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)
Here lies Lee Fohl, who led three teams in an 11-year career as a manager in the big leagues. He also had the briefest of playing careers as a catcher. Fohl played for the Pittsburgh Pirates (1902) and Cincinnati Reds (1903) and managed the Cleveland Indians (1915-1919), St. Louis Browns (1921-1923) and Boston Red Sox … Continue reading Grave Story: Lee Fohl (1876-1965)
RIP to Hal Smith, a catcher for 10 seasons who hit one of the most dramatic home runs in Pirates history -- which set up THE most dramatic home run in Pirates history. His nephew, former major-leaguer Tim Flannery, reported that Smith died January 9 at the age of 89. Smith played for the Baltimore … Continue reading Obituary: Hal Smith (1930-2020)
RIP to Andy Hassler, a left-handed pitcher who played for six different teams across 14 seasons in the majors. He died on December 25, 2019, at his home in Wickenburg, Arizona, at the age of 68. Hassler played for the California Angels (1971, 1973-76, 1980-83), Kansas City Royals (1976-78), Boston Red Sox (1978-79), New York … Continue reading Obituary: Andy Hassler (1951-2019)
RIP to Rex Johnston, one of a handful of players who played for both Major League Baseball and the National Football League. Rarer still, he did it while staying in the same city. Johnston died on December 15, at the age of 82 from heart failure. Johnston played football for the Pittsburgh Steelers (1960) and … Continue reading Obituary: Rex Johnston (1937-2019)
Here lies Red Lucas, a consistent starting pitcher for 16 years in the major leagues. His real claim to fame, though, came with a bat – Lucas is one of the best pinch hitters in baseball history. Lucas played for the New York Giants (1923), Boston Braves (1924-25), Cincinnati Reds (1926-33) and Pittsburgh Pirates (1935-38). … Continue reading Grave Story: Red Lucas (1902-1986)
Here lies Otis Clymer, a speedy outfielder who played for four teams in the majors and several championship teams in the minors. He played for the Pittsburgh Pirates (1905-07), Washington Senators (1907-09), Chicago Cubs (1913) and Boston Braves (1913). Otis Edgar Clymer was born in Pine Grove, Pa., on January 27, 1876. His professional debut … Continue reading Grave Story: Otis Clymer (1876-1926)
RIP to Bobby Del Greco, an outfielder for six teams from 1952-1965. He died on October 13 at the age of 86. He had been battling severe dementia, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Del Greco played for the Pittsburgh Pirates (1952, 1956), St. Louis Cardinals (1956), Chicago Cubs (1957), New York Yankees (1957-58), Philadelphia Phillies … Continue reading Obituary: Bobby Del Greco (1933-2019)
RIP to Jackie Hernandez, an infielder for 9 seasons in the majors and a part of the 1971 World Series champion Pirates. His teammate Manny Sanguillen announced on Twitter that Hernandez died on October 12 at the age of 79. His SABR biography, written by Jose Ramirez and Rory Costello, states that he was diagnosed … Continue reading Obituary: Jackie Hernandez (1940-2019)
