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 to Kimera Bartee, a former outfielder who spent the 2021 season as the first base coach of the Detroit Tigers. He died December 20 in his home town of Omaha. According to reports, the 49-year-old collapsed while visiting family for the holidays. His father, Jerry Bartee, told the Omaha World-Herald that his son died … Continue reading Obituary: Kimera Bartee (1972-2021)
RIP to Richie Lewis, a record-breaking college pitcher who went on to have a 7-year career in the major leagues with five different teams. He died on December 8 at the age of 55. Lewis pitched for the Baltimore Orioles (1992, 1998), Florida Marlins (1993-95), Detroit Tigers (1996), Oakland Athletics (1997) and Cincinnati Reds (1997). … Continue reading Obituary: Richie Lewis (1966-2021)
Here lies Bug Holliday, who had a short but impactful career as one of the hardest hitters of the late 19th Century. He was fondly remembered for his animated personality as much as his batting prowess. Holliday played for the Cincinnati Red Stockings of the American Association (1889) and the Cincinnati Reds of the National … Continue reading Grave Story: Bug Holliday (1867-1910)
When many 19th-Century ballplayers retired, they “took to the white apron” – in other words, they became bartenders. Others became police officers or fireman, but as far as I can tell, only one became an in-demand lithographer. That would be “Long” John Reilly, one of the premier sluggers of his era. Reilly played for the … Continue reading Grave Story: John Reilly (1858-1937)
RIP Baseball 