Obituary: Bill Virdon (1931-2021)

RIP to Bill Virdon, who was both an award-winning outfielder and an award-winning manager in a baseball career that spanned six decades. He died on November 22 in Springfield, Mo., at the age of 90. He and his wife, Shirley, had recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. His passing was announced by the Pittsburgh Pirates, … Continue reading Obituary: Bill Virdon (1931-2021)

Advertisement

Grave Story: Henry Diddlebock (1854-1900)

Here lies Henry Diddlebock, a long-time Philadelphia sportswriter and minor-league baseball executive. He also served as a manager for the St. Louis Browns, though the experiment of using a sportswriter as a manager lasted for all of 17 games in 1896. Henry Harrison Diddlebock was born in Philadelphia on June 27, 1854. His parents, Henry … Continue reading Grave Story: Henry Diddlebock (1854-1900)

Grave Story: Charlie Gould (1847-1917)

Here lies Charlie Gould, the first baseman on the renowned 1869 Cincinnati Red Stockings team and the first-ever manager of the Cincinnati Reds. Gould played for the Boston Red Stockings (1871-72), Baltimore Canaries (1874) and New Haven Elm Citys (1875), all of the National Association, and the Cincinnati Reds (1876-77). He also managed in New … Continue reading Grave Story: Charlie Gould (1847-1917)

Grave Story: Frank Bancroft (1846-1921)

Here lies Frank Bancroft, who managed seven different teams in his career, including one of the most remarkable teams of the 19th Century. He also became a successful business manager who instituted several baseball traditions we still hold dear. Bancroft managed the Worcester Ruby Legs (1880), Detroit Wolverines (1881-82), Cleveland Blues (1883), Providence Grays (1884-85), … Continue reading Grave Story: Frank Bancroft (1846-1921)