Here lies Jerry Zimmerman, a good-fielding, light-hitting catcher and a part of the first-ever Montreal Expos’ coaching staff. He played for the Cincinnati Reds (1961) and Minnesota Twins (1962-68). Gerald Zimmerman was born in Omaha, Neb., on September 21, 1934. He played basketball and baseball at Milwaukie High School (that’s not a typo – the … Continue reading Grave Story: Jerry Zimmerman (1934-1998)
Here lies Sherry Robertson, a 10-year major-leaguer, a baseball executive and part of one of baseball’s most influential families. He was the nephew of Hall-of-Fame Senators owner Clark Griffith, brother to Twins owner Calvin Grffith and brother-in-law to major leaguers Joe Haynes and Joe Cronin. Robertson played for the Washington Senators (1940-41, 1943, 1946-52) and … Continue reading Grave Story: Sherry Robertson (1919-1970)
RIP to Hal Naragon, a long-time backup catcher in the majors and a coach after his playing days. He died on August 31 at the age of 90. Naragon played for the Cleveland Indians (1951, 1954-59), Washington Senators (1959-60) and Minnesota Twins (1961-62). “The Indians family is deeply saddened by the passing of Hal Naragon. … Continue reading Obituary: Hal Naragon (1928-2019)
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)
I've been writing a lot (a LOT) of grave stories for ballplayers buried in Minneapolis. This is all from a trip I made last year, where I found nearly 30 graves in two cemeteries. On top of that, I stopped in to pay a quick visit to the sites of two of Minneapolis' most renowned … Continue reading A brief tour of Minneapolis baseball history
R.I.P. to Joe Grzenda, the last pitcher ever for the Washington Senators and an early short relief specialist. He died on July 12 at his home in Covington, Pa., at the age of 82. Grzenda played for the Detroit Tigers (1961), Kansas City Athletics (1964, 1966), New York Mets (1967), Minnesota Twins (1969), Washington Senators … Continue reading Obituary: Joe Grzenda (1937-2019)
Here lies Carl Pohlad, former owner of the Minnesota Twins. During his tenure from 1984-2009, he went from a hero who saved the Twins to a villain who almost drove the team out of existence. Such is the life of a baseball executive. Carl Pohlad was born on August 23, 1915 in Des Moines, Iowa, … Continue reading Grave Story: Carl Pohlad (1915-2009)
R.I.P. to Greg Booker, a pitcher and coach for several organizations. He died on March 30 from melanoma at the age of 58. Booker pitched for the San Diego Padres (1983-89), Minnesota Twins (1989) and San Francisco Giants (1990). He was also the son-in-law of longtime MLB manager and executive Jack McKeon. Greg Booker's 1985 … Continue reading Obituary: Greg Booker (1960-2019)
R.I.P. to outfielder/first baseman Jim Holt, who played on the World Champion Athletics in 1974. He died on March 29 at the Alamance Regional Medical Center in Burlington, N.C. He was 74 years old. Holt played for the Minnesota Twins (1968-74) and Oakland A's (1974-76). James Holt was born in Graham, N.C. on May 27, … Continue reading Obituary: Jim Holt (1944-2019)
RIP to Lenny Green, a centerfielder who played from 1957-1968 for five teams. He died on January 6, which was his 86th birthday. Green played for the Baltimore Orioles (1957-59, 1964), Washington Senators (1959-60)/Minnesota Twins (1961-64), Los Angeles Angels (1964), Boston Red Sox (1965-66) and Detroit Tigers (1967-68). Leonard Green was born on January 6, … Continue reading Obituary: Lenny Green (1933-2019)
