RIP to Gary Wagner, who pitched for 6 seasons in the majors as a relief pitcher before injuries to his arm led to his retirement. The resident of Bedford, IN, died at his home on March 11 at the age of 86. Wagner played for the Philadelphia Phillies (1965-69) and Boston Red Sox (1969-70). Gary … Continue reading Obituary: Gary Wagner (1940-2026)
In his first full season in the majors, Wayne Granger set a major-league record by pitching in 90 games in 1969. He surpassed the old record of 88 games by Wilbur Wood, which had been set just the previous year. Since Granger's accomplishment, only four other pitchers have reached or surpassed the 90-game mark -- … Continue reading Obituary: Wayne Granger (1944-2026)
Even if Bill Mazeroski had never played in the postseason, he deservedly would be remembered as one of the greatest defensive second basemen ever. It just so happened that this fielding whiz also hit the most dramatic home run in World Series history -- the only one to walk off a Game Seven. He has … Continue reading Obituary: Bill Mazeroski (1936-2026)
By Al Doyle Want to end up forgotten in baseball history? Being a .500 pitcher is a way to jump on the path to obscurity. Here is how it happens. Baseball info addicts (I'm guilty as charged) and statheads who like to go through records of the past are naturally drawn to extreme numbers. Take a … Continue reading Breaking Even in a Big Way
RIP to Bobby Henrich, who went from a high school ballfield in California to the Cincinnati Reds, thanks to the "Bonus Baby" rules of the 1950s. He died on February 9 at the age of 87. Henrich played for the Reds from 1957-59 as part of a 4-year career in professional baseball. Robert Edward Henrich … Continue reading Obituary: Bobby Henrich (1938-2026)
RIP to Joe Nossek, who spent more than 40 years in baseball as a player, scout and coach — though his reputation as the best sign stealer in baseball had some people believing he had missed his calling by not joining the CIA. He died on February 12 at the age of 85, following a … Continue reading Obituary: Joe Nossek (1940-2026)
Last month, the Pittsburgh Pirates lost two beloved players from the team's 1960 championship team. First was Roy Face, a 6-time All-Star and one of the first players of the modern era to achieve fame as a reliever. He died on February 12 in North Versailles, PA, at the age of 97. He started his … Continue reading Obituary: Roy Face (1928-2026)
RIP to Gary Blaylock, whose nearly 50-year career in professional baseball included a season in the majors as a pitcher and a World Series Championship earned as a pitching coach. He died on February 7 in Clarkton, MO -- in the same home where he was born, according to his family. He was 94 years … Continue reading Obituary: Gary Blaylock (1931-2026)
The 1968 World Series between the Detroit Tigers and St. Louis Cardinals, held during the Year of the Pitcher, was supposed to be a showcase between the two most recognized pitchers of the era: Bob Gibson and Denny McLain. But it was Mickey Lolich who stole the show, propelling the Tigers to a World Championship … Continue reading Obituary: Mickey Lolich (1940-2026)
Major League Baseball's decision in 2020 to acknowledge various seasons of the Negro Leagues as "major leagues" did a lot of great things and righted some long-standing wrongs. But it was not without its frustrations, too. Statistics from that era are so difficult to find and require extensive research, and it's not done yet. There … Continue reading Obituary: Ron Teasley (1927-2026)
