Harry Steinfeldt is the answer to one of baseball’s classic trivia questions – who was the third baseman in the Tinker-to-Evers-to-Chance infield? It isn’t a fair summary of his career, though. For 14 years, he was a dependable infielder, and most of that time wasn’t even spent with his Hall of Fame compatriots. Steinfeldt played … Continue reading Grave Story: Harry Steinfeldt (1875-1914)
Here lies outfielder/pitcher Pat Hynes, another one of baseball's forgotten tragic tales. His major-league career lasted just two years, as he was shot to death in a barroom fight on his 23rd birthday. Hynes played for the St. Louis Cardinals (1903) and St. Louis Browns (1904). Patrick J. Hynes was born in St. Louis on … Continue reading Grave Story: Pat Hynes (1884-1907)
Here lies Frank Bancroft, who managed seven different teams in his career, including one of the most remarkable teams of the 19th Century. He also became a successful business manager who instituted several baseball traditions we still hold dear. Bancroft managed the Worcester Ruby Legs (1880), Detroit Wolverines (1881-82), Cleveland Blues (1883), Providence Grays (1884-85), … Continue reading Grave Story: Frank Bancroft (1846-1921)
Here lies Clydell "Slick" Castleman, who had a couple of successful seasons as a starting pitcher in the 1930s before injuries – and a vindictive manager – ended his career at the age of 25. In his retirement, he took on the noble goal of trying to teach Tennesseans to be better drivers. Castleman pitched … Continue reading Grave Story: Clydell “Slick” Castleman
Jim Keenan typifies the experience of the earliest professional baseball player. He played for five teams in three professional leagues for 11 seasons over a span of 17 years. Oh, and he played at seven different positions during that time, too. Major League Baseball is professional, regimented, orderly and specialized now, but that hides its … Continue reading Grave Story: Jim Keenan (1856-1926)
Here lies Jim Keesey, who had a couple of cups of coffee in the major leagues in the 1920s. However, he was a true baseball lifer, working in the minor leagues as a player, manager and scout, right up until the day he died. Keesey played for the Philadelphia Athletics in 1925 and 1930. James … Continue reading Grave Story: Jim Keesey (1902-1951)
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 Grave Story: 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)
