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)
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)
