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)
Here lies Marv Felderman, whose major-league career lasted for three games with the Chicago Cubs in 1942. His minor-league career lasted a good bit longer than that, and his military career had some athletic highlights as well. Marvin Wilfred Felderman was born in Bellevue, Iowa, on December 20, 1915. He was nicknamed “Coonie,” which was … Continue reading Grave Story: Marvin Felderman (1915-2000)
For a period of about six years in the 1980s, the most dominant closer in baseball wasn’t a hulking fireballer like Goose Gossage or Lee Smith. It was a submarine-throwing soft-tosser with an endless supply of quotes and quips. Dan Quisenberry was one of those rare players who enhanced the game by his mere existence, … Continue reading Grave Story: Dan Quisenberry (1953-1998)
Here lies Paul Toth, who pitched for parts of three seasons in the 1960s. He was part of one of the most infamous trades in baseball history, and he never returned to the majors after it took place. Toth played for the St. Louis Cardinals (1962) and Chicago Cubs (1962-1964). Paul Louis Toth (rhymes with … Continue reading Grave Story: Paul Toth (1935-1999)
Here lies William "Heinie" Heltzel, who had a 13-year career in professional baseball that included a couple of stops in the major leagues during World War II. Heltzel, a shortstop and third baseman, played for the Boston Braves (1943) and Philadelphia Phillies (1944). William Wade Heltzel was born in York, Pa., on December 21, 1913. … Continue reading Grave Story: Heinie Heltzel (1913-1998)
Here lies Cecil Garriott, whose 17 years in professional baseball included a cup of coffee with the Chicago Cubs in 1946. Though if it wasn’t for an enlistment into the Army at the worst possible moment, he might have been a key player on one of the most memorable Cubs teams ever. Virgil Cecil Garriott … Continue reading Grave Story: Cecil Garriott (1916-1990)
(Editor's note: This article was co-written with Paul Proia of Mighty Casey Baseball. I'm grateful for his help, and if you enjoy early baseball history his website is a must-read.) Ed Williamson is most famous for setting the major league single season home run record in 1884 when he hit 27 homers for the National … Continue reading Grave Story: Ed Williamson (1857-1894)
Here lies Eddie Collins Jr., the son of one baseball Hall of Famer and the son-in-law of another. Being related to two baseball greats is a tall order for a ballplayer, but he made a name for himself both in and outside of baseball. Collins played for the Philadelphia Athletics in 1939 and 1941-42. Edward … Continue reading Grave Story: Eddie Collins Jr. (1916-2000)
Here lies Eric Show, the ace of the Padres pitching staff for several years. He was a number of other things in his relatively short life -- a jazz musician, philosopher, conservative iconoclast, participant in one of baseball's most memorable moments, and one of the game's biggest enigmas. Show played for the San Diego Padres … Continue reading Grave Story: Eric Show (1956-1994)
It’s time to talk about one of the greatest hitters in baseball history. And while much of Shoeless Joe Jackson’s life is still the subject of debate and misconception, I think baseball fans can at least agree on that much. Jackson played for the Philadelphia Athletics (1908-09), Cleveland Naps/Indians (1910-15) and Chicago White Sox (1915-20). … Continue reading Grave Story: Shoeless Joe Jackson (1887-1951)
RIP Baseball 