RIP to Vito Valentinetti, who pitched for five different major-league teams in the 1950s. He died in his home on August 5, with his wife, Mary Ann, and several of his children with him. He was 92 years old. Valentinetti played for the Chicago White Sox (1954), Chicago Cubs (1956-57), Cleveland Indians (1957), Detroit Tigers … Continue reading Obituary: Vito Valentinetti (1928-2021)
RIP to pitcher Dick Tidrow, a two-time World Series champ, one of the game's first great set-up relievers, and a long-time baseball executive. He died unexpectedly in Lee's Summit, Mo., on July 10 at the age of 74. His death was announced by the San Francisco Giants, where he spent nearly 30 years working in … Continue reading Obituary: Dick Tidrow (1947-2021)
RIP to All-Star pitcher Mudcat Grant, the first African-American to win 20 games in the American League. According to the Cleveland Indians, Grant died peacefully in Los Angeles on June 11. He was 85 years old. Over his long life, Grant involved himself in a number of off-the-field activities, including announcing, charity work, writing and … Continue reading Obituary: Jim “Mudcat” Grant (1935-2021)
RIP to All-Star outfielder Richie Scheinblum, who had an 8-year career in the majors between 1965 and 1974 with six different teams. His family posted the following message on his Facebook page: It is with extreme sadness that we share that our brother Richie Scheinblum passed away peacefully on May 10, 2021 after a long … Continue reading Obituary: Richie Scheinblum (1942-2021)
RIP to Del Crandall, an 11-time All-Star, a 4-time Gold Glove catcher, and the last surviving member of the Boston Braves organization. He died on May 5 in Mission Viejo, Cal., at the age of 91. He had been suffering from Parkinson's disease and, as of this 2020 article, was living in an assisted living … Continue reading Obituary: Del Crandall (1930-2021)
RIP to Tom Hilgendorf, a relief pitcher for three different teams in the late 1960s and '70s. Hilgendorf, a resident of Comanche, Iowa, died on March 25 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. He was 79 years old. Hilgendorf played for the St. Louis Cardinals (1969-70), Cleveland Indians (1972-74) and … Continue reading Obituary: Tom Hilgendorf (1942-2021)
RIP to Joe Altobelli, World Series-winning manager and, briefly, a major-leaguer in the 1950s and '60s. He was also one of the most beloved baseball figures in Rochester, N.Y. The Rochester Red Wings, on behalf of his family, announced that Altobelli died on March 3 at the age of 88 from natural causes. As a … Continue reading Obituary: Joe Altobelli (1932-2021)
RIP to Wynn Hawkins, a right-handed pitcher who played in the American League for three seasons in the early 1960s. He died on February 11 at the age of 84 -- nine days away from his 85th birthday -- at his home in Canfield, Ohio. Hawkins played for the Cleveland Indians from 1960-62. Wynn Firth … Continue reading Obituary: Wynn Hawkins (1936-2021)
RIP to Stan Williams, an intimidating All-Star pitcher and a long-time pitching coach. He died on February 20 at his home in Laughlin, Nev., at the age of 84. According to his son, Stan Jr., he was hospitalized on Feb. 11 and was in hospice care for cardio-pulmonary illness. Williams played for the Los Angeles … Continue reading Obituary: Stan Williams (1936-2021)
RIP to Juan Pizarro, who had one of the greatest pitching careers of any Puerto Rican pitcher. Counting all his work in the major leagues, minor leagues and foreign leagues, he is estimated to have won over 400 games. He died on February 18, 2021, in Puerto Rico at the age of 84. According to … Continue reading Obituary: Juan Pizarro (1937-2021)
