RIP to pitcher Hy Cohen, who appeared in seven games for the Chicago Cubs in 1955 before becoming a champion high school baseball coach in Southern California. He died on February 4 at Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, Calif, from complications of COVID-19. He had celebrated his 90th birthday just six days prior to … Continue reading Obituary: Hy Cohen (1931-2021)
Author: Sam Gazdziak
Obituary: Wayne Terwilliger (1925-2021)
RIP to Wayne Terwilliger, one of the longest-tenured baseball lifers in the history of the game. Between his career as a player, coach and manager, he spent more than 60 years as an on-field part of professional baseball. He died on February 3 in Weatherford, Texas, at the age of 95. He had been in … Continue reading Obituary: Wayne Terwilliger (1925-2021)
Obituary: Dick Smith (1926-2021)
RIP to Dick Smith, who played for parts of five seasons with the Pirates in the 1950s. The 94-year-old Smith died in Boalsburg, Pa., on January 25. He played for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1951-1955. Richard Harrison Smith was born in Blandsburg, Pa., on July 21, 1926. According to his obituary, he graduated from Westover … Continue reading Obituary: Dick Smith (1926-2021)
Obituary: Grant Jackson (1942-2021)
RIP to Grant Jackson, an 18-year major league pitcher who was a World Series hero for the 1979 "We Are Family" Pirates. Jackson died on February 2 at Canonsburg Hospital in Canonsburg, Pa., from COVID-19 complications. He was 78 years old. In his career, Jackson played for the Philadelphia Phillies (1965-70), Baltimore Orioles (1971-76), New … Continue reading Obituary: Grant Jackson (1942-2021)
Obituary: Ron Johnson (1956-2021)
RIP to Ron Johnson, who had a very successful career as a minor-league manager after a brief career in the major leagues in the 1980s. He died on January 26 at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital in Murfreesboro, Tenn., at the age of 64 from complications of COVID-19. Johnson played for the Kansas City Royals (1982-83) … Continue reading Obituary: Ron Johnson (1956-2021)
Obituary: Paul Foytack (1930-2021)
RIP to pitcher Paul Foytack, who had an 11-year career in the American League in the 1950s and 60s. He died on January 23 in Spring Hill, Tenn., surrounded by his family. He was 90 years old. Foytack played for the Detroit Tigers (1953, 1955-63) and Los Angeles Angels (1963-64). Paul Eugene Foytack was born … Continue reading Obituary: Paul Foytack (1930-2021)
Obituary: Ron Samford (1930-2021)
RIP to Ron Samford, an infielder for parts of four seasons in the major leagues in the 1950s. He died on January 14 at the age of 90 in Dallas, with his children by his side. Samford played for the New York Giants (1954), Detroit Tigers (1955, 1957) and Washington Senators (1959). His younger brother, … Continue reading Obituary: Ron Samford (1930-2021)
Obituary: Mike Sadek (1946-2021)
RIP to Mike Sadek, a long-time backup catcher and a part of the Giants front office for many years. He died following a short illness in San Andreas, Calif., on January 20, at the age of 74. Sadek played for the San Francisco Giants in 1973 and from 1975-81. Michael George Sadek was born in … Continue reading Obituary: Mike Sadek (1946-2021)
Obituary: Joyce (Hill) Westerman (1925-2021)
RIP to Joyce (Hill) Westerman, a member of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League from 1945 until 1952. She died on January 18 at the age of 95, with her family by her side. Westerman played for the Grand Rapids Chicks (1945), Fort Wayne Daisies (1946), South Bend Blue Sox (1946, 1952), Peoria Redwings (1947-48, … Continue reading Obituary: Joyce (Hill) Westerman (1925-2021)
Obituary: Hank Aaron (1934-2021)
RIP to Hank Aaron, simply one of the greatest baseball players in the history of the game. His family announced that he died on January 22 at the age of 86. Aaron's death sent shockwaves through the entire baseball community and beyond. There aren't many people whose passing can elicit strong, heartfelt statements from the … Continue reading Obituary: Hank Aaron (1934-2021)