Here lies Walter “Whitey” Hilcher, a pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds for parts of four seasons. The “Whitey” nickname came from his blond hair. He played for the Reds from 1931-32 and again from 1935-36. Walter Hilcher was born in Chicago on February 28, 1909. It doesn’t appear that his family stayed in Chicago for … Continue reading Grave Story: Whitey Hilcher (1909-1962)
R.I.P. to Greg Booker, a pitcher and coach for several organizations. He died on March 30 from melanoma at the age of 58. Booker pitched for the San Diego Padres (1983-89), Minnesota Twins (1989) and San Francisco Giants (1990). He was also the son-in-law of longtime MLB manager and executive Jack McKeon. Greg Booker's 1985 … Continue reading Obituary: Greg Booker (1960-2019)
R.I.P. to outfielder/first baseman Jim Holt, who played on the World Champion Athletics in 1974. He died on March 29 at the Alamance Regional Medical Center in Burlington, N.C. He was 74 years old. Holt played for the Minnesota Twins (1968-74) and Oakland A's (1974-76). James Holt was born in Graham, N.C. on May 27, … Continue reading Obituary: Jim Holt (1944-2019)
RIP to Jerry Schypinski, a shortstop for the 1955 Kansas City athletics. He died on March 25 at the age of 87. Gerald Schypinski was born on September 16, 1931 in Detroit, Mich. He attended University of Detroit Mercy college in Detroit and was signed by the Philadelphia Athletics in 1952. Schypinski's pro debut came … Continue reading Obituary: Jerry Schypinski (1931-2019)
Here lies Hal Elliott, a reliever who led the NL in appearances in 1930. His career ERA puts him in unique company in the history of Major League Baseball. Elliott played for the Philadelphia Phillies from 1929-32. Harold “Ace” Elliott was born on May 29, 1899 in Mount Clemens, Mich. Unlike a lot of major leaguers … Continue reading Grave Story: Hal Elliott (1899-1963)
Hi there, this is my "help support your friendly baseball blogger" kind of post. I hate marketing myself, but sometimes a writer's gotta do what a writer's gotta do, so please indulge me for a few paragraphs. Like pretty much every baseball blogger out there, I'm doing this out of a love of baseball history. … Continue reading So you want to support RIP Baseball…
Pinky Whitney began and ended his career with the Philadelphia Phillies, spending 10 of his 12 seasons with the team. During his first tenure, he reached 200 hits twice and batted over .300 three times, and the Phillies were awful. The second time around, he received his only All-Star nod and hit .341 one year, … Continue reading Grave Story: Pinky Whitney (1905-1987)
R.I.P. to Art Mazmanian, an All-American college baseball player, minor-leaguer in the Yankees organization and a long-time manager for high school, college and minor-league baseball. He died on March 22 in San Dimas, Calif., at the age of 91. Art Mazmanian was born on May 1, 1927 in Detroit, Mich. He attended the University of … Continue reading Obituary: Art Mazmanian (1927-2019)
Here lies John Beaven, a member of the Hawaii Sports Hall of Fame for his contributions to baseball on the Islands. He built Honolulu Stadium and is considered Hawaii’s first sports promoter. John Ashman Beaven was born on October 31, 1869 in Oswego, N.Y. He was a world traveler in his youth, visiting Europe, India … Continue reading Grave Story: John Ashman Beaven (1869-1946)
R.I.P. to Randy "Handsome Ransom" Jackson, an All-Star with the Cubs and the answer to a Brooklyn Dodgers trivia question. He died on March 20 at his home in Athens, Ga. He was 93 years old. Jackson played for the Chicago Cubs (1950-55, 1960), Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers (1956-58) and Cleveland Indians (1958-59). Ransom Jackson was … Continue reading Obituary: Randy Jackson (1926-2019)
