RIP to All-Star John Stearns, who was a long-time part of the Mets family as a player, scout, minor-league manager and coach. He died in Denver on September 15 at the age of 71, following a long battle with cancer. Less than three weeks before his death, he made a final public appearance at a … Continue reading Obituary: John Stearns (1951-2022)
RIP to Ray Rippelmeyer, whose 11-year pitching career included time spent with the Washington Senators in 1963. He also spent much of the 1970s as the pitching coach of the Philadelphia Phillies. Rippelmeyer died on September 9 in Waterloo, Ill. He was 89 years old. Raymond Roy Rippelmeyer was born in Walmeyer, Ill., on July … Continue reading Obituary: Ray Rippelmeyer (1933-2022)
RIP to John Wockenfuss, a popular player with a distinctive batting stance and a productive career as a utility catcher/infielder/outfielder. He died on August 19 at the age of 73. He had gone public with his struggles with dementia in 2019. Wockenfuss played for the Detroit Tigers (1974-83) and Philadelphia Phillies (1984-85). According to a … Continue reading Obituary: John Wockenfuss (1949-2022)
Here lies Cory Lidle, a starting pitcher for seven teams over a 9-year career in the 1990s and 2000s. His final career appearance came in the playoffs, shortly before his tragic death in a plane crash. Lidle played for the New York Mets (1997), Tampa Bay Devil Rays (1999-2000), Oakland Athletics (2001-2002), Toronto Blue Jays … Continue reading Grave Story: Cory Lidle (1972-2006)
RIP to Costen Shockley, a first baseman who played in 51 games in the major leagues -- though his proudest moment actually came on a little league field. He died on May 30 in Georgetown, Del., at the age of 80. According to an article from the Delaware News Journal, Shockley had been battling cancer … Continue reading Obituary: Costen Shockley (1942-2022)
RIP to David West, a former pitcher for four teams in his 10-year career and a key part of the bullpen for the Phillies' pennant-winning 1993 team. It was announced on May 14 that West died from brain cancer at the age of 57. He was mourned on social media by several of his former … Continue reading Obituary: David West (1964-2022)
RIP to Jeremy Giambi, one of the key acquisitions in the "Moneyball" era of the Oakland A's. He died on February 9 at his parents' house in California. He was 47 years old. Giambi played for the Kansas City Royals (1998-99), Oakland A's (2000-2002), Philadelphia Phillies (2002) and Boston Red Sox (2003). No cause of … Continue reading Obituary: Jeremy Giambi (1974-2022)
RIP to Vic Roznovsky, a backup catcher for five years in the major leagues and part of the 1966 World Champion Orioles team. He died in his home in Fresno, Calif., on January 18, at the age of 83. Roznovsky played for the Chicago Cubs (1964-65), Baltimore Orioles (1966-67) and Philadelphia Phillies (1969). Victor Joseph … Continue reading Obituary: Vic Roznovsky (1938-2022)
Here lies William "Heinie" Heltzel, who had a 13-year career in professional baseball that included a couple of stops in the major leagues during World War II. Heltzel, a shortstop and third baseman, played for the Boston Braves (1943) and Philadelphia Phillies (1944). William Wade Heltzel was born in York, Pa., on December 21, 1913. … Continue reading Grave Story: Heinie Heltzel (1913-1998)
RIP to Fred Andrews, who played for the Philadelphia Phillies in 1976 and 1977. It was reported by his sister and his high school that he died on December 20 at the age of 69. No location or cause of death was immediately available. His memorial service was held in Chicago on December 29. Fred … Continue reading Obituary: Fred Andrews (1952-2021)
RIP Baseball 