RIP to Carl Linhart, one of just a handful of Czech ballplayers in MLB history. He died on January 4 at Anderson Hospital in Maryville, Ill. The long-time resident of Granite City (a St. Louis suburb on the Illinois side of the border) was 92 years old. Linhart played in 3 games for the 1952 … Continue reading Obituary: Carl Linhart (1929-2022)
RIP to Tommy Matchick, an infielder who was part of the 1968 World Champion Tigers. He died on January 4 in Ohio, where he and his family lived, at the age of 78. Matchick played for the Detroit Tigers (1967-69), Boston Red Sox (1970), Kansas City Royals (1970), Milwaukee Brewers (1971) and Baltimore Orioles (1972). … Continue reading Obituary: Tommy Matchick (1943-2022)
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)
RIP to Don Demeter, who slugged more than 20 home runs in a season on four different occasions in his 11-year career. He died on November 29 at his home in Oklahoma City at the age of 86. Demeter played for the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers (1956, 1958-61), Philadelphia Phillies (1961-63), Detroit Tigers (1964-66), Boston Red … Continue reading Obituary: Don Demeter (1935-2021)
RIP to Tim Thompson, a catcher for several teams in the 1950s and a scout for several decades after his playing career ended. He died on October 25 in his home in Lewistown, Pa., at the age of 97. Sadly, his wife of 78 years, Lois, died on October 27, also at the age of … Continue reading Obituary: Tim Thompson (1924-2021)
RIP to Eddie Robinson, who was the oldest living ballplayer and an All-Star first baseman, scout, general manager, author and podcaster. He died on Monday, October 4, at his ranch in Bastrop, Texas. At the time of his death, he was 100 years and 293 days old and was one of two centenarians. Robinson played … Continue reading Obituary: Eddie Robinson (1921-2021)
RIP to Bill Freehan, one of the greatest catchers of the 1960s and early '70s and a multi-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner. He died in Detroit on August 19 after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. He was 79 years old. Freehan played for the Detroit Tigers from 1961 and 1963-76. The Detroit Tigers … Continue reading Obituary: Bill Freehan (1941-2021)
RIP to Johnny Groth, a good-hitting outfielder who played for 15 years in the majors following the end of World War II. He died on August 7 in his oceanfront condominium in Palm Beach, Fla. He was 95 years old and is survived by his wife of 72 years, Betty, and 11 children. Groth played … Continue reading Obituary: Johnny Groth (1926-2021)
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 Baseball 