Here lies Kaiser Wilhelm – the pitcher, not the German emperor. This Wilhelm had stints in the major leagues between 1903 and 1921, and while he lost 20 games in a season three times, he never lost a World War. I believe his resting place is between the two graves belonging to Ida (left) and … Continue reading Grave Story: Irvin “Kaiser” Wilhelm (1877-1936)
RIP to former pitcher Henry "Pistol" Mason, whose journey took him from the Negro Leagues to the major leagues to the pulpit. Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, announced that Mason died on May 29 at the age of 88. Mason started his career with the Kansas City Monarchs before spending parts … Continue reading Obituary: Henry Mason (1931-2020)
RIP to Dolores "Dolly" Brumfield White, who was the Joe Nuxhall of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. She started as a 15-year-old in the AAGPBL and spent seven seasons in the league. Her death was announced on May 29 -- she had just celebrated her 88th birthday three days prior. White played for the … Continue reading Obituary: Delores Brumfield White (1932-2020)
RIP to Paul Doyle, a lefty reliever who helped the Braves into the postseason before an arm injury curtailed his career. He died on May 6 in California at the age of 80. Doyle played for the Atlanta Braves (1969), California Angels (1970, 1972) and San Diego Padres (1970). Paul Doyle was born in Philadelphia … Continue reading Obituary: Paul Doyle (1939-2020)
RIP to Biff Pocoroba, a former All-Star catcher with a decade-long career in the major leagues. He died on May 24 at the age of 66, according to Facebook posts from his family. A cause of death was not announced. Pocoroba played for the Atlanta Braves from 1975-1984. Biff Benedict Pocoroba was born on July … Continue reading Obituary: Biff Pocoroba (1953-2020)
RIP to Ken Retzer, a catcher for four seasons in the early 1960s. He died on May 17 at his home in Sun City, Ariz. He was 86 years old. Retzer played for the Washington Senators from 1961-64. Ken Retzer was born on April 30, 1934, in Wood River, Ill., which is right on the … Continue reading Obituary: Ken Retzer (1934-2020)
RIP to Bob Watson, a two-time All-Star, a World Series-winning coach and general manager, and a contributor to a foundation that helps former players in need. He packed an amazing amount of things into a 50+ year baseball career. Watson died on May 14 in Houston from kidney disease. He was 74 years old and … Continue reading Obituary: Bob Watson (1946-2020)
RIP to Larry Gowell, a pitcher who appeared in two major-league games. Despite the short career, he had one noteworthy accomplishment that makes him a unique part of baseball history. He died on May 11 at the age of 72 while playing golf, according to the posts his family and friends have left on Facebook. … Continue reading Obituary: Larry Gowell (1948-2020)
RIP to Ben Johnson, who pitched for the Chicago Cubs for a total of 21 games over 1959 and 1960. He died on May 8, 2020, at his home. He was 88 years old -- and was a week shy of his 89th birthday. He will be buried at the Greenwood Memorial Gardens in Hodges, … Continue reading Obituary: Ben Johnson (1931-2020)
RIP to Mary Pratt, believed to be the last surviving member of the inaugural Rockford Peaches. She died on May 6 at the age of 101. The southpaw pitcher played for the Rockford Peaches (1943-44, 1946-47) and Kenosha Comets (1944-45). Thanks to one of my readers, who directed me to the Patriot Ledger, which had … Continue reading Obituary: Mary Pratt (1918-2020)
