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)
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)
RIP Baseball 