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 to Scott Reid, who had a brief career as an outfielder in the major leagues before becoming an important part of the Detroit Tigers organization as a scout, adviser and vice president of player personnel. He died on June 29 at the age of 74. Reid played for the Philadelphia Phillies from 1969-70 before … Continue reading Obituary: Scott Reid (1947-2021)
RIP to Tim Tolman, an outfielder and first baseman who spent parts of 7 seasons in the majors. He died on June 3 in Tucson, Ariz., after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease about 12 years ago. He was 65 years old. Tolman played for the Houston Astros (1981-85) and Detroit Tigers (1986-87) and held many … Continue reading Obituary: Tim Tolman (1956-2021)
RIP to Mike Marshall, a Cy Young Award-winning pitcher and one of the most durable relievers in baseball history. He died on May 31 in his home at Zephyrhills, Fla., where he had been in hospice care for Alzheimer's disease. He was 78 years old. Marshall played for the Detroit Tigers (1967), Seattle Pilots (1969), … Continue reading Obituary: Mike Marshall (1943-2021)
RIP to Coot Veal, a top defensive shortstop on several teams in the late 1950s and early ‘60s. He died on March 14 at the age of 88 after a long battle with neuropathy. He had lived in Macon, Ga., for many years following his baseball career. Veal played for the Detroit Tigers (1958-60, 1963), … Continue reading Obituary: Coot Veal (1932-2021)
RIP to Frankie De la Cruz, who pitched all over the world in a lengthy career, including with four teams in Major League Baseball He died on March 14 of a heart attack, just two days after his 37th birthday. De la Cruz was still an active pitcher at the time of his passing and … Continue reading Obituary: Frankie de la Cruz (1984-2021)
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)
