A onetime
batting champion in the Negro Leagues, Ritchey starred for the Chicago American
Giants before embarking on a seven-year stint in the Pacific Coast League. In
1947, the hard-hitting catcher led the Negro American League with a .381 batting
mark. He moved on to the PCL the following season.
J.B.
Spencer (Died on May 17 in Gretna,
Louisiana; age 83): A veteran of every position except pitcher, the versatile
Spencer played in three Negro Leagues championships during his career, winning
titles with the Homestead Grays in 1943 and ’44, and another championship with
the Birmingham Black Barons in 1945. Prior to spending five seasons in the minor
leagues, Spencer also played for several other black ball teams, including the
Baltimore Elite Giants, Harlem Globetrotters, New York Black Yankees, Pittsburgh
Crawfords, and Seattle Steelheads.
The Fourth Estate
Ken Coleman (Died on August 21 in
Plymouth
,
Massachusetts
; age 78; bacterial meningitis): A longtime broadcaster and colorful
storyteller, Coleman worked the Boston Red Sox broadcasting booth for 20 years
over two separate stints. The deep-voiced Coleman broadcast some of the hallmark
moments in Red Sox’ history, including Boston’s 1967 “Impossible Dream”
pennant-clincher, Carl Yastrzemski’s 3,000th hit, and Dave
Henderson’s dramatic home run in Game Five of the 1986 American League
Championship Series. Though best known for his associations with the Red Sox,
Coleman also broadcast for the Cincinnati Reds and the Cleveland Browns of the
NFL. Noted for his sense of humor and ability to tell stories, Coleman also
write five books during his career. The likeable Coleman was also actively
involved in the fight against cancer, often donating his time and efforts to the
Jimmy Fund at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Earl Gillespie (Died on December 12 in
Milwaukee
,
Wisconsin
; age 81; respiratory failure): Gillespie was the voice of the Milwaukee Braves
throughout the 1950s and early 1960s, serving as the team’s lead play-by-play
broadcaster on radio. He announced Braves games during the team’s World Series
seasons of 1957 and ’58. Known for his “Holy Cow” exclamations, Gillespie
was named Wisconsin Sportscaster of the Year eight times.
John Raymond Gora (Died
on October 7 in Danville, Illinois; age 91; complications from a stroke): An
award-winning photographer, Gora captured one of the most memorable pictures in
baseball history—a still shot of Chicago White Sox outfielder Al Smith being
showered with a cup of beer while trying to catch a home run ball in Game Two of
the 1959 World Series. At the time a photographer for the Chicago
Tribune, Gora had begun his career in 1927 as a copy boy for the Chicago
Herald-News. He joined the staff of the Tribune
in 1942, remaining there until his retirement in 1977.
Jim Hamilton (Died on May 4 in
Oneonta
,
New York
; age 75): A longtime baseball columnist and newsroom employee for the Oneonta
Daily Star,
Hamilton
continued to write for the newspaper up until a few weeks before his death.
Hamilton
, whose baseball column appeared each Saturday during the season, was respected
for his encyclopedic knowledge of the game’s history. Prior to his career in
writing,
Hamilton
served in the U.S. Army during World War II.
Sean Kimerling (Died on September 9 in
Manhattan
,
New York
; age 37; complications from testicular cancer): A roving reporter on New York
Mets home games, Kimerling worked as a sportscaster for WPIX-TV, the Mets’
non-cable flagship station. Kimerling died at
Memorial
Sloan-Kettering
Cancer
Center
, where he was being treated for testicular cancer. In his honor, the Mets held
a moment of silence prior to their game against the Florida Marlins on September
9… Considered a truly nice guy in an industry known for its inflated egos and
frequent confrontation, the gentlemanly Kimerling started his broadcasting
career with television stations in
Texas
and
Oklahoma
before joining the WPIX staff as a weekend sports anchor in 1997. In 2002, he
received a first-place award for best sports coverage from the New York State
Associated Press Broadcasters Association.
Leonard Koppett (Died on June 22 in
San Francisco
,
California
; age 79; heart attack): A highly respected writer who had covered baseball
since the 1940s and had authored a total of 15 books, Koppett received the Hall
of Fame’s prestigious J.G.Taylor Spink Award in 1992. After graduating from
Columbia
University
in 1944, Koppett went to work for the New
York Herald Tribune and New York Post,
before deciding to relocate to the West Coast as a correspondent for the New York Times. A fixture at A’s and Giants games for three
decades, Koppett wrote for the Peninsula
Times Tribune, among other newspapers in the Bay Area. Koppett also served
as a columnist for the weekly periodical, The
Sporting News, from 1965 to 1984… In his columns, Koppett combined a
traditional love of baseball with an open-minded, analytical approach to the
game. As one of the first established writers to embrace Sabermetrics, Koppett
often referred to statistics not contained in basic box scores… Koppett’s
knowledge of the game and its history helped him land a position as a voting
member on the Hall of Fame’s Veterans Committee, on which he served from 1996
until his death. He provided the Committee with valuable counsel on a wide range
of prospective Hall of Famers, from Negro Leaguers to 19th century
greats.
