Here lies Jeff Peeples, one of the greatest pitchers in Vanderbilt University history. Signed by the Cardinals, he was injured early in his pro career and never made it to the majors. Making it to Major League Baseball is one of the toughest accomplishments in all sports, and it’s a big reason why the Amateur … Continue reading Greve Story: Jeff Peeples (1951-1997)
Here lies Jimmy Williams, a triples-hitting machine in the majors and an outstanding second baseman for the Minneapolis Millers after his MLB career was done. His quick thinking averted a potential baseball tragedy. He played for the Pittsburgh Pirates (1899-1900), Baltimore Orioles (1901-1902), New York Yankees (1903-1907) and St. Louis Browns (1908-1909). Jimmy Williams was … Continue reading Grave Story: Jimmy Williams (1876-1965)
Here lies Sam Shaw, who had a brief and tumultuous pitching career in the 19th Century. His grave was lost for years, as a snafu somewhere along the line had him placed in the wrong cemetery. While his grave is unmarked, at least we know where he is now. Shaw played for the Baltimore Orioles … Continue reading Grave Story: Sam Shaw (1863-1947)
Here lies Bill Antonello, an outfielder who had one season in the major leagues and a pretty successful 11-year minor-league career. He played for the 1953 Brooklyn Dodgers. Bill Antonello was born in Brooklyn on May 19, 1927 and grew up playing stickball there. He was a graduate of Fort Hamilton High School in Brooklyn … Continue reading Grave Story: Bill Antonello (1927-1993)
R.I.P. to Kelly Paris, a utility infielder who played with four different teams in the early 1980s. His brother, Bret Paris, wrote on Facebook that Kelly had died from cancer on May 27. He was 61 years old. Paris played for the St. Louis Cardinals (1982), Cincinnati Reds (1983), Baltimore Orioles (1985-86) and Chicago White … Continue reading Obituary: Kelly Paris (1957-2019)
R.I.P. to Bill Buckner, an All-Star first baseman, a tough out, a player who battled through numerous injuries to play in 22 seasons and yes, an infamous World Series scapegoat. Buckner died today, May 27, at the age of 69. He played for the Los Angeles Dodgers (1969-1976), Chicago Cubs (1977-1984), Boston Red Sox (1984-1987; … Continue reading Obituary: Bill Buckner (1949-2019)
Here lies Tom Burr, who appeared in 1 game in center field for the New York Yankees in 1914, though he was signed as a pitcher. He is one of a handful of major leaguers who gave his life in service to his country, dying in a plane crash in France during World War I. … Continue reading Grave Story: Tom Burr (1893-1918)
RIP to Freddie Velázquez, the first Dominican catcher to play in the major leagues. He died on May 21 at the age of 81. His death was originally reported by the Leones del Escogido, a professional baseball team from Santo Domingo. Velázquez was a part of four of their championship teams (1957-8, 1959-60, 1960-1 and … Continue reading Obituary: Freddie Velázquez (1937-2019)
Here lies Emil Gross, who performed one of the most incredible catching feats of the 19th Century. He caught every single game for the Providence Grays in 1880 – that would be 87 games in an era where catcher’s protective gear didn’t exist. Gross played for the Grays (1879-81), Philadelphia Quakers (1883) and Chicago Browns … Continue reading Grave Story: Emil Gross (1858-1921)
Here lies George Kimball Belden, a great Minnesota sportsman and businessman who went on to become the president of the minor-league Minneapolis Millers. George Belden was born in Lynden, Vt. on March 25, 1870. His family moved to Minnesota in 1884, and Belden, though he traveled frequently, would call Minnesota his home for the rest … Continue reading Grave Story: George Belden (1870-1953)
