Here lies Benny Zientara, who played in the majors briefly before embarking on a long scouting career. Zientara played for the Cincinnati Reds in 1941 and from 1946-48 – he spent 1942-45 in the military. Benedict Joseph Zientara was born in Chicago on Valentine’s Day – February 14, 1918. Both his parents, Walenty (whose Americanized … Continue reading Grave Story: Benny Zientara (1918-1985)
Here lies Hugh High, who was one of three High brothers to reach the major leagues. His big break in the major leagues came when he had a chance to replace one of the game’s all-time greats – at least for a time. High played for the Detroit Tigers (1913-14) and New York Yankees (1915-18). … Continue reading Grave Story: Hugh High (1887-1962)
Here lies John Mackinson, who pitched for 13 seasons in the minor leagues and had two brief stays in the majors. Mackinson played for the Philadelphia Athletics (1953) and St. Louis Cardinals (1955). John Joseph Mackinson was born to John Sr. and Gertrude Mackinson in Orange, N.J., on October 29, 1923. John Sr. was a … Continue reading Grave Story: John Mackinson (1923-1989)
The New York Yankees have a fine tradition of excellence in their catching corps. Of course, there is Yogi Berra, who’s one of the top two catchers to ever play in the American or National League. Then there is a string of very good-to-excellent catchers with Elston Howard, Thurman Munson and Jorge Posada. But the … Continue reading Grave Story: Bill Dickey (1907-1993)
Here lies Cliff Dapper, who had a sensational career with the Dodgers — but that career lasted just 8 games. The long-time minor-league catcher and manager was also once traded for a future Hall of Famer, but you’d probably never guess which Hall of Famer unless you already know the story. Dapper’s brief career came … Continue reading Grave Story: Cliff Dapper (1920-2011)
Here lies Jack Brewer, who reached the majors after missing three seasons due to military service during World War II. Brewer pitched for the New York Giants between 1944 and 1946. Jack Herndon Brewer was born in Los Angeles on April 21, 1918. He was part of a Polytechnic High School baseball team that once … Continue reading Grave Story: Jack Brewer (1918-2003)
Bert Shepard only pitched in one major league game. The fact that he ever made it that far – the fact that he lived to make it to a pitcher’s mound – is one of baseball’s most inspiring stories. Shepard played his one game with the Washington Senators in 1945, after being shot down in … Continue reading Grave Story: Bert Shepard (1920-2008)
With great speed, good defense and a knack for getting on base regularly, Hub Collins was one of the top second baseman in the American Association and National League – right up to the point that he died in the prime of his career. Welcome to life in the 19th Century. Collins played for the … Continue reading Grave Story: Hub Collins (1864-1892)
Here lies Fern Bell, an outfielder who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1939 and 1940. After his baseball career, he became a “missing” ballplayer, all the while living out his life as a golf pro out West. Fernando Jerome Lee Bell was born in Ada, Okla., on January 21, 1913. At least, that’s what … Continue reading Grave Story: Fern Bell (1913-2000)
Here lies Ralph Kreitz, who played in 7 games for the Chicago White Sox in 1911. But despite his short major-league career, he managed to become a South Side hero, thanks to one exhibition game. Ralph Wesley Kreitz was born in Plum Creek, Neb., on November 13, 1885. His parents, Martin and Bertha (Branch) Kreitz, … Continue reading Grave Story: Ralph Kreitz (1885-1941)
RIP Baseball 