Sam Lacy (Died on May 8 in
Baltimore
,
Maryland
; age 99; esophageal disorder): One of the most respected figures in the
sportswriting industry, Lacy was the first African-American to become a member
of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. The venerable Lacy received
the Hall of Fame’s J.G. Taylor Spink Award for writing excellence in 1998 and
served as the sports editor of The
Baltimore Afro-American newspaper beginning in 1944. Lacy worked for the
paper right up until his death, submitting his final article from his hospital
bed. The article appeared in the Friday edition of the Afro-American,
one day after Lacy’s passing… A graduate of
Howard
University
, Lacy was regarded as a pioneering writer, in large part because of his efforts
to gain recognition for Negro Leagues players. During the 1930s, Lacy solicited
the help of other writers in promoting the professional black leagues that had
been founded by Rube Foster. Lacy also urged Washington Senators owner Clark
Griffith, whose teams struggled on a perennial basis, to break the major league
color barrier and consider signing black players. Lacy later championed the
cause of Jackie Robinson, chronicling for his newspaper the story of the first
African-American player in 20th century major league history. Much
like Robinson, Lacy found himself subjected to racially charged verbal abuse in
the press box, both from fans and fellow sportswriters.
Earl Lawson (Died on January 14; age 79; cancer):
The winner of the Hall of Fame’s J.G. Taylor Spink Award (given to an
outstanding baseball writer) in 1986, Lawson covered the Cincinnati Reds for 34
seasons. He first became a fulltime baseball writer for the Cincinnati Times-Star in 1951, before joining the Cincinnati
Post in 1958. Known for holding strong opinions and featuring a tough,
old-school approach, Lawson worked at the Post
until retiring in 1984.
Allen Lewis (Died on September 14 in
Clearwater
,
Florida
; age 86; long illness): A longtime sportswriter who covered
Philadelphia
area baseball, Lewis was well respected for his knowledge of the game and its
history. From 1946 to 1972, Lewis covered the Phillies as a beat writer for the
Philadelphia Inquirer. In 1981, he earned the Hall of Fame’s J.G. Taylor Spink
Award for outstanding contributions to baseball writing. Lewis also served on
the Hall’s Veterans Committee from 1979 to 2001. He became the third member of
the 2001Veterans Committee to die this year, along with writer Leonard Koppett
and broadcaster Ken Coleman.
Vince Lloyd (Died on July 3 in
Green Valley
,
Arizona
; age 86; stomach cancer): A longtime broadcaster who worked Chicago Cubs games
for 38 years, Lloyd teamed with legendary announcers like Jack Brickhouse and
Lou Boudreau during his tenure in the
Windy
City
. As a broadcaster for WGN-TV and WGN Radio, Lloyd was often overshadowed by
more well-known names in the Cubs’ booth. In the early years of televised Cubs
games, Lloyd teamed with Brickhouse, one of the most popular broadcasters in
Chicago
’s history. He later worked with Boudreau, a Hall of Famer, as the radio voice
of the Cubs for 23 years. In one of his most notable achievements, Lloyd became
the first sportscaster to conduct a live interview with a sitting president at
an Opening Day game. In 1961, Lloyd interviewed President John F. Kennedy before
he threw out the first pitch of the season at
Washington
’s traditional presidential opener… In tribute to Lloyd’s memory, the Cubs
observed a moment of silence at Wrigley Field before their Fourth of July game
against the rival St. Louis Cardinals.
Bill Merrill (Died on March 29 in Arlington, Texas;
age 79): A veteran of World War II, Merrill worked as a broadcaster for the
Texas Rangers from 1974 to 1981, performing both play-by-play and color
commentary for the club. One of Merrill’s career highlights occurred on
September 22, 1977
, when he broadcast Bert Blyleven’s 6-0 no-hitter against the California
Angels.
George Plimpton (Died on September 25 in
New York City
; age 76; heart attack): Although best known for Paper
Lion, the book that detailed his adventures practicing with the National
Football League’s Detroit Lions in 1963, the respected intellectual author
also made several ventures into the baseball world. In 1959, Plimpton used his
method of “participatory journalism” and pitched in an exhibition game
featuring both American and National League All-Stars. While Plimpton failed to
last an inning, he did retire future Hall of Famer Willie Mays, at the time a
star with the San Francisco Giants, on a harmless pop-up. Plimpton then wrote
about the experience in a 1961 book called Out
of My League, which Ernest Hemingway described as “beautifully observed
and incredible conceived.” In 1985, Plimpton wrote a fictitious article for Sports
Illustrated about a top-notch New York Mets pitching prospect named Sidd
Finch, whom he described as having a 168 mile-per-hour fastball. Plimpton wrote
the April Fool’s Day article in such a believable style that more than a few
readers, including some diehard Mets fans, regarded Finch as a real prospect,
only to learn later that Plimpton had perpetrated one of the greatest hoaxes in
baseball’s literary history. And then on
June 6, 2001
, Plimpton appeared as the keynote speaker at the annual Cooperstown Baseball
Symposium, held at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, where he
regaled listeners with a variety of stories from his eclectic career… As a
writer, Plimpton served as the unpaid editor for The
Paris Review, a quarterly magazine that served as a launching vehicle for
several up-and-coming authors, including Jack Kerouac and Philip Roth. The
versatile Plimpton also made his mark in
Hollywood
, appearing in several films, including the critically acclaimed Good
Will Hunting (1997), along with LA
Story (1991) and Reds (1981).
John Royster (Died on June 29; age 42; heart
attack): Formerly a senior editor at Baseball
America, Royster died suddenly of cardiac arrest after participating in an
adult softball league game. Royster had worked at Baseball America for 14 years, before deciding to leave the
well-respected periodical last year. Royster was highly regarded for his
knowledge of baseball, his writing skills, and his attention to detail.
