RIP to pitcher Paul Foytack, who had an 11-year career in the American League in the 1950s and 60s. He died on January 23 in Spring Hill, Tenn., surrounded by his family. He was 90 years old. Foytack played for the Detroit Tigers (1953, 1955-63) and Los Angeles Angels (1963-64). Paul Eugene Foytack was born … Continue reading Obituary: Paul Foytack (1930-2021)
RIP to Ron Samford, an infielder for parts of four seasons in the major leagues in the 1950s. He died on January 14 at the age of 90 in Dallas, with his children by his side. Samford played for the New York Giants (1954), Detroit Tigers (1955, 1957) and Washington Senators (1959). His younger brother, … Continue reading Obituary: Ron Samford (1930-2021)
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 Johnny Paredes, a second baseman for three seasons in the major leagues and a popular veteran ballplayer in his home country of Venezuela. He died on November 5 from cancer at the age of 58. According to the El Nacional website (link in Spanish), Paredes was first diagnosed with cancer in 2018 and … Continue reading Obituary: Johnny Paredes (1962-2020)
RIP to Tom Yewcic, a quarterback and punter who played six seasons in the NFL for the Boston (now New England) Patriots. Before he did that, he played one game for the Detroit Tigers in 1957. Yewcic died on October 20 at the age of 88. Thomas J. Yewcic was born in Conenaugh, Pa., on … Continue reading Obituary: Tom Yewcic (1932-2020)
RIP to J.W. "Jay" Porter, a backup catcher who was one of the last surviving players from two defunct ballclubs. He died on October 11 at the Jupiter Medical Center in Jupiter, Fla., after a long illness. He was 87 years old. Porter played for the St. Louis Browns (1952), Detroit Tigers (1955-57), Cleveland Indians … Continue reading Obituary: J.W. Porter (1933-2020)
RIP to Ron Perranoski, one of the best relievers of the 1960s and a long-time pitching coach. He died at his home in Vero Beach, Fla., on October 2, at the age of 84. His sister told the Associated Press that he had complications from a long illness. Perranoski played for the Los Angeles Dodgers … Continue reading Obituary: Ron Perranoski (1936-2020)
Here lies Waite Hoyt, who was a rarity in baseball – a teenage phenom who actually lived up to his potential. Hoyt’s 21-year career included stops with the New York Giants (1918, 1932), Boston Red Sox (1919-20), New York Yankees (1921-30), Detroit Tigers (1930-31), Philadelphia Athletics (1931), Brooklyn Dodgers (1932, 1937-38) and Pittsburgh Pirates (1933-37). … Continue reading Grave Story: Waite Hoyt (1899-1984)
RIP to Tony Taylor, a long-time Phillie and an All-Star second baseman. He died on July 17 from complication from a stroke suffered in 2019. He was 84 years old. Taylor played for the Chicago Cubs (1958-60), Philadelphia Phillies (1960-71, 1974-76) and Detroit Tigers (1971-73). Taylor attended the annual Phillies alumni weekend event in August … Continue reading Obituary: Tony Taylor (1935-2020)
RIP to Bill Gilbreth, who pitched in parts of three seasons in the major leagues and helped restore the baseball program to his school, Abilene Christian University. He died on July 12 after complications from emergency heart surgery. He was 72 years old. Gilbreth played for the Detroit Tigers (1971-72) and California Angels (1974). In … Continue reading Obituary: Bill Gilbreth (1947-2020)
