(Editor’s note: I want to thank my Instagram friend Cadavra Scientist for sending me these pics. Follow their work at http://www.instagram.com/cadavrascientist.) Here lies Charlie Buffinton, one of the greatest pitchers of 19th Century baseball and, you could argue, one of the best pitchers not currently a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Buffinton … Continue reading Grave Story: Charlie Buffinton (1861-1907)
R.I.P. to Jack Crimian, who pitched in parts of four seasons in the majors in the 1950s. He died on February 11 after a long illness at the age of 92. Crimian pitched for the St. Louis Cardinals (1951-52), Kansas City Athletics (1956) and Detroit Tigers (1957). Crimian was born in Philadelphia, Pa. on February … Continue reading Obituary: Jack Crimian (1926-2019)
R.I.P. to Tommy "T-Bone" Giordano, a second baseman who played in 11 games for the Philadelphia Athletics in 1953. That was the start of a long career spent as a scout and executive for several teams. He died on February 14 at the age of 93 from a blood infection. Up until last year, he … Continue reading Obituary: Tommy Giordano (1925-2019)
LOST--ONE BASEBALL PLAYER: PITCHER by inclination; apparently sound in wind and limb, and answers to the name of "Rube." Address all communications to Connie Mack, manager Philadelphia American League ball club, present keeper.The Inter Ocean (Chicago, Ill.), August 10, 1902. Here lies Rube Waddell, one of the most dominating pitchers in the game — when … Continue reading Grave Story: Rube Waddell (1876-1914)
Here lies Ed Heusser, a pitcher for the famed Gas House Gang who also had a once-in-a-lifetime brilliant season with the Reds. He played for the St. Louis Cardinals (1935-36), Philadelphia Phillies (1938, 1948), Philadelphia Athletics (1940) and Cincinnati Reds (1943-46). Edward Burlton Heusser was born on May 7, 1909 in Murray, Utah. His father … Continue reading Grave Story: Ed Heusser (1909-1956)
Here lies Paul Strand, who was a hero as a pitcher for one team and a flop as an outfielder for another team. He played for the Boston Braves (1913-1915) and Philadelphia Athletics (1924). “Silent” Paul was born on December 19, 1893 in Carbonado, Wash., though newspapers of the era put his hometown a few … Continue reading Grave Story: Paul Strand (1893-1974)
RIP to Fred Caligiuri, who pitched in parts of two seasons for the Philadelphia Athletics. He died on November 30 at the age of 100 years and 39 days. Not only does that make him one of a handful of major-leaguers who lived past the century mark, but he was the oldest living ballplayer. Whenever … Continue reading Obituary: Fred Caligiuri (1918-2018)
Here lies Jim Pruett, a catcher who played in a total of 9 games for the Philadelphia Athletics in 1944 and 1945. He also spent almost 20 years in Milwaukee County Stadium, as an usher for the Milwaukee Brewers. Pruett was born on December 16, 1917 in Nashville, Tenn. His travels in baseball as a … Continue reading Grave Story: Jim Pruett (1917-2003)
(Note: this story originally appeared on Hall of Very Good.) Here lies Harry Stovey, one of the greatest superstars of the 19th Century. He played for the Worcester Ruby Legs (1880-82), Philadelphia Athletics of the American Association (1883-89), Boston Reds of the Player's League (1890), Boston Beaneaters (1891-92), Baltimore Orioles (1892-93) and Brooklyn Grooms (1893). … Continue reading Grave Story: Harry Stovey
Here lies Al Simmons, a Hall of Fame outfielder and one of the most dangerous hitters of the 1920s and ‘30s. He was nicknamed, “Bucketfoot Al,” given due to his unique batting stance. Simmons played outfield for the Philadelphia Athletics (1924-32; 1940-1; 1944), Chicago White Sox (1933-35), Detroit Tigers (1936), Washington Senators (1937-8), Boston Bees … Continue reading Al Simmons