Bill Thompson (Died on May 17; age 79; complications
from surgery): Formerly a radio announcer for the San Francisco Giants, Thompson
worked with several famous broadcast partners, including Russ Hodges and Lon
Simmons. Thompson’s tenure with the Giants lasted from 1965 to 1975.
The Brass
Dick Bogard (Died on August
29 in
Southern California
; age 66; cancer): Formerly a minor league player, Bogard was working as the
Texas Rangers’ special assistant for scouting operations at the time of his
death. He had previously served as the
Oakland
A’s’ director of scouting from 1984 to 1994. During his tenure as
Oakland
’s head of scouting, the A’s drafted and signed such players as Jason Giambi,
Ben Grieve, and Walt Weiss. After wrapping up his playing career in 1962, Bogard
became an area scout and minor league manager in the Houston Astros’
organization. He later joined the Milwaukee Brewers as an area scout and also
worked for Major League Baseball’s Scouting Bureau as a national crosschecker.
Bobby Bragan Jr. (Died on
February 7; age 59; effects of a heart attack): The son of the former major
league catcher and manager, the younger Bragan had worked extensively in the
minor leagues as the general manager of the Jacksonville Suns and owner of the
Elmira Pioneers. Prior to his front office career, Bragan played two seasons in
the minor leagues, playing for franchises in the
Florida
State
and
Carolina
leagues.
Dick Butler (Died on December 20 in
Fort Worth
,
Texas
; age 92): A veteran of 49 years as a major and minor league executive,
Butler
worked as an assistant to Commissioner Happy Chandler and later as a special
assistant to American League President Bobby Brown.
Butler
also served as the supervisor of
AL
umpires.
Joe Buzas (Died on March 19
in
Salt Lake City
,
UT
; age 87; long illness): A former major league player and minor league owner,
Buzas was the New York Yankees’ Opening Day shortstop in 1945. A shoulder
injury cut short his career, limiting him to 30 major league games. Buzas
remained active in baseball, becoming a manager in
Puerto Rico
before making the transition to ownership. He purchased his first minor league
franchise in 1956, buying the Allentown Red Sox for $25,000 and eventually
moving the team to
Bristol
,
Connecticut
. In 1983, Buzas moved the franchise to
New Britain
and watched the club claim the Eastern League championship while showcasing a
young pitcher named Roger Clemens. Buzas also owned the Pacific Coast League’s
Salt Lake Stingers, who led the league in attendance during Buzas’ first six
years of operation. The
Salt
Lake
and
New Britain
franchises were just two of about 60 minor league teams that Buzas operated at
one time or another.
Joan Kroc (Died on October 12
in
San Diego
; age 75; brain cancer): Kroc became the owner of the San Diego Padres after the
death of her husband, Ray, in 1984. (Mr. Kroc had purchased the Padres in 1974,
thus preventing the team from moving to Washington.) Mrs. Kroc remained owner of
the franchise until 1990, when she decided to sell the team in order to spend
more time with her family. Noted for her philanthropic efforts, Kroc contributed
time and money to a number of causes, including health care, cancer research,
and the fight against AIDS.
Paul Owens (Died on December
26 in
Woodbury
,
New Jersey
; age 79; lengthy illness): Nicknamed “The Pope” because of his physical
resemblance to Pope Paul VI, Owens gained his greatest fame as general manager
of the 1980 World Champion Philadelphia Phillies. During a 48-year career with
the Phillies’ organization, Owens served in almost every capacity—including
minor league player, scout, farm system director, general manager, and both
minor league and major league manager. The prime of his career occurred in the
late seventies and early eighties, when the Phillies, under his leadership as
general manager, captured four division titles, a National League pennant, and
the only World Championship in the franchise’s history. Owens began his
professional career as a first baseman in the St. Louis Cardinals’ system in
1951. During his minor league career, he won three batting titles and compiled a
.374 average. In 1955, he joined the Phillies’ organization as a
player-manager in
Olean
,
New York
. Two years later, he won the PONY League batting title with a .407 average.
Jack Rogers (Died on January
25; age 87): The traveling secretary for the Boston Red Sox from 1969 to 1991,
Rogers made travel arrangements for the team’s players, coaches, and their
families. Prior to joining the Red Sox,
Rogers
worked in public relations for the Boston Braves. During World War II,
Rogers
served as a Navy pilot aboard an aircraft carrier.
Steve Shilling (Died on May 7
in
Medford
,
New Jersey
; age 44; cancer): Shilling was the owner of the Camden Riversharks, a team in
the independent Atlantic League. After playing a major role in the building of
the team’s 6500-seat Campbell Field, Shilling oversaw the team’s improvement
from also-ran expansion club to perennial playoff team.
Haywood Sullivan (Died on
February 12; age 72; effects of a stroke): A controversial figure in the city of
Boston
, the multi-talented Sullivan worked at most every level of baseball, starting
out his career as a player before becoming a manager and then an owner. A
catcher throughout his playing days, Sullivan made his major league debut in
1955, when he was called up to the Boston Red Sox. He remained with the Red Sox
intermittently through 1960, before joining the Kansas City Athletics. Within
two years after his catching days ended, Sullivan became the A’s manager. He
lasted part of one season (1965)—forging a record of 54-82—before rejoining
the Red Sox organization as director of player personnel. A few years after the
death of Tom Yawkey, Sullivan became a part owner of the Red Sox, along with
Jean Yawkey and Buddy LeRoux. Filling the dual role of owner and general
manager, Sullivan drew the ire of Red Sox fans when he failed to mail a contract
offer—as mandated by a deadline—to the team’s star catcher, Carlton Fisk.
