RIP to Tom Waddell, who rose from a clothing salesman to a Rule V pick to a surprise relief ace before arm problems derailed his career. He died on September 14 from a heart attack, just days away from his 61st birthday. Waddell played for the Cleveland Indians (1984-85, 1987). Tom Waddell was born in … Continue reading Obituary: Tom Waddell (1958-2019)
RIP to Wally Westlake, An All-Star outfielder who played with six teams in a 10-year career. It has been reported that he died on September 6 at the age of 98. Westlake played for the Pittsburgh Pirates (1947-51), St. Louis Cardinals (1951-52), Cincinnati Reds (1952), Cleveland Indians (1952-55), Baltimore Orioles (1955) and Philadelphia Phillies (1956). … Continue reading Obituary: Wally Westlake (1920-2019)
Here lies Harley Boss, a first baseman in the 1920s and ‘30s, a college baseball coach, and a central character from a largely forgotten scandal. He played for the Washington Senators (1928-30) and Cleveland Indians (1933). Elmer Harley Boss was born on November 19, 1908 in Hodge, La. He was a three-sport athlete at Louisiana … Continue reading Grave Story: Harley Boss (1908-1964)
RIP to Hal Naragon, a long-time backup catcher in the majors and a coach after his playing days. He died on August 31 at the age of 90. Naragon played for the Cleveland Indians (1951, 1954-59), Washington Senators (1959-60) and Minnesota Twins (1961-62). “The Indians family is deeply saddened by the passing of Hal Naragon. … Continue reading Obituary: Hal Naragon (1928-2019)
RIP to Tom Jordan, a former catcher who at the time of his death was the oldest living major-league ballplayer. He died on August 27 of a heart attack, according to his obituary on Forbes, at the age of 99. He was 10 days away from his 100th birthday. Jordan played for the Chicago White … Continue reading Obituary: Tom Jordan (1919-2019)
R.I.P. to Don Mossi, an All-Star pitcher equally at home in the bullpen or the starting rotation. It has been reported that he died on July 19 at the age of 90. Mossi pitched for the Cleveland Indians (1954-58), Detroit Tigers (1959-63), Chicago White Sox (1964) and Kansas City Athletics (1965). A post on his … Continue reading Obituary: Don Mossi (1929-2019)
It has been reported on Facebook that Barry Latman, an All-Star pitcher in the 1950s and '60s, has died at the age of 82. A post from an autograph seeker in the group Baseball Player Passings shows a note from a member of Latman's family that reads: "VERY SORRY. Barry was ill for a long … Continue reading Obituary: Barry Latman (1936-2019)
Here lies Jesse Petty, a hard-luck pitcher in the major leagues from the 1920s before becoming a very successful minor-leaguer into the mid-‘30s. The lefty played for the Cleveland Indians (1921), Brooklyn Robins (1925-28), Pittsburgh Pirates (1929-30) and Chicago Cubs (1930). Jesse Petty, nicknamed “The Silver Fox,” was born on November 23, 1894 in Orr, … Continue reading Grave Story: Jesse Petty (1894-1971)
R.I.P. to Randy "Handsome Ransom" Jackson, an All-Star with the Cubs and the answer to a Brooklyn Dodgers trivia question. He died on March 20 at his home in Athens, Ga. He was 93 years old. Jackson played for the Chicago Cubs (1950-55, 1960), Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers (1956-58) and Cleveland Indians (1958-59). Ransom Jackson was … Continue reading Obituary: Randy Jackson (1926-2019)
R.I.P. to John Romano, a catcher whose 10-year included four All-Star appearances over two seasons. He died on March 4 at the age of 84. Romano played for the Chicago White Sox (1958-59; 1965-66), Cleveland Indians (1960-64) and St. Louis Cardinals (1967). John Romano was born on August 23, 1934 in Hoboken, N.J. He was … Continue reading Obituary: John Romano (1934-2019)
