Here lies Ernie Diehl, who played professional baseball as a hobby; he was independently wealthy and didn’t need to play ball, and he reportedly didn’t take a paycheck when he did. Diehl played for the Pittsburgh Pirates (1903-04) and Boston Beaneaters/Doves (1906, 1909). Ernest Guy Diehl was born in Cincinnati on October 2, 1877. His … Continue reading Grave Story: Ernie Diehl (1877-1958)
Here lies Carson Bigbee, an outfielder whose clutch hit helped win the 1925 World Series for the Pirates. He was also part of a pretty notorious player mutiny that ended his big-league career. He played for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1916 until 1926. Carson Lee Bigbee was born in Lebanon, Ore., on March 31, 1895, … Continue reading Grave Story: Carson Bigbee (1895-1964)
Here lies Orville Woodruff, a slick fielder whose major-league career consisted of two seasons, six years apart. Woodruff played for the Cincinnati Reds in 1904 and 1910. He listed as “Sam Woodruff” on Baseball Reference and all the stat sites for reasons that I have not determined. Orville Francis Woodruff was born in Chilo, Ohio, … Continue reading Obituary: Orville (Sam) Woodruff (1876-1937)
Here lies Nolen Richardson, a third baseman/shortstop who was known for his fielding ability — his hitting ability, not so much. He played for the Detroit Tigers (1929, 1931-32), New York Yankees (1935) and Cincinnati Reds (1938-39). He also served, all too briefly, as the head coach of the University of Georgia Bulldogs baseball team … Continue reading Grave Story: Nolen Richardson (1903-1951)
Here lies Ralph Miller, who pitched for two unremarkable seasons in the end of the 19th Century. What was remarkable about Miller was the fact that he lived to celebrate his 100th birthday – he was baseball’s first centenarian. Miller played for the Brooklyn Bridegrooms (1898) and Baltimore Orioles (1899). There have been three “Ralph … Continue reading Grave Story: Ralph Miller (1873-1973)
Here lies Red Munson, who had a major-league career as a catcher for a total of nine games. After that, he earned a reputation as an excellent catcher and manager in the minor leagues. Munson played for the 1905 Philadelphia Phillies. Clarence Hanford “Red” Munson was born in Cincinnati on July 31, 1883. The nickname … Continue reading Grave Story: Red Munson (1883-1957)
Here lies Charles Comiskey, one of the pioneers of baseball and a founder of the American League. Unfortunately, his legacy in the game has been tarnished, as his (inaccurate) portrayal as the miserly owner of the Chicago White Sox has been tied to the Black Sox scandal of the 1919 World Series. What is true … Continue reading Grave Story: Charles Comiskey (1859-1931)
Here lies Waite Hoyt, who was a rarity in baseball – a teenage phenom who actually lived up to his potential. Hoyt’s 21-year career included stops with the New York Giants (1918, 1932), Boston Red Sox (1919-20), New York Yankees (1921-30), Detroit Tigers (1930-31), Philadelphia Athletics (1931), Brooklyn Dodgers (1932, 1937-38) and Pittsburgh Pirates (1933-37). … Continue reading Grave Story: Waite Hoyt (1899-1984)
Here lies Ted Turner, who pitched one game for the Chicago Cubs in 1920. After that, his life was a wild series of robberies, housebreaking, prison escapes and the occasional murder. As far as I can tell, the story of his baseball and criminal careers has never been properly told. So let’s dig into the … Continue reading Grave Story: Theodore Turner (1892-1958)
Here lies Alfred Goshorn, a renowned Cincinnati businessman who also organized the 1876 Centennial exposition in Philadelphia. His claim to fame as far as baseball goes is that he was the first president of the Cincinnati Red Stockings, helping to give rise to professional baseball. Alfred Traber Goshorn was born in Cincinnati on July 15, … Continue reading Grave Story: Alfred Goshorn (1833-1902)
