Here lies Satchel Paige, one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history. Even though he was prevented from playing Major League Baseball until late in his career, his legend was large enough that he was one of the most famous (and well-paid) pitchers in baseball for decades. After more than 20 years of pitching in … Continue reading Grave Story: Satchel Paige (1906?-1982)
RIP to Jay Hankins, an outfielder for two years in the majors and a minor-league manager, scout and scouting director after that. He died on January 20 at the age of 84. Hankins played for the Kansas City Athletics in 1961 and 1963. Jay Hankins was born in St. Louis County, Mo., on November 7, … Continue reading Obituary: Jay Hankins (1935-2020)
RIP to Hal Smith, a catcher for 10 seasons who hit one of the most dramatic home runs in Pirates history -- which set up THE most dramatic home run in Pirates history. His nephew, former major-leaguer Tim Flannery, reported that Smith died January 9 at the age of 89. Smith played for the Baltimore … Continue reading Obituary: Hal Smith (1930-2020)
RIP to Don Larsen, an above-average pitcher who, for one magical game, was absolutely perfect. He died on January 1, after entering into hospice care for esophageal cancer. He was 90 years old. Larsen pitched for the St. Louis Browns (1963), Baltimore Orioles (1954, 1965), New York Yankees (1955-59), Kansas City Athletics (1960-61), Chicago White … Continue reading Obituary: Don Larsen (1929-2020)
RIP to Weldon "Hoss" Bowlin, whose major-league playing career amounted to two games with the 1967 Kansas City Athletics. He also had a long and successful career as the head baseball coach at the University of West Alabama. He died on December 8 at the age of 78. Lois Weldon Bowlin was born in Paragould, … Continue reading Obituary: Weldon “Hoss” Bowlin (1940-2019)
RIP to Irv Noren, who for 10 years was an All-Star outfielder/first baesman and a three-time World Series champ as a player. He died on November 15 in his home in Carlsbad, Calif. He was 94 years old. Noren played for the Washington Senators (1950-52), New York Yankees (1952-56), Kansas City Athletics (1957), St. Louis … Continue reading Obituary: Irv Noren (1924-2019)
RIP to Bob "Rocky" Johnson, an infielder and standout pinch-hitter who played for a decade in the majors in the 1960s. Former teammate Jim Palmer reported on Twitter that Johnson, 83, died in Minnesota. Wikipedia notes that Johnson died on November 12 from Parkinson's disease. Johnson played for the Kansas City/Oakland Athletics (1960, 1969-70), Washington … Continue reading Obituary: Bob Johnson (1936-2019)
RIP to Bobby Del Greco, an outfielder for six teams from 1952-1965. He died on October 13 at the age of 86. He had been battling severe dementia, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Del Greco played for the Pittsburgh Pirates (1952, 1956), St. Louis Cardinals (1956), Chicago Cubs (1957), New York Yankees (1957-58), Philadelphia Phillies … Continue reading Obituary: Bobby Del Greco (1933-2019)
RIP to lefty pitcher Jim Archer, who pitched for two seasons before shoulder problems ended his career. He died on September 9 at the age of 87. Archer played for the Kansas City Athletics (1961-62). Jim Archer was born in Max Meadows, Va., on May 25, 1932. According to his obituary at the Bristol Herald … Continue reading Obituary: Jim Archer (1932-2019)
Here lies Paul Giel, and if you’re a University of Minnesota football fan, you may know this name. He was a Heisman Trophy runner-up, a commentator for the Minnesota Vikings and an athletic director of the Gophers for more than 15 years. However, we’re going to talk about his career as a major-league pitcher and … Continue reading Grave Story: Paul Giel (1932-2002)
