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)
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)
