Here lies John Mackinson, who pitched for 13 seasons in the minor leagues and had two brief stays in the majors. Mackinson played for the Philadelphia Athletics (1953) and St. Louis Cardinals (1955). John Joseph Mackinson was born to John Sr. and Gertrude Mackinson in Orange, N.J., on October 29, 1923. John Sr. was a … Continue reading Grave Story: John Mackinson (1923-1989)
We touched a little on the relationship between Bill Dickey and Lou Gehrig in my recent Grave Story on Dickey. Not only were they roommates on the road, but they were also good friends, and Gehrig’s illness and death had a profound affect on Dickey. Though these are events that took place more than 80 … Continue reading From the Luckiest Man to a pariah
The New York Yankees have a fine tradition of excellence in their catching corps. Of course, there is Yogi Berra, who’s one of the top two catchers to ever play in the American or National League. Then there is a string of very good-to-excellent catchers with Elston Howard, Thurman Munson and Jorge Posada. But the … Continue reading Grave Story: Bill Dickey (1907-1993)
RIP to pitcher Jim Bronstad, who spent parts of three seasons in the major leagues in the 1950s and '60s. He died in his sleep on April 9, at the age of 85. Bronstad played for the New York Yankees (1959) and Washington Senators (1963-64). James Warren Bronstad was born in Fort Worth on June … Continue reading Obituary: Jim Bronstad (1936-2022)
RIP to pitcher Joe Horlen, a standout college pitcher before embarking on a 12-year, All-Star career in the majors. His alma mater, Oklahoma State University, reported that he died on April 11 in San Antonio, Texas, at the age of 84. He had suffered from Alzheimer's Disease for several years. Horlen played for the Chicago … Continue reading Obituary: Joe Horlen (1937-2022)
RIP to John Ellis, a catcher-first baseman in the majors for 13 seasons. He also became the founder of the Connecticut Cancer Foundation, which supports cancer patients and their families financially. He died on April 5 at the age of 73, after a second bout with cancer. Ellis played for the New York Yankees (1969-72), … Continue reading Obituary: John Ellis (1948-2022)
RIP to Tommy Davis, an All-Star and two-time National League batting champion. He died at his home in Phoenix on April 3 at the age of 83. Davis played for the Los Angeles Dodgers (1959-66), New York Mets (1967), Chicago White Sox (1968), Seattle Pilots (1969), Houston Astros (1969-70), Oakland Athletics (1970, 1971), Chicago Cubs … Continue reading Obituary: Tommy Davis (1939-2022)
Here lies Cliff Dapper, who had a sensational career with the Dodgers — but that career lasted just 8 games. The long-time minor-league catcher and manager was also once traded for a future Hall of Famer, but you’d probably never guess which Hall of Famer unless you already know the story. Dapper’s brief career came … Continue reading Grave Story: Cliff Dapper (1920-2011)
RIP to Shirley Burkovich, who took a career in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League and turned it into a lifelong passion to let girls and women play baseball. She died on March 31 at the age of 89. Burkovich played for the Muskegon Lassies (1949), Chicago Colleens (1950), Springfield Sallies (1950) and Rockford Peaches … Continue reading Obituary: Shirley Burkovich (1933-2022)
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)
RIP Baseball 