The missed deadline allowed Fisk to become a free agent under a technicality,
resulting in his departure to the Chicago White Sox. Two years later, Sullivan
saw his tenure as general manager come to an end when LeRoux became sole owner
and then fired him as general manager, a move that Sullivan contested in court.
Sullivan also drew media criticism, specifically cries of nepotism, after the
Red Sox drafted and signed his son, Marc, eventually bringing him up to the
major league roster despite mediocre accomplishments as a minor leaguer.
Carlisle
Tippit (Died on June 8; age 83 in
Chagrin Falls
,
Ohio
; kidney failure): Tippit was a part owner of the Cleveland Indians from 1972 to
1986. A successful businessman in the field of water treatment chemicals, he
also served as the Indians’ chairman of the board for 18 months. An avid fan
of the game, Tippit was listening to a game between the Indians and the Arizona
Diamondbacks at the time of his death.
Charlotte
Witkind (Died on May 18 in
Columbus
,
Ohio
; age 83): A limited partner for the New York Yankees
since George Steinbrenner initially purchased the team in 1973, Witkind was a
passionate fan of the game known for her ability to memorize statistics. Witkind
first met Steinbrenner at an inauguration party for Ohio Gov. John Gilligan in
1973, when “The Boss” was looking for investors to help him with his
proposed purchase of the Yankees. Witkind and her husband, Richard, became
limited partners in the team's ownership. Witkind’s husband remains a
part-owner of the franchise.
Scouts
Emil Belich (Died on
September 3 in
Milwaukee
,
Wisconsin
; age 83; prostate cancer): A longtime scout for the Milwaukee Brewers, Belich
signed two of the team’s cornerstones of the late 1970s and early 1980s, Paul
Molitor and Jim Gantner. Belich joined the Milwaukee Braves as a scout and
batting practice pitcher in 1953 and then worked for the Philadelphia Phillies
before returning to
Milwaukee
as a scout with the Brewers in 1971. He remained with the Brewers until the
mid-1980s, allowing him to watch Gantner and Molitor contribute to the team’s
1982 American League pennant. Belich then worked for Major League Baseball’s
scouting bureau before rejoining the Phillies’ organization in 1991.
Jack Hays (Died on January
30; age 48; leukemia): At the time of his death, Hays worked as a western
regional scout for the Detroit Tigers. He had previously coached and played in
the minor leagues.
Frank McCormack (Died on
October 9 in
Bakersfield
,
California
; age 84): A onetime scout for the New York Yankees, McCormack also worked as a
trainer in the minor leagues. In addition to his professional association with
the game, he was a passionate fan of the Brooklyn Dodgers and a longtime member
of the Society for American Baseball Research. McCormack wrote a regular trivia
column for a Dodgers’ fan newsletter.
Harry Smith (Died on January
3; age 75): Smith was a part-time scout for the Los Angeles Dodgers and
Baltimore Orioles for 18 years before finally landing a fulltime job with the
Milwaukee Brewers in 1978. After a 14-year tenure with the Brewers, Smith also
worked for the California Angels and Boston Red Sox before retiring in the year
2000. Smith’s son, Chris Smith, played three seasons in the major leagues in
the early 1980s.
Cups of Coffee
Ed Albosta (Died on January 6; age 84): Nicknamed
“Rube,” Albosta pitched two seasons in the major leagues sandwiched around
the World War II years. He debuted in 1941 with the Brooklyn Dodgers and then
wrapped up his career with a 17-game stint for the Pirates in 1946. Albosta lost
all eight of his major league decisions.
Charles
Aleno (Died on February 10 in
Deland
,
Florida
; age 85): A versatile infielder-outfielder, Aleno
played four seasons for the Cincinnati Reds during the World War II years. In
320 at-bats, the light-hitting Aleno batted only .209 with two home runs and 34
RBIs. He played all four infield positions, along with the outfield, during a
span of 118 games.
Red
Barbary
(Died on September 27 in
Simpsonville
,
South Carolina
; age 83):
Barbary
accrued only one at-bat in his major league career, appearing briefly for the
Washington Senators in 1943. Formerly a star in
South Carolina
’s textile leagues,
Barbary
was considered an excellent catching prospect while with the Charlotte Hornets
of the Piedmont League. In 1991, he won election to the Greater Greenville
Baseball Hall of Fame.
Ralph Beard (Died on February 10 in
West Palm Beach
,
Florida
; age 73): This right-hander pitched one season in the major leagues, losing all
four of his decisions in 1954. In 13 games and 58 innings for the St. Louis
Cardinals, Beard forged an ERA of 3.72.
Jack Bruner (Died on June 24 in
Lincoln
,
Nebraska
; age 88): A left-handed pitcher, Bruner hurled parts of two seasons for the
Chicago White Sox and St. Louis Browns. After splitting the 1950 season with
Chicago
and
St. Louis
, he returned to the minor leagues for the rest of his playing career.
