RIP to David West, a former pitcher for four teams in his 10-year career and a key part of the bullpen for the Phillies' pennant-winning 1993 team. It was announced on May 14 that West died from brain cancer at the age of 57. He was mourned on social media by several of his former … Continue reading Obituary: David West (1964-2022)
RIP to John Cumberland, who spent nearly 40 years in professional baseball as a pitcher and a coach. He died at his home in Lutz, Fla., on April 5, at the age of 74. Cumberland played for the New York Yankees (1968-70), San Francisco Giants (1970-72), St. Louis Cardinals (1972) and California Angels (1974).. He … Continue reading Obituary: John Cumberland (1947-2022)
Here lies Benny Zientara, who played in the majors briefly before embarking on a long scouting career. Zientara played for the Cincinnati Reds in 1941 and from 1946-48 – he spent 1942-45 in the military. Benedict Joseph Zientara was born in Chicago on Valentine’s Day – February 14, 1918. Both his parents, Walenty (whose Americanized … Continue reading Grave Story: Benny Zientara (1918-1985)
Here lies Hugh High, who was one of three High brothers to reach the major leagues. His big break in the major leagues came when he had a chance to replace one of the game’s all-time greats – at least for a time. High played for the Detroit Tigers (1913-14) and New York Yankees (1915-18). … Continue reading Grave Story: Hugh High (1887-1962)
RIP to Luke Allen, an outfielder who had two trips to the major leagues in the 2000s. It has been widely reported that he died on April 26 at the age of 43. No cause of death has been publicly announced. Allen, who had been an instructor at Diamond Sports Academy, a girls' softball training … Continue reading Obituary: Luke Allen (1978-2022)
Here lies John Mackinson, who pitched for 13 seasons in the minor leagues and had two brief stays in the majors. Mackinson played for the Philadelphia Athletics (1953) and St. Louis Cardinals (1955). John Joseph Mackinson was born to John Sr. and Gertrude Mackinson in Orange, N.J., on October 29, 1923. John Sr. was a … Continue reading Grave Story: John Mackinson (1923-1989)
We touched a little on the relationship between Bill Dickey and Lou Gehrig in my recent Grave Story on Dickey. Not only were they roommates on the road, but they were also good friends, and Gehrig’s illness and death had a profound affect on Dickey. Though these are events that took place more than 80 … Continue reading From the Luckiest Man to a pariah
The New York Yankees have a fine tradition of excellence in their catching corps. Of course, there is Yogi Berra, who’s one of the top two catchers to ever play in the American or National League. Then there is a string of very good-to-excellent catchers with Elston Howard, Thurman Munson and Jorge Posada. But the … Continue reading Grave Story: Bill Dickey (1907-1993)
RIP to pitcher Jim Bronstad, who spent parts of three seasons in the major leagues in the 1950s and '60s. He died in his sleep on April 9, at the age of 85. Bronstad played for the New York Yankees (1959) and Washington Senators (1963-64). James Warren Bronstad was born in Fort Worth on June … Continue reading Obituary: Jim Bronstad (1936-2022)
RIP to pitcher Joe Horlen, a standout college pitcher before embarking on a 12-year, All-Star career in the majors. His alma mater, Oklahoma State University, reported that he died on April 11 in San Antonio, Texas, at the age of 84. He had suffered from Alzheimer's Disease for several years. Horlen played for the Chicago … Continue reading Obituary: Joe Horlen (1937-2022)
RIP Baseball 