RIP to Stan Palys, an outfielder for four seasons in the 1950s. He died on February 8 surrounded by family at his home in Jupiter, Fla. He was 90 years old. Palys played for the Philadelphia Phillies (1953-1955) and Cincinnati Reds (1955-56), as well as the Tokyo Orions of the Japan Pacific League from 1964-67. … Continue reading Obituary: Stan Palys (1930-2021)
RIP to Tom Acker, who pitched for four seasons in the majors in the 1950s. He was also a big part of the baseball scene in his home of New Jersey after leaving professional baseball. He died on January 4 in his home in Narvon, Pa. He was 90 years old. Acker played for the … Continue reading Obituary: Tom Acker (1930-2021)
RIP to two-time All-Star infielder and in-demand hitting coach Denis Menke. His family announced that he died in Tarpon Springs, Fla., on December 1. He was 80 years old. Menke played for the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves (1962-67), Houston Astros (1968-71, 1974) and Cincinnati Reds (1972-73). Denis John Menke was born in Bancroft, Iowa, on July 21, … Continue reading Obituary: Denis Menke (1940-2020)
Here lies Orville Woodruff, a slick fielder whose major-league career consisted of two seasons, six years apart. Woodruff played for the Cincinnati Reds in 1904 and 1910. He listed as “Sam Woodruff” on Baseball Reference and all the stat sites for reasons that I have not determined. Orville Francis Woodruff was born in Chilo, Ohio, … Continue reading Obituary: Orville (Sam) Woodruff (1876-1937)
Here lies Nolen Richardson, a third baseman/shortstop who was known for his fielding ability — his hitting ability, not so much. He played for the Detroit Tigers (1929, 1931-32), New York Yankees (1935) and Cincinnati Reds (1938-39). He also served, all too briefly, as the head coach of the University of Georgia Bulldogs baseball team … Continue reading Grave Story: Nolen Richardson (1903-1951)
RIP to Joe Morgan, considered by many to be the heart and soul behind the Big Red Machine of the 1970s, as well as one of the greatest second baseman in baseball history. He died on October 11 in Danville, Calif., at the age of 77. A statement from his family said that he died … Continue reading Obituary: Joe Morgan (1943-2020)
RIP to Jim Owens, who had a 12-year career as a pitcher before spending six seasons as a pitching coach. It has been reported that he died on September 8 at the age of 86. Owens pitched for the Philadelphia Phillies (1955-56, 1958-62), Cincinnati Reds (1963) and Houston Colt .45s/Astros (1964-67). The story that announced … Continue reading Obituary: Jim Owens (1934-2020)
Here lies Charles Comiskey, one of the pioneers of baseball and a founder of the American League. Unfortunately, his legacy in the game has been tarnished, as his (inaccurate) portrayal as the miserly owner of the Chicago White Sox has been tied to the Black Sox scandal of the 1919 World Series. What is true … Continue reading Grave Story: Charles Comiskey (1859-1931)
RIP to Tom Seaver, a Hall of Fame pitcher and generally recognized as the greatest ever Met. He died on August 31 in Calistoga, Calif., at the age of 75. His family announced that he had passed away from complications of COVID-19 and Lewy body dementia. In March of 2019, his family had announced that … Continue reading Obituary: Tom Seaver (1944-2020)
RIP to Howie Judson, a pitcher for seven seasons in the major leagues in the 1940s and '50s. He was also part of a family that was renowned for its high school heroics in northern Illinois. He died on August 18 at a nursing home in Winter Haven, Fla., at the age of 95. Judson … Continue reading Obituary: Howie Judson (1925-2020)
