Here lies Jim Kirby, who appeared in 3 games for the 1949 Chicago Cubs. A long-time outfielder and occasional infielder in the minor leagues, Kirby had two games as a pinch hitter and one as a pinch runner. He never appeared on defense in his short MLB career. Kirby, a South Nashville native, was born … Continue reading Grave Story: Jim Kirby (1923-2009)
Here lies Otis Clymer, a speedy outfielder who played for four teams in the majors and several championship teams in the minors. He played for the Pittsburgh Pirates (1905-07), Washington Senators (1907-09), Chicago Cubs (1913) and Boston Braves (1913). Otis Edgar Clymer was born in Pine Grove, Pa., on January 27, 1876. His professional debut … Continue reading Grave Story: Otis Clymer (1876-1926)
RIP to Bobby Del Greco, an outfielder for six teams from 1952-1965. He died on October 13 at the age of 86. He had been battling severe dementia, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Del Greco played for the Pittsburgh Pirates (1952, 1956), St. Louis Cardinals (1956), Chicago Cubs (1957), New York Yankees (1957-58), Philadelphia Phillies … Continue reading Obituary: Bobby Del Greco (1933-2019)
RIP to Sammy Taylor, a catcher for 6 seasons in the late '50s and early '60s. He died on October 8 at the age of 86 in his home town of Woodruff, S.C. Taylor played for the Chicago Cubs (1958-62), New York Mets (1962-63), Cincinnati Reds (1963) and Cleveland Indians (1963). Samuel Taylor was born … Continue reading Obituary: Sammy Taylor (1933-2019)
RIP to Alex Grammas, who spent more than 40 years in professional baseball as a player, coach and manager. He died on September 13 at the age of 93. As a player, Grammas was an infielder for the St. Louis Cardinals (1954-56, 1959-62), Cincinnati Reds (1956-58) and Chicago Cubs (1962-63). He also coached for the … Continue reading Obituary: Alex Grammas (1927-2019)
RIP to Charlie Silvera, who was the long-time backup catcher to Yogi Berra. He died on September 7 at the age of 94. Silvera played for the New York Yankees (1948-1956) and Chicago Cubs (1957). Charlie Silvera was born in San Francisco on October 13, 1924. The New York Times obituary stated that his father … Continue reading Obituary: Charlie Silvera (1924-2019)
RIP to Tom Phoebus, a pitcher on the 1970 World Champion Baltimore Orioles. The Orioles announced before their game on September 5 that he had died earlier that day at the age of 77 and held a moment of silence for him. Phoebus played for the Orioles (1966-70), San Diego Padres (1971-72) and Chicago Cubs … Continue reading Obituary: Tom Phoebus (1942-2019)
Here lies Hy Vandenberg, who pitched for seven seasons in the 1930s and ‘40s. He didn’t have his best seasons until he reached the age where most ballplayers retire. Vandenberg played for the Boston Red Sox (1935), New York Giants (1937-40) and Chicago Cubs (1944-45). Harold Harris Vandenberg was born on March 17, 1906 in … Continue reading Grave Story: Hy Vandenberg (1906-1994)
R.I.P. to Ernie Broglio, a 20-game winner and, yes, part of one of baseball's most infamous trades. His daughter announced that he died on July 16 at the age of 83. He had been battling cancer. Broglio pitched for the St. Louis Cardinals (1959-1964) and Chicago Cubs (1964-66). Ernie Broglio, left, and Stan Musial celebrate … Continue reading Obituary: Ernie Broglio (1935-2019)
R.I.P. to Paul Schramka, who had the briefest of major league careers -- 2 appearances with the 1953 Chicago Cubs. He went on to a long career serving as a funeral director in the Milwaukee area. He died on July 8 at the age of 91. Source: Schramka Funeral Home Paul Schramka was born in … Continue reading Obituary: Paul Schramka (1928-2019)
