Here lies Paul Giel, and if you’re a University of Minnesota football fan, you may know this name. He was a Heisman Trophy runner-up, a commentator for the Minnesota Vikings and an athletic director of the Gophers for more than 15 years. However, we’re going to talk about his career as a major-league pitcher and … Continue reading Grave Story: Paul Giel (1932-2002)
R.I.P. to Gary Kolb, a catcher/infielder/outfielder who played parts of seven seasons in the major leagues. He died in Charleston, W.V., on July 3 after a lengthy illness at the age of 79. Kolb played for the St. Louis Cardinals (1960, 1962-63), Milwaukee Braves (1964-65), New York Mets (1965) and Pittsburgh Pirates (1968-69). His cousin … Continue reading Obituary: Gary Kolb (1940-2019)
R.I.P. to Larry Foss, who pitched in 8 games in the big leagues over two seasons. He died suddenly on June 15 at the age of 83. Foss played for the Pittsburgh Pirates (1961) and New York Mets (1962). Larry Foss was born in Wichita, Kan., on April 18, 1963. He attended Wichita State University … Continue reading Obituary: Larry Foss (1936-2019)
Here lies Jimmy Williams, a triples-hitting machine in the majors and an outstanding second baseman for the Minneapolis Millers after his MLB career was done. His quick thinking averted a potential baseball tragedy. He played for the Pittsburgh Pirates (1899-1900), Baltimore Orioles (1901-1902), New York Yankees (1903-1907) and St. Louis Browns (1908-1909). Jimmy Williams was … Continue reading Grave Story: Jimmy Williams (1876-1965)
Here lies Harry Pulliam, who rose from a journalist to become the president of the National League from 1903-09. Sadly, the stress of the job and the conflict between his idealistic baseball beliefs and the realities of the game, led Pulliam to take his life. (Editor’s note: This story covers a suicide and some rather … Continue reading Grave Story: Harry Pulliam (1869-1909)
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)
