Lefty Guise should never have reached the major leagues. He suffered what was thought to be a career-ending arm injury when he was 22 years old, but he came back to reach the majors as a 31-year-old rookie. Though his career in the majors lasted just 2 games, he still won a World Series ring. … Continue reading Grave Story: Witt “Lefty” Guise (1908-1968)
Here lies Merrill Combs, an infielder who played about a season’s worth of major-league games spread out across five years and three teams. Combs played for the Boston Red Sox (1947, 1949-50), Washington Senators (1950) and Cleveland Indians (1951-52). Merrill Russell Combs was born in Los Angeles on December 11, 1919. He is listed on … Continue reading Grave Story: Merrill Combs (1919-1981)
Here lies Hilton Smith, one of the greatest pitchers in the history of the Negro Leagues. And the reason he isn’t celebrated more today is because he was frequently teammates with the greatest pitcher in the history of the Negro Leagues – and who wouldn’t be overshadowed by Satchel Paige? Smith played for the Monroe … Continue reading Grave Story: Hilton Smith (1907-1983)
Here lies Lee Stine, who started pitching professionally at an incredibly young age and never really took a break for years afterward. He was also a very good hitter and may have had a better career as an outfielder if he started at it from the beginning. Stine played for the Chicago White Sox (1934-35), … Continue reading Grave Story: Lee Stine (1913-2005)
Here lies Fred Toney, who is probably best remembered today as the winning pitcher of baseball’s only double no-hit game. But that wasn’t even the best game he ever pitched. In a 12-year career in the majors, Toney played for the Chicago Cubs (1911-1913), Cincinnati Reds (1915-18), New York Giants (1918-22) and St. Louis Cardinals … Continue reading Grave Story: Fred Toney (1888-1953)
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)
RIP Baseball 