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
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)
