The 1907 Philadelphia Athletics almost won the American League pennant, backed by three Hall-of-Fame starting pitchers. However, the pitcher who almost got them into the World Series was a little spitballer named Jimmy Dygert, whose major-league career lasted just six seasons. Arm problems ended his professional career before he was 30. Dygert played for the … Continue reading Grave Story: Jimmy Dygert (1884-1936)
Here lies Tommy Hanson, a power pitcher and a Rookie of the Year contender in 2009. He won 10+ games in four of his five big-league season before injuries and family tragedy curtailed his career. Hanson played for the Atlanta Braves (2009-2012) and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (2013). Thomas J Hanson was born in … Continue reading Grave Story: Tommy Hanson (1986-2015)
Here lies Jimmy Wood, an early baseball star and one of the organizers of Chicago’s first-ever professional baseball team. His playing career might have lasted a good bit longer if not for an unfortunate attempt at home surgery. Wood played in the National Association for the Chicago White Stockings (1871), Troy Haymakers (1872), Brooklyn Eckfords … Continue reading Grave Story: Jimmy Wood (1843-1927)
Here lies Pete Van Wieren, aka “The Professor,” who was one-third of one of the most influential broadcast booths in baseball history. He, along with Ernie Johnson Sr. and Skip Caray, were the voices of the Atlanta Braves during their time on TBS. Between his work on television and radio, Van Wieren called Braves games … Continue reading Grave Story: Pete Van Wieren (1944-2014)
Here lies Charley "Greek" George, a short-tempered, umpire-baiting catcher whose career ended with one punch. George played for the Cleveland Indians (1935-36), Brooklyn Dodgers (1938), Chicago Cubs (1941) and Philadelphia Athletics (1945). Charles Peter George was born on Christmas Day, December 25, in 1912 in Waycross, Ga. His parents, Peter and Alice, were both born … Continue reading Grave Story: Charley “Greek” George (1912-1999)
Here lies Don Wilson, an All-Star pitcher for Houston who threw two no-hitters in his 9-year career. He died at the peak of his playing career in a family tragedy that shook the baseball world and created an incomplete picture of who he was as a person. Wilson played for the Houston Astros from 1966 … Continue reading Grave Story: Don Wilson (1945-1975)
Here lies George Halas – better known as “Papa Bear.” He is the founder of the Chicago Bears, its longest tenured owner and coach, and arguably one of the more important figures in the history of professional football. So why are we talking about him on a baseball history website? Because before George Halas made … Continue reading Grave Story: George Halas (1895-1983)
Here lies George Gerken, who was known for his strong hitting and base-stealing expertise in the minors but never really got a chance to show off his skills in the big leagues. Gerken played for the Cleveland Indians as an outfielder in 1927 and ’28. George Herbert Gerken was born in Chicago on July 28, … Continue reading Grave Story: George Gerkin (1903-1977)
Here lies William Hulbert, a baseball pioneer who helped launch the National League and navigated the league through its early growing pains. He also happens to have one of the most famous grave markers of anybody in the baseball world. William Ambrose Hulbert was born on October 23, 1832, in Burlington Flats, N.Y. – about … Continue reading Grave Story: William Hulbert (1832-1882)
Here lies Cory Lidle, a starting pitcher for seven teams over a 9-year career in the 1990s and 2000s. His final career appearance came in the playoffs, shortly before his tragic death in a plane crash. Lidle played for the New York Mets (1997), Tampa Bay Devil Rays (1999-2000), Oakland Athletics (2001-2002), Toronto Blue Jays … Continue reading Grave Story: Cory Lidle (1972-2006)
RIP Baseball 