RIP to Art Ditmar, who pitched for the Athletics franchise in its two former locations and was one of the few players left who ever wore a Philadelphia Athletics jersey. He died on June 11 in Myrtle Beach, S.C., with his wife of 50 years, Dianne, by his side. He was 92 years old and … Continue reading Obituary: Art Ditmar (1929-2021)
RIP to All-Star pitcher Mudcat Grant, the first African-American to win 20 games in the American League. According to the Cleveland Indians, Grant died peacefully in Los Angeles on June 11. He was 85 years old. Over his long life, Grant involved himself in a number of off-the-field activities, including announcing, charity work, writing and … Continue reading Obituary: Jim “Mudcat” Grant (1935-2021)
RIP to Tim Tolman, an outfielder and first baseman who spent parts of 7 seasons in the majors. He died on June 3 in Tucson, Ariz., after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease about 12 years ago. He was 65 years old. Tolman played for the Houston Astros (1981-85) and Detroit Tigers (1986-87) and held many … Continue reading Obituary: Tim Tolman (1956-2021)
RIP to Jacke Davis, who had a 7-year career in professional baseball that included a short stint with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1962. Davis died on May 30 in Tyler, Texas, at the age of 85. After his playing career was over, Davis was a long-time and extremely successful high school and college coach. Jackie … Continue reading Obituary: Jacke Davis (1936-2021)
RIP to Mike Marshall, a Cy Young Award-winning pitcher and one of the most durable relievers in baseball history. He died on May 31 in his home at Zephyrhills, Fla., where he had been in hospice care for Alzheimer's disease. He was 78 years old. Marshall played for the Detroit Tigers (1967), Seattle Pilots (1969), … Continue reading Obituary: Mike Marshall (1943-2021)
Harry Steinfeldt is the answer to one of baseball’s classic trivia questions – who was the third baseman in the Tinker-to-Evers-to-Chance infield? It isn’t a fair summary of his career, though. For 14 years, he was a dependable infielder, and most of that time wasn’t even spent with his Hall of Fame compatriots. Steinfeldt played … Continue reading Grave Story: Harry Steinfeldt (1875-1914)
RIP to Phil Lombardi, a catcher who spent his major-league career with both New York teams. He died on May 20 at the age of 58 from complications related to brain cancer. According to a Facebook post made by his daughter Lauren, Lombardi underwent a second surgery to remove the tumor, but the complications from … Continue reading Obituary: Phil Lombardi (1963-2021)
RIP to reliever Joe Beckwith, who was a part of the 1985 World Championship Royals bullpen. He died on May 22 in Auburn, Ala., from colon cancer at the age of 66. Just a month prior to his death, on April 21, the mayor of Auburn declared it Joe Beckwith Day, in honor of the … Continue reading Obituary: Joe Beckwith (1955-2021)
Winter ball is a longstanding baseball tradition, where ballplayers spend their offseason playing in places like Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic or Venezuela. Most of the time, they leave for home at the end of the season with a little more experience and a little more money. In the winter of 1967, Richie Scheinblum had just … Continue reading Richie Scheinblum survives Nicaragua — barely
RIP to infielder Rennie Stennett, who is probably best remembered for a record-setting 7-for-7 game in 1975. However, it shouldn’t be overlooked that he was a quality second baseman for more than a decade and won a couple of World Series championships. He died of cancer on May 18 at the age of 72. Stennett … Continue reading Obituary: Rennie Stennett (1949-2021)