Eddie Chandler (Died on July 6 in
Las Vegas
,
Nevada
; age 81): A member of the Brooklyn Dodgers,
Chandler
pitched in only one season, coinciding with Jackie Robinson’s major league
debut in 1947. In 15 games, the right-handed
Chandler
posted an ERA of 6.37 and lost his only decision.
George “Slick” Coffman (Died on May 8 in
Birmingham
,
Alabama
; age 92): A veteran of four major league seasons, Coffman pitched for the
Detroit Tigers from 1937-39 before concluding his career in 1940 with the St.
Louis Browns. The brother of major leaguer Dick Coffman, “Slick” won 15 of
27 decisions despite an ERA of 5.60. After a respectable rookie season, Coffman
posted ERA’s of over 6.00 for three consecutive seasons.
Alta Cohen (Died on March 11; age 94): Nicknamed
“Schoolboy,” Cohen was one of the oldest living alumni of the Brooklyn
Dodgers. After earning Triple-A all-star status with the Toledo Mud Hens, the
left-handed hitting outfielder made his major league debut for the Dodgers in
1931, picking up two hits in three at-bats. Cohen played nine more games for
Brooklyn
the following season, before wrapping up his career in 1933 with the
Philadelphia Phillies.
Dave DeBusschere (Died on May 14 in
New York
,
New York
; age 62; massive heart attack): Best known as a Hall of Fame basketball player
and contributor to two NBA championships with the New York Knicks, DeBusschere
also pitched for two seasons in the major leagues with the Chicago White Sox. In
1962, he signed a $75,000 bonus contract with the White Sox, while also becoming
a draft choice of the NBA’s Detroit Pistons. During parts of two seasons with
the White Sox, he posted a record of 3-4 and a solid 2.90 ERA in 36 games, but
then decided to concentrate on basketball, where he excelled, especially as a
defensive player. During a diverse career, DeBusschere played and coached for
the Pistons, worked as the general manager of both the New York Nets and Knicks,
and served as the last commissioner in the history of the old American
Basketball Association.
Charlie Devens (Died on August 13 in
Milton
,
Pennsylvania
; age 93): Reported to be the last living member of the New York Yankees from
Babe Ruth’s final World Championship team in 1932, Devens signed with the
Pinstripers for a bonus of $5,000. Highly touted by manager Joe McCarthy, Devens
pitched in only one regular season game in 1932—a complete-game victory.
Devens was also on the Yankee bench during the 1932 World Series, when Babe Ruth
hit his alleged “called shot” home run against Cubs pitcher Charlie Root.
Devens also pitched for the Yankees in 1933 and ’34, but reportedly left
baseball because his father didn’t approve of such an occupation. Devens later
served in World War II, winning the Bronze Star, and eventually became a
successful businessman in the
Boston
area.
Al Epperly (Died on April 14 in
McFarland
,
Wisconsin
; age 84): Epperly experienced an unusual career in that he pitched in two major
league seasons, separated by a 12-year span. The right-hander debuted in the
major leagues with the Chicago Cubs in 1938, winning two games for the National
League pennant-winners. He didn’t return to the big leagues until 1950, when
he pitched for the Brooklyn Dodgers. In between, his itinerary included stops
with a variety of minor league teams. During a professional career that lasted
17 seasons, Epperly toiled for minor league teams like the San Francisco Seals,
Milwaukee Brewers, Montreal Royals, and St. Paul Saints. He also played winter
ball in
Cuba
.
Hilly Flitcraft (Died on April 2 in
Boulder
,
Colorado
; age 79): A versatile left-handed hitter who pitched and manned the outfield,
Flitcraft played briefly in the major leagues with the Philadelphia Phillies in
1942. After a two-year layoff from baseball, Flitcraft returned to the game in
1945, enjoying one of the highlights of his career. That summer, he won 15 of 19
decisions with a 3.89 ERA for
Wilmington
of the Inter-State League.
Jim Fridley (Died on February 28; age 78): Nicknamed
“Big Jim,” the 6’2”, 205-pound
Fridley
played exclusively as an outfielder during a scattershot three-year career in
the 1950s. He debuted for the Cleveland Indians in 1952, played for the
Baltimore Orioles in 1954, and then finished his career with the Cincinnati Red
Legs in 1958.
Greg Garrett (Died on June 7 in
Santa Clara
,
California
; age 55): A standout minor league left-hander, Garrett pitched two seasons in
the major leagues with the California Angels and Cincinnati Reds. In 1907,
Garrett pitched the entire season with the Angels, sculpting a record of 5-6
with a 2.64 ERA. In 1971, Garrett pitched well in two appearances for the Reds,
but never again surfaced in the major leagues. His professional career ended in
1972 as a member of
Charlotte
’s minor league staff in the Southern League.
Francis “Red” Hardy (Died on August 15 in
Phoenix
,
Arizona
; age 80): Hardy, a right-handed pitcher, appeared in two games for the New York
Giants in 1951. Prior to his major league playing days, Hardy served in World
War II as a Navy pilot.
Bob Kammeyer (Died on January 27; age 52; pulmonary
embolism): At one time the top pitching prospect for the New York Yankees,
Kammeyer pitched in seven games for the 1978 World Champions, but was not
eligible for that fall’s World Series. In 1979, Kammeyer made his final big
league appearance, which turned out be his most memorable—albeit for the wrong
reason. Summoned from the bullpen by
Yankee manager Billy Martin, Kammeyer allowed eight runs—including two home
runs—without retiring a single Cleveland Indians batter. After the game, a
sympathetic Martin gave $100 to Kammeyer and another struggling pitcher, Paul
Mirabella, and told them to enjoy the night out. Kammeyer pitched his final
professional season in 1980, sporting a record of 15-7 and an ERA of 2.91 for
the Triple-A Columbus Clippers. In spite of his success that season, Kammeyer
opted to retire.
