RIP to Bill Gilbreth, who pitched in parts of three seasons in the major leagues and helped restore the baseball program to his school, Abilene Christian University. He died on July 12 after complications from emergency heart surgery. He was 72 years old. Gilbreth played for the Detroit Tigers (1971-72) and California Angels (1974). In … Continue reading Obituary: Bill Gilbreth (1947-2020)
RIP to All-Star and Gold Glove second baseman Frank Bolling. He died in his hometown of Mobile, Ala. on July 11 at the age of 88. He was diagnosed with cancer almost five years ago. Bolling played for the Detroit Tigers (1954-60) and Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves (1961-66). His older brother Milt Bolling (1930-2013) also played in … Continue reading Obituary: Frank Bolling (1931-2020)
I was interviewed for the Locked On MLB podcast, a really fun daily podcast featuring baseball news, interviews and history. The host, Sully, and I talked about honoring ballplayers, my interest in cemeteries and a few other topics. It was a good talk, so check it out if you’re interested. You can get it by … Continue reading RIP Baseball featured on Locked On MLB Podcast
RIP to Mike "Irish" Ryan, a backup catcher for 11 years in the major leagues and a long-time coach. Ryan died in his sleep on July 7 in Wolfeboro, N.H., at the age of 78. Ryan played for the Boston Red Sox (1964-67), Philadelphia Phillies (1968-73) and Pittsburgh Pirates (1974). He also spent 16 years … Continue reading Obituary: Mike Ryan (1941-2020)
RIP to Ed FitzGerald, who had a 12-year career as a backup catcher in the 1940s and '50s. He died on June 14 at the age of 96. FitzGerald played for the Pittsburgh Pirates (1948-53), Washington Senators (1953-59) and Cleveland Indians (1959). The surname is a bit unusual, as most players with his last name … Continue reading Obituary: Ed FitzGerald (1924-2020)
Here lies Urban Shocker, a renowned spitball pitcher who was one of the top pitchers on the famed ’27 Yankees “Murderers Row” team. He did that while suffering from a heart ailment that would kill him less than a year later. Shocker pitched for the New York Yankees (1916-17, 1925-28) and St. Louis Browns (1918-24). … Continue reading Grave Story: Urban Shocker (1890-1928)
RIP to Tyson Brummett, who pitched for the Philadelphia Phillies for one game in 2012. He and three other people were killed on July 3 in a private plane crash in American Fork Canyon, north of Alpine, Utah. Brummett was 35 years old. According to the Salt Lake City Fox affiliate, the other victims of … Continue reading Obituary: Tyson Brummett (1984-2020)
Here lies Guy Hecker, the only pitcher to ever win a batting title. He’s also one of two players to lead the league in both batting and ERA – Babe Ruth being the other. Hecker played for the Louisville Eclipse/Colonels of the American Association (1882-89) and was a player/manager for the Pittsburgh Allegheneys (1890). Guy … Continue reading Grave Story: Guy Hecker (1856-1938)
RIP to Adrian Devine, a relief pitcher for the Braves and Rangers in the 1970s. He died on June 27 at the age of 68, after a long battle with cancer. Devine played for the Atlanta Braves (1973, 1975-76, 1978-79) and Texas Rangers (1977, 1980). According to Devine's daughter, Renee Rafanelli, Devine first was diagnosed … Continue reading Obituary: Adrian Devine (1951-2020)
Here lies Don O'Riley, who pitched in the majors for two seasons. His playing career was cut short by a motorcycle accident, and his life, tragically, was cut short by gun violence. O’Riley played for the Kansas City Royals (1969-70). Donald Lee O’Riley was born on March 12, 1945 in Topeka, Kan. He went to … Continue reading Grave Story: Don O’Riley (1945-1997)
