RIP to All-Star pitcher Mudcat Grant, the first African-American to win 20 games in the American League. According to the Cleveland Indians, Grant died peacefully in Los Angeles on June 11. He was 85 years old. Over his long life, Grant involved himself in a number of off-the-field activities, including announcing, charity work, writing and … Continue reading Obituary: Jim “Mudcat” Grant (1935-2021)
RIP to infielder Rennie Stennett, who is probably best remembered for a record-setting 7-for-7 game in 1975. However, it shouldn’t be overlooked that he was a quality second baseman for more than a decade and won a couple of World Series championships. He died of cancer on May 18 at the age of 72. Stennett … Continue reading Obituary: Rennie Stennett (1949-2021)
RIP to Ray Miller, a pitching coach to multiple 20-game and Cy Young Award-winning pitchers and an MLB manager. He died on May 5, just five days after his 76th birthday. Miller managed the Minnesota Twins (1985-86) and Baltimore Orioles (1998-99). Raymond Roger Miller was born on April 30, 1945, in Takoma Park, Md. He … Continue reading Obituary: Ray Miller (1945-2021)
RIP to Del Crandall, an 11-time All-Star, a 4-time Gold Glove catcher, and the last surviving member of the Boston Braves organization. He died on May 5 in Mission Viejo, Cal., at the age of 91. He had been suffering from Parkinson's disease and, as of this 2020 article, was living in an assisted living … Continue reading Obituary: Del Crandall (1930-2021)
RIP to Ken Reitz, a Gold Glove third baseman who played for 11 seasons in the majors. He died unexpectedly on March 31 at his home in St. Charles, Mo., at the age of 69. No cause of death has been discovered yet, though foul play had been ruled out. Brett Reitz, his son, issued … Continue reading Obituary: Ken Reitz (1951-2021)
RIP to Coot Veal, a top defensive shortstop on several teams in the late 1950s and early ‘60s. He died on March 14 at the age of 88 after a long battle with neuropathy. He had lived in Macon, Ga., for many years following his baseball career. Veal played for the Detroit Tigers (1958-60, 1963), … Continue reading Obituary: Coot Veal (1932-2021)
RIP to Juan Pizarro, who had one of the greatest pitching careers of any Puerto Rican pitcher. Counting all his work in the major leagues, minor leagues and foreign leagues, he is estimated to have won over 400 games. He died on February 18, 2021, in Puerto Rico at the age of 84. According to … Continue reading Obituary: Juan Pizarro (1937-2021)
RIP to Angel Mangual, who was a part of three World Series championship teams in his 7-year career. He died in Ponce, Puerto Rico on February 16 at the age of 73. His death was announced on Facebook by his brother, former major leaguer Pepe Mangual. No cause of death was immediately available. Mangual played … Continue reading Obituary: Angel Mangual (1947-2021)
RIP to Dick Smith, who played for parts of five seasons with the Pirates in the 1950s. The 94-year-old Smith died in Boalsburg, Pa., on January 25. He played for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1951-1955. Richard Harrison Smith was born in Blandsburg, Pa., on July 21, 1926. According to his obituary, he graduated from Westover … Continue reading Obituary: Dick Smith (1926-2021)
RIP to Grant Jackson, an 18-year major league pitcher who was a World Series hero for the 1979 "We Are Family" Pirates. Jackson died on February 2 at Canonsburg Hospital in Canonsburg, Pa., from COVID-19 complications. He was 78 years old. In his career, Jackson played for the Philadelphia Phillies (1965-70), Baltimore Orioles (1971-76), New … Continue reading Obituary: Grant Jackson (1942-2021)
