RIP to outfielder Fred Valentine, who played for seven seasons in the American League in the 1950s and 1960s. He also took part in the desegregation of the minor leagues, as the color barriers in professional baseball leagues and teams across the United States fell. Valentine died on December 26 at the age of 87. … Continue reading Obituary: Fred Valentine (1935-2022)
RIP to Rudy Hernández, the first native Dominican pitcher to appear in the American or National League. His family reported that he died on Wednesday, November 23, in Condado, Puerto Rico, at the age of 90. Hernández also holds a rare distinction of playing for two different Washington Senators franchises in consecutive seasons. He played … Continue reading Obituary: Rudy Hernández (1931-2022)
RIP to Ray Rippelmeyer, whose 11-year pitching career included time spent with the Washington Senators in 1963. He also spent much of the 1970s as the pitching coach of the Philadelphia Phillies. Rippelmeyer died on September 9 in Waterloo, Ill. He was 89 years old. Raymond Roy Rippelmeyer was born in Valmeyer, Ill., on July … Continue reading Obituary: Ray Rippelmeyer (1933-2022)
RIP to Pete Burnside, who pitched for four different teams over 8 seasons in the 1950s and '60s. He died on August 26 at the age of 92, with his family by his side. He was married to his wife, Suzette, for 58 years, and they had three children -- Beth, Jim and John. Burnside … Continue reading Obituary: Pete Burnside (1930-2022)
Here lies Merrill Combs, an infielder who played about a season’s worth of major-league games spread out across five years and three teams. Combs played for the Boston Red Sox (1947, 1949-50), Washington Senators (1950) and Cleveland Indians (1951-52). Merrill Russell Combs was born in Los Angeles on December 11, 1919. He is listed on … Continue reading Grave Story: Merrill Combs (1919-1981)
RIP to pitcher Jim Bronstad, who spent parts of three seasons in the major leagues in the 1950s and '60s. He died in his sleep on April 9, at the age of 85. Bronstad played for the New York Yankees (1959) and Washington Senators (1963-64). James Warren Bronstad was born in Fort Worth on June … Continue reading Obituary: Jim Bronstad (1936-2022)
Bert Shepard only pitched in one major league game. The fact that he ever made it that far – the fact that he lived to make it to a pitcher’s mound – is one of baseball’s most inspiring stories. Shepard played his one game with the Washington Senators in 1945, after being shot down in … Continue reading Grave Story: Bert Shepard (1920-2008)
RIP to Larry Biittner, a versatile first baseman-outfielder and one of the best pinch-hitters of his era. His family announced that he died at 6:00am on January 2, after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 75 years old. Biittner played for the Washington Senators/Texas Rangers (1970-73, 1983), Montreal Expos (1974-76), Chicago Cubs (1976-80) and … Continue reading Obituary: Larry Biittner (1946-2022)
RIP to Eddie Robinson, who was the oldest living ballplayer and an All-Star first baseman, scout, general manager, author and podcaster. He died on Monday, October 4, at his ranch in Bastrop, Texas. At the time of his death, he was 100 years and 293 days old and was one of two centenarians. Robinson played … Continue reading Obituary: Eddie Robinson (1921-2021)
RIP to Johnny Groth, a good-hitting outfielder who played for 15 years in the majors following the end of World War II. He died on August 7 in his oceanfront condominium in Palm Beach, Fla. He was 95 years old and is survived by his wife of 72 years, Betty, and 11 children. Groth played … Continue reading Obituary: Johnny Groth (1926-2021)
RIP Baseball 