Harry Kinzy (Died on June 22 in
Fort Worth
,
Texas
; age 92): Nicknamed “Slim,” this tall right-hander pitched 34 innings in
his lone big league season in 1934. Kinzy lost his only decision for the Chicago
White Sox, while forging an ERA of 4.98.
Mickey Kreitner (Died on March 6 in
Nashville
,
Tennessee
; age 80; complications from open heart surgery): A catcher in the 1940s,
Kreitner played 32 games for the Chicago Cubs in 1943 and ’44, hitting .172
with no home runs and three RBIs. After his playing days, Kreitner became a
successful and diversified restaurateur, owning 39 establishments over a span of
43 years.
Al
Libke (Died on March 7 in
Wenatchee
,
Washington
; age 84): Libke was a pitcher and outfielder who played two seasons for the
Cincinnati Reds in the 1940s. Making his major league debut during the war-torn
year of 1945, Libke batted .283 with 53 RBIs and also pitched briefly in relief,
hurling four scoreless innings. After his final major league stint in 1946,
Libke returned to the minor leagues for three more seasons.
Phil McCullough
(Died on January 16 in
Decatur
,
Georgia
; age 85): McCullough pitched one game in his major
league career, lasting three innings for the Washington Senators in 1942. A
right-handed pitcher, he struck out two batters and allowed two runs in his lone
big league appearance.
Mickey McGowan (Died on March 8 in
Georgia
; age 81): The tall left-hander made three appearances in the major leagues,
pitching for the New York Giants in 1947. He struggled in three and two-thirds
innings, posting an ERA of 7.36. McGowan had been a successful pitcher in the
minor leagues, winning a league-leading 22 games for
Atlanta
of the Southern Association in 1946.
Norm McRae (Died on July 28 in
Garland
,
Texas
; age 55; cancer): McRae’s claim to fame was his inclusion on the blockbuster
trade that sent Denny McLain from the Detroit Tigers to the Washington Senators.
In the deal, McRae joined McLain, infielder Don Wert, and outfielder Elliott
Maddox in heading to the Senators for infielders Eddie Brinkman and Aurelio
Rodriguez and pitchers Joe Coleman and Jim Hannan. The deal turned out to be a
disaster for the Senators, as McLain failed to regain his Tiger brilliance in
Washington
, Wert and Maddox proved disappointments, and McRae never again appeared in the
major leagues. McRae moved on to the Mexican League, where he pitched from 1972
to 1981 before becoming a coach in the league for four seasons. A right-handed
pitcher, McRae had pitched respectably in two seasons for the Tigers, posting an
ERA of 3.15 in 34 innings. He finished his big league career without a save or a
decision in 22 appearances.
James Mertz (Died on February 4 in
Waycross
,
Georgia
; age 86): After a five-year stint in the minor leagues, this right-handed
pitcher spent one season in the major leagues before retiring and serving in
World War II. Pitching for the Washington Senators in 1943, Mertz compiled a
record of 5-7 with an ERA of 4.62.
Bill Miller (Died on July 1; age 75; congestive
heart failure): Pitching mostly for the New York Yankees, Miller worked in 41
games from 1952 to 1955. He played for the Yankees’ World Championship teams
in 1952 and ’53, but did not appear in either of those World Series.
Concluding his career with the Baltimore Orioles, Miller compiled a lifetime
record of 6-9 with five complete games and two shutouts.
Ray “Deacon” Murray (Died on April 9 in Spring
Hope, North Carolina; age 83): A catcher who debuted with the Cleveland Indians
in 1948, Murray earned the nickname “Deacon” for preaching on bus trips
during his minor league career.
Murray
’s big league tenure began with a brief appearance in 1948, followed by a
period of military service in World War II. In 1951,
Murray
was part of a three-team, seven-player trade. The deal sent
Murray
to the Kansas City Athletics, with the Indians receiving Lou Brissie, and the
Chicago White Sox acquiring Minnie Minoso.
Murray
experienced the highlight of his baseball career in 1953, hitting .284 with six
home runs and 41 RBIs.
Murray
remained with the A’s until 1954, when they sold his contract to the
Baltimore Orioles for $25,000. He ended his career with the O’s later that
season.
Billy Parker (Died on February 9; age 56; cancer): A
hard-hitting middle infield phenom in the minor leagues, Parker played for parts
of three seasons with the California Angels. In 1971, he drove in 115 runs and
batted .306 for the Angels’ affiliate at
Salt Lake City
, with the highlight of his season coming on May 29, when he hit three home runs
in consecutive at-bats. His performance with Salt Lake City earned him a call-up
to California, where his first major league hit was a two-out, game-winning home
run in the 12th inning. Yet, Parker otherwise struggled during his
brief major league stints. Following the 1973 season, the New York Yankees
drafted Parker from the Angels, but the young second baseman failed to make the
big league roster. After returning to the minor leagues, Parker finished his
professional career in the Mexican League.
