Here lies (in the unmarked grave in the center of the photo) George Ziegler, who pitched one game for the Pittsburgh Alleghenys in 1890. While a little is known about his baseball career, almost nothing is known about his life outside of baseball – particularly how or why he came to a tragic fate in … Continue reading Grave Story: George Ziegler (1866-1942)
Here lies Ed Springer, who pitched one game in the major leagues, for the Louisville Colonels of the American Association in 1889. The rest of his short life is largely a mystery, but thanks to some modern-day SABR research, we know a little more about him. Edward Ellsworth Springer was born in 1867 – the … Continue reading Grave Story: Ed Springer (1867-1891)
Here lies Charlie Guth, who pitched one game for the Chicago White Stockings in 1880. His grave is unmarked, but this is approximately the location of Section A, Lot 246. Charlie Guth and members of his wife's family are in an unmarked grave in Graceland Cemetery in Chicago. There’s more information about Guth’s stint in … Continue reading Grave Story: Charlie Guth (1856-1883)
Here lies Frank Trechock, who had an extremely successful 1-game career – at the bat at least. In the field was a different matter. He played his one MLB game with the Washington Senators in 1937. Though his career was short, he made it from semipro baseball to the major leagues in the span of … Continue reading Grave Story: Frank Trechock (1915-1989)
Here lies Tom Burr, who appeared in 1 game in center field for the New York Yankees in 1914, though he was signed as a pitcher. He is one of a handful of major leaguers who gave his life in service to his country, dying in a plane crash in France during World War I. … Continue reading Grave Story: Tom Burr (1893-1918)
Here lies Bill Wynne, who pitched one game for the Washington Senators in 1894. Don’t feel bad for him, though. Though his MLB career was short, he made a name for himself in his home state of North Carolina as a radio and telephone businessman. The number 150 is a pretty important one for this … Continue reading Grave Story: Will Wynne (1869-1951)
Here lies Charlie Harding, whose sole appearance in the major leagues came as a relief pitcher for the Detroit Tigers on September 18, 1913. He was the second Tigers pitcher to make his first—and last— appearance in the majors that day. Charles Harding was born on January 3, 1891 in Nashville, Tenn. His first year … Continue reading Grave Story: Charlie Harding (1891-1971)
R.I.P. to Milt Welch, a catcher who played in one game for the Detroit Tigers in 1945. He died on Feb. 9 in Eugene, Ore. at the age of 94. At the time of his death, he was the 17th oldest baseball player. Milton Welch was born on July 26, 1924 in Farmerville, Ill., along … Continue reading Obituary: Milt Welch (1924-2019)
(This article originally appeared on the Hall of Very Good.) Here lies Charlie “The Swedish Wonder” Hallstrom, the first Sweden-born major-league baseball player. He pitched one game for the 1885 Providence Grays. In 1885, it was fairly common for teams to use a two-manpitching staff. It was also fairly common for pitchers to blow their … Continue reading Grave Story: Charlie Hallstrom (1863-1949)
Here lies Bill Webb, who pitched one inning of one game for the 1943 Philadelphia Phillies. He is the first member of the One-Game Wonder Club I’ll be profiling here, but there are many more to come. Webb, a well-known amateur pitcher in his hometown of Atlanta, Ga., signed with the Phillies after taking the … Continue reading Bill Webb
RIP Baseball 