R.I.P. to Joe Grzenda, the last pitcher ever for the Washington Senators and an early short relief specialist. He died on July 12 at his home in Covington, Pa., at the age of 82. Grzenda played for the Detroit Tigers (1961), Kansas City Athletics (1964, 1966), New York Mets (1967), Minnesota Twins (1969), Washington Senators … Continue reading Obituary: Joe Grzenda (1937-2019)
Here lies Johnny Blanchard, a long-time backup outfielder and catcher and a World Series hero. He was one of the great pinch hitters of his era. Blanchard played for the New York Yankees (1955; 1959-65), Kansas City Athletics (1965) and Milwaukee Braves (1965). Johnny Blanchard was born in Minneapolis on February 26, 1933. He attended … Continue reading Grave Story: Johnny Blanchard (1933-2009)
R.I.P. to Glenn Mickens, pitcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers and a longtime coach on the UCLA baseball team. He died from pneumonia on July 9 at the age of 88. Mickens played for the Dodgers in 1953. Glenn Mickens was born in Wilmar, Calif., on July 26, 1930. He stayed in California for his education, … Continue reading Obituary: Glenn Mickens (1930-2019)
R.I.P. to Jim Bouton, who went from an All-Star pitcher to a bestselling author to a baseball pariah to entertainment personality to a beloved and respected baseball figure. He died on July 10, at the age of 80. The ex-pitcher had suffered a severe stroke in 2012, which led to cerebral amyloid angiopathy, a disease … Continue reading Obituary: Jim Bouton (1939-2019)
R.I.P. to Paul Schramka, who had the briefest of major league careers -- 2 appearances with the 1953 Chicago Cubs. He went on to a long career serving as a funeral director in the Milwaukee area. He died on July 8 at the age of 91. Source: Schramka Funeral Home Paul Schramka was born in … Continue reading Obituary: Paul Schramka (1928-2019)
If you go to Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis, you will find that there is indeed a lake… and woods. The lake, apart from being a peaceful place to sit, has also been a place where cremains are scattered. That’s what I’m assuming at least, because if you search on Lakewood’s website for the final resting … Continue reading Grave Story: Yip Owens (1886-1958)
R.I.P. to Gary Kolb, a catcher/infielder/outfielder who played parts of seven seasons in the major leagues. He died in Charleston, W.V., on July 3 after a lengthy illness at the age of 79. Kolb played for the St. Louis Cardinals (1960, 1962-63), Milwaukee Braves (1964-65), New York Mets (1965) and Pittsburgh Pirates (1968-69). His cousin … Continue reading Obituary: Gary Kolb (1940-2019)
R.I.P. to Luis Mercedes, a former Orioles prospect who had a three-year career as an outfielder in the majors. He died on June 30 in his native Dominican Republic after battling kidney problems. He was 51 years old. Mercedes played with the Baltimore Orioles (1991-93) and San Francisco Giants (1993). Luis Mercedes gets his first … Continue reading Obituary: Luis Mercedes (1968-2019)
Here lies Don Wheeler, a catcher who played one year in the major leagues, with the 1949 Chicago White Sox. His last appearance in the minor leagues as a player came eight years after he thought he’d retired. Donald “Scott” Wheeler (he picked up the nickname due to his Scottish heritage) was born in Minneapolis … Continue reading Grave Story: Don Wheeler (1922-2003)
R.I.P. to Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs, who has died at the age of 27. The pitcher was found unconscious in his hotel room in Southlake, Texas, on July 1. The Angels had flown into Texas for a series against the Rangers. Police, who were called to the scene, were unable to revive him and pronounced … Continue reading Obituary: Tyler Skaggs (1991-2019)
