RIP to Larry Foster, a former Lutheran pastor and a well-regarded counselor for families, couples and clergy alike. And for 2 innings in a game in September of 1963, he was a pitcher for the Detroit Tigers. Foster died on May 7 at the age of 85. The native Michigander was buried in Trinity Lutheran … Continue reading Obituary: Larry Foster (1937-2023)
Obituary: “Deacon” Jones (1934-2023)
RIP to Grover "Deacon" Jones, who played briefly in the majors before embarking on a long career as a coach and scout. He was also an integral part in the formation of a professional ballclub in Sugar Land, Texas. Jones died in Sugar Land on May 7, at the age of 89. He played for … Continue reading Obituary: “Deacon” Jones (1934-2023)
SABR Completes Bobby Mathews Grave Marker Project
The Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) 19th Century Grave Marker Project is pleased to announce the completion of its latest project. Earlier this year, we placed a new grave marker for Bobby Mathews in Baltimore's New Cathedral Cemetery. Mathews won 297 games over a 15-year career that ended in 1887. He was one of … Continue reading SABR Completes Bobby Mathews Grave Marker Project
Obituary: Roger Hambright (1949-2023)
RIP to Roger Hambright, whose 10-year career in professional baseball included 18 games pitched for the New York Yankees in 1971. He died on April 15 in Vancouver, Wash., at the age 74 from cancer. A GoFundMe has been set up by his family to help cover his funeral expenses and support for his widow, … Continue reading Obituary: Roger Hambright (1949-2023)
Obituary: Dick Burwell (1940-2023)
RIP to Dick Burwell, who pitched in the majors for parts of two seasons. He died in Arizona on May 1, at the age of 83. Burwell played for the Chicago Cubs in 1960 and '61. Richard Matthew Burwell was born on January 23, 1940, in Alton, Ill. He played multiple sports at Litchfield High … Continue reading Obituary: Dick Burwell (1940-2023)
Obituary: Vida Blue (1949-2023)
During the decade of the 1970s, Vida Blue was one of the most electric and successful pitchers in baseball. He won 3 World Series titles, an MVP Award and a Cy Young Award, and he is also the answer to a couple of outstanding baseball trivia questions -- Who was the first pitcher to start … Continue reading Obituary: Vida Blue (1949-2023)
Obituary: Mike Shannon (1939-2023)
RIP to Mike Shannon, a long-time and beloved member of the St. Louis Cardinals organization, both as a player and broadcaster. He died on April 29 in Marion, Ill., after suffering a stroke. Shannon, who was 83, played for the Cardinals from 1962-70. When his career was cut short by kidney disease, he transitioned to … Continue reading Obituary: Mike Shannon (1939-2023)
Obituary: Dennis Ribant (1941-2023)
RIP to Dennis Ribant, a Detroit native who played for the 1968 World Champion Tigers, as a part of his 6-year journey in the major leagues. The resident of Newport Coast, Calif., died on April 24 at the age of 81. Ribant pitched for the New York Mets (1964-66), Pittsburgh Pirates (1967), Detroit Tigers (1968), … Continue reading Obituary: Dennis Ribant (1941-2023)
Obituary: Dick Groat (1930-2023)
RIP to shortstop Dick Groat, a 2-time World Series champion, an 8-time All-Star and the 1960 National League MVP. He died on April 27 at the UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh, from complications of a stroke. He was 92 years old. Groat played for the Pittsburgh Pirates (1952, 1955-62), St. Louis Cardinals (1963-65), Philadelphia Phillies … Continue reading Obituary: Dick Groat (1930-2023)
Obituary: Mike Baxes (1930-2023)
RIP to Mike Baxes, a middle infielder for the Athletics in the 1950s. He died on April 13 at the age of 92. Baxes played for the Kansas City Athletics in 1956 and 1958. His older brother Jim Baxes (1928-1996) also played in the major leagues, with Los Angeles and Cleveland in 1959. Michael Baxes … Continue reading Obituary: Mike Baxes (1930-2023)