Jim Pruett (Died on July 29 in
Waukesa
,
Wisconsin
; age 85): A veteran of nine major league games and 13 at-bats in the 1940s,
Pruett played for Connie Mack’s
Philadelphia
A’s. After his 17-year professional career came to an end, Pruett eventually
returned to baseball, working as an usher for nearly two decades at
Milwaukee’s County Stadium, the home of the Brewers until the team’s recent
move to Miller Park. Pruett had played for the Brewers in 1943 and ’44, when
the team was still a minor league franchise.
Ribs Raney (Died on July 7 in
Warren
,
Michigan
; age 80): Nicknamed “Ribs” because of his slender build, Raney pitched in
four games for the St. Louis Browns in 1949 and ‘50.
Ernie Rudolph (Died on January 13; age 93): The
diminutive 5’ 8” right-hander made seven appearances for the Brooklyn
Dodgers in 1945, when he finally made the major leagues at the age of 36.
Rudolph picked up one win for the Dodgers, posting a 5.19 ERA in eight and
two-thirds innings. After his playing days, Rudolph scouted for the Braves and
Cubs organizations.
Jim Sheehan (Died on December 2 in
New Haven
,
Connecticut
; age 90): After starring at
Fordham
University
, Sheehan arrived in the major leagues as a late-season call-up in 1936.
Nicknamed “Big Jim,” Sheehan appeared in one game for the New York Giants,
going hitless in four at-bats.
Pete Sivess (Died on June 1 in
South River
,
New Jersey
; age 89): This tall right-hander pitched in 62 games for the Philadelphia
Phillies from 1936 to 1938. He forged a record of 7-11 and an ERA of 5.38.
Lefty Sloat (Died on April 18 in
St. Paul
,
Minnesota
; age 84): A two-year veteran of the major leagues in the 1940s, Sloat posted an
ERA of 6.61 in nine games with the Brooklyn Dodgers and Chicago Cubs. Prior to
his big league tenure, Sloat served in World War II.
Bob “Riverboat” Smith (Died on June 23 in
Clarence
,
Missouri
; age 76; injuries suffered in a tractor accident): A veteran of three major
league teams, Smith made his major league debut for
Boston
in 1958. He later joined the Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians, compiling a
lifetime record of 4-4. He enjoyed his best season in ’58, when he sported a
3.78 ERA and a 4-3 mark for the Bosox. Following his playing career, Smith
devoted himself fulltime to farming, an industry that he had first entered in
1953. He also worked extensively with the baseball program in Clarence, helping
construct several playing fields at
Clarence
City
Lake
during the 1960s.
Sonny Senerchia (Died on November 1 in Freehold, New
Jersey; age 72): Making his major league debut at the age of 21 in 1952,
Senerchia played one season as a third baseman for the Pittsburgh Pirates before
converting to pitcher. Four years later, while a member of the St. Louis
Cardinals’ organization, he was involved in the deal that sent pitcher Brooks
Lawrence to the Cincinnati Reds for pitcher Jackie Collum.
Jarvis Tatum (Died on January 6 in
Los Angeles
,
California
; age 56): Tatum played three seasons in the major leagues, mostly for the
California Angels. In October of 1970, the Angels included him in the trade that
brought former Boston Red Sox star Tony Conigliaro to
Southern California
.
Pete Taylor
(Died on November 17 in
Annapolis
,
Maryland
; age 75; a stroke): After serving in the Army during World War II,
Taylor
signed a professional contract with the
minor league Baltimore Orioles in 1945. The MVP of the Colonial League in 1946,
he eventually appeared in one major league game, pitching two innings for the
St. Louis Browns on
May 2, 1952
.
Taylor
allowed three walks and three earned runs
in his lone big league appearance.
Jim Westlake (Died on January 3; age 72):
Westlake
’s major league career consisted of one at-bat (0-for-1) with the Philadelphia
Phillies in 1955. He also played for several seasons in the Pacific Coast
League, starring for the Sacramento Solons and San Francisco Seals.
Don Wheeler (Died on December 10 in
Minneapolis
,
Minnesota
; age 81): A right-handed hitting catcher, Wheeler played in 67 games for the
Chicago White Sox in 1949, his lone major league season. After his playing days,
Wheeler worked as a carrier for the United States Postal Service and also
officiated a number of high school and collegiate sports in
Minnesota
.
The AAGPBL
Mary Baker (Died on December 17 in St. Mary’s,
Ontario
; age 84; respiratory failure): Baker served as a standout catcher for the South
Bend Blue Sox of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL),
before becoming manager of the Kalamazoo Lassies. Reportedly the basis of Geena
Davis’ character in the popular 1992 film, A League of Their Own, Baker was
inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 1998.
Dottie Ferguson Key (Died on May 8 in
Rockford
,
Illinois
; age 80; cancer): A longtime veteran of women’s baseball, Key played in 10 of
the 12 seasons in which the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League
existed. A second baseman and center fielder, Key participated in four world
championship teams for the Rockford Peaches, earning league titles in 1945 and
from 1948 to 1950. She remained with the team until 1954, when the league
disbanded because of financial problems. Playing exclusively for the Peaches
throughout her career, Key was believed to be the primary basis for the
character played by Madonna in A League of
Their Own. Madonna played “All The Way” Mae Mordabito, the character who
played center field for
Rockford
in the critically-acclaimed film. Key was also prominently featured in a 1987
documentary about the AAGPBL. Key’s road uniform, which features her No. 12,
is part of the “Women in Baseball” exhibit currently featured at the
National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
Dottie Stolze (Died on July 19 in
Alameda
,
California
; age 80): Stolze was a veteran of the AAGPBL, making her professional debut as
a shortstop for the Muskegon Lassies in 1946. An extremely versatile player,
Stolze played every position on the diamond except for pitcher. After retiring
from the Peoria Red Wings in 1952, Stolze became a physical education teacher
and softball coach.
