RIP to Bill Sudakis, who was a starting third baseman for the Dodgers as part of an 8-year major-league career. He died on September 15 at the age of 75. Sudakis played for the Los Angeles Dodgers (1968-71), New York Mets (1972), Texas Rangers (1973), New York Yankees (1974), California Angels (1975) and Cleveland Indians … Continue reading Obituary: Bill Sudakis (1946-2021)
RIP to Solly Drake, who with his brother Sammy Drake (1934-2010) made up the first African-American siblings in Major League Baseball history. He died on August 18 at the age of 90. Drake, who was for many years the pastor at Greater Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles, played for the Chicago Cubs (1956), … Continue reading Obituary: Solly Drake (1930-2021)
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 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 reliever Joe Beckwith, who was a part of the 1985 World Championship Royals bullpen. He died on May 22 in Auburn, Ala., from colon cancer at the age of 66. Just a month prior to his death, on April 21, the mayor of Auburn declared it Joe Beckwith Day, in honor of the … Continue reading Obituary: Joe Beckwith (1955-2021)
RIP to Jack Smith, who was a pitcher in the 1960s and a long-time Atlanta-area barber. He died on April 7 at Westbury Health and Rehab in Conyers, Ga. He was 85 years old and had been battling Alzheimer's disease. Smith played for the Los Angeles Dodgers (1962-63) and Milwaukee Braves (1964). There have been … Continue reading Obituary: Jack Smith (1935-2021)
RIP to Norm Sherry, a catcher who became a coach, manager and mentor to several Hall of Famers. He died on March 8 from natural causes at the age of 89. He had been living at a long-term care facility in San Juan Capistrano, Calif, according to the Los Angeles Times. Sherry played for the … Continue reading Obituary: Norm Sherry (1931-2021)
RIP to Willard Hunter, a left-handed reliever who was part of the original Mets team. He died on February 3 in Omaha, Neb., at the age of 85. Hunter played for the Los Angeles Dodgers (1962) and the New York Mets (1962, 1964). Willard Mitchell Hunter was born in Newark, N.J., on March 8, 1935. … Continue reading Obituary: Willard Hunter (1935-2021)
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 Don Sutton, a 300-game winner and member of the Hall of Fame as a pitcher and a beloved broadcaster in the second half of his baseball career. His son Darren announced that Sutton died in his sleep on January 19. He was 75 years old. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Sutton died in … Continue reading Obituary: Don Sutton (1945-2021)
