RIP to Johnny Groth, a good-hitting outfielder who played for 15 years in the majors following the end of World War II. He died on August 7 in his oceanfront condominium in Palm Beach, Fla. He was 95 years old and is survived by his wife of 72 years, Betty, and 11 children. Groth played … Continue reading Obituary: Johnny Groth (1926-2021)
RIP to Vito Valentinetti, who pitched for five different major-league teams in the 1950s. He died in his home on August 5, with his wife, Mary Ann, and several of his children with him. He was 92 years old. Valentinetti played for the Chicago White Sox (1954), Chicago Cubs (1956-57), Cleveland Indians (1957), Detroit Tigers … Continue reading Obituary: Vito Valentinetti (1928-2021)
RIP to Helen Nicol “Nickie” Fox, the winningest pitcher in the history of the All American Girls Professional Baseball League. A Scottsdale, Arizona, resident, she died on July 25 at the age of 101. Fox, who also holds the AAGPBL record for career strikeouts, played for the Kenosha Comets (1943-47) and Rockford Peaches (1947-52). Helen … Continue reading Obituary: Helen Nicol Fox (1920-2021)
RIP to Astros legend J.R. Richard, one of the most intimidating (and misunderstood) pitchers of his era. He died in a Houston hospital on August 4 at the age of 71. It has been reported, including by former teammates, that his death was due to complications from COVID-19. Richard played for the Houston Astros from … Continue reading Obituary: J.R. Richard (1950-2021)
RIP to Rafael Carmona, who had a 4-year career as a reliever with the Seattle Mariners before injuries brought an end to his career. It was reported by the Puerto Rican National Baseball Team that he has passed away at the age of 48. An exact date or cause of death was not immediately available; … Continue reading Obituary: Rafael Carmona (1972-2021)
Here lies Charlie Gould, the first baseman on the renowned 1869 Cincinnati Red Stockings team and the first-ever manager of the Cincinnati Reds. Gould played for the Boston Red Stockings (1871-72), Baltimore Canaries (1874) and New Haven Elm Citys (1875), all of the National Association, and the Cincinnati Reds (1876-77). He also managed in New … Continue reading Grave Story: Charlie Gould (1847-1917)
RIP to Tim Talton, who was a catcher for two seasons in the majors in the 1960s. He died on July 22 at Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro, N.C. He was 82 years old. Talton played for the Kansas City Athletics in 1966 and '67. Marion Lee Talton was born in Pikeville, N.C., on … Continue reading Obituary: Tim Talton (1939-2021)
Over the course of my cemetery travels the last few years, I have come across a fair share of unmarked graves. Many times, I’ve wished I could do something about it, but I didn’t have the funds or the know-how to make such a thing happen. Now, I’m in a position where I can do … Continue reading The Ed Williamson grave marker project
RIP to pitcher Dick Tidrow, a two-time World Series champ, one of the game's first great set-up relievers, and a long-time baseball executive. He died unexpectedly in Lee's Summit, Mo., on July 10 at the age of 74. His death was announced by the San Francisco Giants, where he spent nearly 30 years working in … Continue reading Obituary: Dick Tidrow (1947-2021)
RIP to Ted Wieand, who pitched for parts of two seasons with the Reds in the 1950s. He died on July 7 at the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Cedar Crest, located in Allentown, Pa. He was 88 years old. Wieand played for the Cincinnati Reds in 1958 and 1960 as part of an 11-year pro baseball … Continue reading Obituary: Ted Wieand (1933-2021)