Japanese
Legends
Tadayoshi Kajioka (Died on March 23 in
Urayasu
,
Japan
; age 82): One of the best pitchers in the Japanese Leagues in the 1940s and
fifties, Kajioka was the second Japanese pitcher to throw a no-hitter after
World War II. In making his debut in 1947, he won 22 of 30 decisions and posted
a 1.92 ERA. Five years later, Kajioka finished the Japanese season with the best
ERA of any pitcher in his league.
Makoto Kozuru (Died on June 2 in
Tokyo
,
Japan
; age 80; heart failure): Known as the “Japanese Joe DiMaggio” because of a
batting style that resembled that of the longtime Yankees’ great, Kozuru
established Japanese single-season records of 161 RBIs and 143 runs. He set both
records in 1950, when he also hit 51 home runs and earned league MVP honors.
During a 15-year career, Kozuru hit .280 with 230 home runs and 923 RBIs,
numbers that helped him win election to the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame in
1980. After retiring as a player, Kozuru served as a batting coach and scout for
the Hanshin Tigers.
Pioneers
Bill Buhler (Died on May 17; age 75): The trainer of
the Los Angeles Dodgers for nearly four decades, Buhler was regarded as one of
the most innovative medical men in baseball. He helped develop a special throat
guard for catchers shortly after the Dodgers’ Steve Yeager was speared in the
neck by a broken bat. Buhler also helped devise special equipment to help
pitcher Tommy John with his rehabilitation efforts after arm surgery. In 1989,
Major League Baseball recognized Buhler by naming him “Trainer of the Year.”
Two years later, he was named the National League’s trainer for the All-Star
Game.
Claude Christie (Died on March 31 in Twain Harte,
California
; age 76): According to several sources, Christie deserves credit as the man who
invented the batting tee. After a seven-year career as a catcher in the minor
leagues, the community-minded Christie became active in youth baseball.
According to several coaches, he started experimenting with a batting tee in the
early 1950s. Christie’s first tee was made of metal, but his later tees
consisted of plastic. Christie also founded the first Little League organization
for the city of
Palm Springs
,
California
, beginning in 1952.
Men In Blue
George Maloney (Died on July 29 in Barstow,
California; age 75): A minor league umpire evaluator at the time of his death,
Maloney passed away while traveling by car from his home in Southern California
to supervise umpires in the Northwest and Pioneer leagues. Maloney was best
known for his tenure as an American League umpire from 1969 to 1983. In one of
the highlights of his major league career, Maloney served on the umpiring crew
for the classic 1975 World Series between the Boston Red Sox and Cincinnati
Reds. Maloney also worked three American League Championship Series and three
All-Star games…
Durwood Merrill (Died on January 11; age 64;
complications from heart attack): One of the most colorful umpires of his era,
Merrill worked as an American League arbiter for 23 years. His assignments
included the 1988 World Series and the 1984 and 1995 All-Star games. Merrill,
who was often criticized for his umpiring, was known for feuding with Nestor
Chylak, the American League’s supervisor of umpires and previously an umpire
himself. Merrill discussed the feud in his book, You’re Out and You’re Ugly Too. Off the field, Merrill drew
praise for his extensive charity work, often putting in long hours at Christmas
time to feed the poor in his native
Texarkana
,
Texas
.
The College Game
Bud Metheny (Died on January 2; age 87): The
longtime baseball coach at
Old
Dominion
University
, Metheny also spent four seasons in the major leagues as an outfielder. During
his 32 years at Old Dominion, he went 423-363-6 and was named national coach of
the year in 1964. Metheny was one of the last players to wear No. 3 for the New
York Yankees, before the franchise retired the number in honor of Babe Ruth in
1948.
The Mischievous
Wilbur Snapp (Died on September 6 in
South Pasadena
,
Florida
; age 83): Snapp never played professional baseball and never broadcast or wrote
about the sport, but gained notoriety as an organist for the minor league
Clearwater Phillies. During a 1985 game at
Clearwater
’s Jack Russell Stadium, Snapp reacted to a questionable umpiring call by
playing “Three Blind Mice” on the ballpark organ. The umpire responded by
turning around, pointing at Snapp, and ejecting him from the game. Snapp’s
controversial ejection, which some observers considered an overreaction by the
umpire, resulted in a flood of publicity. Willard Scott, then the weatherman on
NBC’s “Today” show, mentioned the incident on the air, as did longtime
radio broadcaster Paul Harvey. Snapp became so well known that some fans asked
for his autograph, which he obliged by signing “Wilbur Snapp, Three Blind Mice
Organist.” A veteran of World War II, Snapp worked
Clearwater
games from 1978 to 1997, when Jack Russell Stadium switched from the organ to
recorded music.
Sources for this article include the excellent web
site, www.historicbaseball.com,
Baseball
America
, and the Associated Press.
This article is dedicated to the memories of Ken
Coleman and Leonard Koppett. Their knowledge, wit, and kindness helped make
baseball even more enjoyable than it already is.
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