Here lies Ernie Diehl, who played professional baseball as a hobby; he was independently wealthy and didn’t need to play ball, and he reportedly didn’t take a paycheck when he did. Diehl played for the Pittsburgh Pirates (1903-04) and Boston Beaneaters/Doves (1906, 1909). Ernest Guy Diehl was born in Cincinnati on October 2, 1877. His … Continue reading Grave Story: Ernie Diehl (1877-1958)
RIP to George Spriggs, who came into professional baseball in the waning days of the Negro Leagues and broke into Major League Baseball as a 28-year-old rookie. He died on December 22 at the age of 83. At the time of his death, Spriggs was living in Prince Frederick, Md. He played for the Pittsburgh … Continue reading Obituary: George Spriggs (1937-2020)
Here lies Carson Bigbee, an outfielder whose clutch hit helped win the 1925 World Series for the Pirates. He was also part of a pretty notorious player mutiny that ended his big-league career. He played for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1916 until 1926. Carson Lee Bigbee was born in Lebanon, Ore., on March 31, 1895, … Continue reading Grave Story: Carson Bigbee (1895-1964)
RIP to Tommy Sandt, who had a brief career as a major-league infielder before embarking on a long and influential career as a minor- and major-league coach. He died on December 1 at the age of 69. He was living in Lake Oswego, Ore., at the time of his death. Sandt played for the Oakland … Continue reading Obituary: Tommy Sandt (1950-2020)
RIP to pitcher Paul Pettit, a one-time "bonus baby" whose major-league career was over by the time he was 21 years old. He did have a long career in the minors as a first baseman/outfielder after an elbow injury brought his pitching career to an end. He died on September 24 at his home in … Continue reading Obituary: Paul Pettit (1931-2020)
Here lies Waite Hoyt, who was a rarity in baseball – a teenage phenom who actually lived up to his potential. Hoyt’s 21-year career included stops with the New York Giants (1918, 1932), Boston Red Sox (1919-20), New York Yankees (1921-30), Detroit Tigers (1930-31), Philadelphia Athletics (1931), Brooklyn Dodgers (1932, 1937-38) and Pittsburgh Pirates (1933-37). … Continue reading Grave Story: Waite Hoyt (1899-1984)
RIP to Mike "Irish" Ryan, a backup catcher for 11 years in the major leagues and a long-time coach. Ryan died in his sleep on July 7 in Wolfeboro, N.H., at the age of 78. Ryan played for the Boston Red Sox (1964-67), Philadelphia Phillies (1968-73) and Pittsburgh Pirates (1974). He also spent 16 years … Continue reading Obituary: Mike Ryan (1941-2020)
RIP to Ed FitzGerald, who had a 12-year career as a backup catcher in the 1940s and '50s. He died on June 14 at the age of 96. FitzGerald played for the Pittsburgh Pirates (1948-53), Washington Senators (1953-59) and Cleveland Indians (1959). The surname is a bit unusual, as most players with his last name … Continue reading Obituary: Ed FitzGerald (1924-2020)
Here lies Kaiser Wilhelm – the pitcher, not the German emperor. This Wilhelm had stints in the major leagues between 1903 and 1921, and while he lost 20 games in a season three times, he never lost a World War. I believe his resting place is between the two graves belonging to Ida (left) and … Continue reading Grave Story: Irvin “Kaiser” Wilhelm (1877-1936)
RIP to Bob Oliver, a slugging corner infielder/outfielder who played for five teams in the 1960s and '70s. His son, Darren Oliver, also had a 20-year career as a pitcher and works in the Texas Rangers front office. Bob Oliver died on April 19 in Rio Linda, Calif. He was 77 years old. Oliver played … Continue reading Obituary: Bob Oliver (1943-2020)
