RIP to Dave Hillman, a pitcher from the 1950s and '60s who suffered from poor support and freak injuries throughout his career. He also was the oldest living ex-Red and Ex-Met. He died on November 20 from natural causes at his assisted care facility in Kingsport, Tenn. He was 95 years old. Hillman pitched for … Continue reading Obituary: Dave Hillman (1927-2022)
RIP to pitcher Jim Bailey, who appeared in 3 games with the Cincinnati Reds in 1959. In that short time, he had the distinction of being part of a rare brother pitcher-catcher battery, along with brother Ed Bailey. Jim Bailey died in Ten Mile, Tenn., on October 12. He was 87 years old. James Hopkins … Continue reading Obituary: Jim Bailey (1934-2022)
RIP to Moe Savransky, who appeared briefly as a reliever for the 1954 Cincinnati Reds. He died in Alpharetta, Ga., on October 13, at the age of 93. At the time of his passing, he was the oldest living Jewish baseball player. Morris Savransky was born in Cleveland on January 13, 1929. His parents, Barney … Continue reading Obituary: Moe Savransky (1929-2022)
Here lies Cory Lidle, a starting pitcher for seven teams over a 9-year career in the 1990s and 2000s. His final career appearance came in the playoffs, shortly before his tragic death in a plane crash. Lidle played for the New York Mets (1997), Tampa Bay Devil Rays (1999-2000), Oakland Athletics (2001-2002), Toronto Blue Jays … Continue reading Grave Story: Cory Lidle (1972-2006)
Lefty Guise should never have reached the major leagues. He suffered what was thought to be a career-ending arm injury when he was 22 years old, but he came back to reach the majors as a 31-year-old rookie. Though his career in the majors lasted just 2 games, he still won a World Series ring. … Continue reading Grave Story: Witt “Lefty” Guise (1908-1968)
Here lies Lee Stine, who started pitching professionally at an incredibly young age and never really took a break for years afterward. He was also a very good hitter and may have had a better career as an outfielder if he started at it from the beginning. Stine played for the Chicago White Sox (1934-35), … Continue reading Grave Story: Lee Stine (1913-2005)
RIP to Bob Miller, who jumped directly from high school to the big leagues as a 17-year-old bonus baby pitcher. He died on May 24 in St. Charles, Ill., at the age of 86. Miller played for the Detroit Tigers (1953-56), Cincinnati Reds (1962) and New York Mets (1962). The Bob Miller who is the … Continue reading Obituary: Bob G. Miller (1935-2022)
Here lies Fred Toney, who is probably best remembered today as the winning pitcher of baseball’s only double no-hit game. But that wasn’t even the best game he ever pitched. In a 12-year career in the majors, Toney played for the Chicago Cubs (1911-1913), Cincinnati Reds (1915-18), New York Giants (1918-22) and St. Louis Cardinals … Continue reading Grave Story: Fred Toney (1888-1953)
Here lies Benny Zientara, who played in the majors briefly before embarking on a long scouting career. Zientara played for the Cincinnati Reds in 1941 and from 1946-48 – he spent 1942-45 in the military. Benedict Joseph Zientara was born in Chicago on Valentine’s Day – February 14, 1918. Both his parents, Walenty (whose Americanized … Continue reading Grave Story: Benny Zientara (1918-1985)
RIP to Larry Biittner, a versatile first baseman-outfielder and one of the best pinch-hitters of his era. His family announced that he died at 6:00am on January 2, after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 75 years old. Biittner played for the Washington Senators/Texas Rangers (1970-73, 1983), Montreal Expos (1974-76), Chicago Cubs (1976-80) and … Continue reading Obituary: Larry Biittner (1946-2022)
RIP Baseball 