Here lies Dean Chance, who was a two-time All-Star and a Cy Young Award winner. That’s when he wasn’t making headlines for… other reasons. Chance pitched for the Los Angeles/California Angels (1961-66), Minnesota Twins (1967-69), Cleveland Indians (1970), New York Mets (1970) and Detroit Tigers (1971). Wilmer Dean Chance was born on June 1, 1941 … Continue reading Grave Story: Dean Chance (1941-2015)
RIP to Ted Lepcio, who was an infielder for for five teams in the 1950s and early '60s. Per his family, he died at his home on December 5 at the age of 90 -- not December 11 as originally noted. Lepcio played for the Boston Red Sox (1952-59), Detroit Tigers (1959), Philadelphia Phillies (1960), … Continue reading Obituary: Ted Lepcio (1929-2019)
RIP to Jackie Hernandez, an infielder for 9 seasons in the majors and a part of the 1971 World Series champion Pirates. His teammate Manny Sanguillen announced on Twitter that Hernandez died on October 12 at the age of 79. His SABR biography, written by Jose Ramirez and Rory Costello, states that he was diagnosed … Continue reading Obituary: Jackie Hernandez (1940-2019)
Here lies Ossie Bluege, a lifer for the Washington Senators. Not only was he an All-Star third baseman for the team from 1922-39, but he also served as a coach, a manager and a front-office executive. His brother Otto also played pro ball and played in Cincinnati in 1932 and 1933. Oswald Louis Bluege was … Continue reading Grave Story: Ossie Bluege (1900-1985)
Here lies Howard Fox, who spent nearly 60 years with the Minnesota Twins in a management capacity. Starting as a minor-league general manager, he rose through the ranks and helped to build the Twins into a World Series Champion team. Howard Tall Fox was born in Emporia, Va., on September 4, 1920. He grew up … Continue reading Grave Story: Howard Fox (1920-2011)
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
