R.I.P. to Hardy "Pete" Peterson, a catcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates and the GM for the same team during its "We Are Family" era. He died on April 16 at the age of 89. He played for the Pirates from 1955 and 1957-59. His son, Rick Peterson, was a pitching coach for the A's and … Continue reading Obituary: Hardy Peterson (1929-2019)
Here lies Jesse Petty, a hard-luck pitcher in the major leagues from the 1920s before becoming a very successful minor-leaguer into the mid-‘30s. The lefty played for the Cleveland Indians (1921), Brooklyn Robins (1925-28), Pittsburgh Pirates (1929-30) and Chicago Cubs (1930). Jesse Petty, nicknamed “The Silver Fox,” was born on November 23, 1894 in Orr, … Continue reading Grave Story: Jesse Petty (1894-1971)
R.I.P. to Alberto Lois, who appeared briefly in the majors as an outfielder and pinch-runner. According to numerous Spanish-language reports, Lois died on March 12 at the age of 62. He died in San Pedro de Macorís, where he had lived for many years. He played for the Pittsburgh Pirates (1978-79) before his career was … Continue reading Obituary: Alberto Lois (1956-2019)
R.I.P. to Joe Gibbon, who started his career as an effective starting pitcher and ended it about 13 years later as an effective reliever. He died on February 20, 2019 at the age of 83 from natural causes. He pitched for the Pittsburgh Pirates (1960-65; 1969-70), San Francisco Giants (1966-68), Cincinnati Reds (1971-72) and Houston … Continue reading Obituary: Joe Gibbon (1936-2019)
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)
RIP to Bob Friend, an ace pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates who threw more than 200 innings a season for an 11-year stretch with the team. He died in his sleep on February 3 at the age of 88, the Pirates announced. Friend pitched for the Pirates from 1951-65, as well as the New York … Continue reading Obituary: Bob Friend (1930-2019)
Here lies Spencer Adams, an infielder who played for four different teams in his four-year career. Despite his short time in the majors, he managed to appear in two World Series, roomed with Lou Gehrig and was teammates with some of the most famous ballplayers of the era. Adams played for the Pittsburgh Pirates (1923), … Continue reading Grave Story: Spencer Adams (1898-1970)
Here lies Alvin Tate, an Army vet who appeared in two games for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1946. The “Big Bone” nickname may have something to do with the fact that Tate was listed at 6’0” and 180 pounds in his playing days. As for the other nickname, I can’t find a reference to its … Continue reading Grave Story: Alvin Tate (1918-1993)
RIP to Jose Castillo, a second and third baseman who had his best MLB seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was one of two players killed in a car accident on December 6. Castillo was 37 years old. He played for the Pirates (2004-07), San Francisco Giants (2008) and Houston Astros (2008). Castillo was born … Continue reading Obituary: Jose Castillo (1981-2018)
RIP to Earl "Billy" Scripture, a star baseball player at Wake Forest who went on to a career as a minor-league player, manager and instructor. He died on November 11, 2018 at the age of 76. Scripture was a two-time All-American outfielder for Wake Forest in 1963 and 1964 and a three-time all-ACC Player. He … Continue reading Obituary: Bill Scripture
