Here lies Benny Zientara, who played in the majors briefly before embarking on a long scouting career. Zientara played for the Cincinnati Reds in 1941 and from 1946-48 – he spent 1942-45 in the military. Benedict Joseph Zientara was born in Chicago on Valentine’s Day – February 14, 1918. Both his parents, Walenty (whose Americanized … Continue reading Grave Story: Benny Zientara (1918-1985)
RIP to Calvin Jones, a former No. 1 draft pick who went on to pitch professionally all around the world, including 2 seasons in Major League Baseball. He died on February 12 at age 58 from cancer. Jones played for the Seattle Mariners in 1991 and 1992, but perhaps his biggest contribution to baseball history … Continue reading Obituary: Calvin Jones (1963-2022)
RIP to Scott Reid, who had a brief career as an outfielder in the major leagues before becoming an important part of the Detroit Tigers organization as a scout, adviser and vice president of player personnel. He died on June 29 at the age of 74. Reid played for the Philadelphia Phillies from 1969-70 before … Continue reading Obituary: Scott Reid (1947-2021)
RIP to Jay Hankins, an outfielder for two years in the majors and a minor-league manager, scout and scouting director after that. He died on January 20 at the age of 84. Hankins played for the Kansas City Athletics in 1961 and 1963. Jay Hankins was born in St. Louis County, Mo., on November 7, … Continue reading Obituary: Jay Hankins (1935-2020)
Here lies Phil Gallivan, a pitcher for three seasons in the majors. He pitched for the Brooklyn Dodgers (1931) and Chicago White Sox (1932, 1934). He also served as a scout for 20 years, most notably with the Baltimore Orioles. All the baseball stat sites list 1907 as Gallivan's birth year, not 1906. Phil Gallivan … Continue reading Grave Story: Phil Gallivan (1907-1969)
R.I.P. to Tommy "T-Bone" Giordano, a second baseman who played in 11 games for the Philadelphia Athletics in 1953. That was the start of a long career spent as a scout and executive for several teams. He died on February 14 at the age of 93 from a blood infection. Up until last year, he … Continue reading Obituary: Tommy Giordano (1925-2019)
RIP Baseball 