RIP to former pitcher Ken Clay, who was a reliever on two championship teams with the Yankees in the 1970s. He died at his home in Lynchburg, VA, on March 26. According to AP reports, the 71-year-old died from heart and kidney issues. Clay played for the New York Yankees (1977-19), Texas Rangers (1980) and … Continue reading Obituary: Ken Clay (1954-2026)
RIP to Doug Camilli, who was a second-generation ballplayer as well as a second-generation Dodger. The former catcher and coach died at his home in Vero Beach, FL, on March 17. He was 89 years old. Camilli, son of former All-Star and 1941 NL MVP Dolph Camilli, played for the Los Angeles Dodgers (1960-64) and … Continue reading Obituary: Doug Camilli (1936-2026)
Recently, I wrote about major-league umpire Bruce Froemming, who rather infamously made a ball four call that ended Milt Pappas' hopes for a perfect game. Froemming died on February 25, 2026. In one of those odd happenstances that can occur in baseball, the other person who was a critical part of that at-bat -- pinch-hitter … Continue reading Obituary: Larry Stahl (1941-2026)
By Al Doyle Imagine a world where the Pirates, Rays and other low-budget teams have a fair shot to beat out the Dodgers, Mets and Yankees. That kind of parity isn't going to happen with the current major league salary structure, but the 2025-26 Venezuelan Winter League was an extreme example of close competition. The Cardenales … Continue reading The Ultimate in Parity — The 2025-26 Venezuelan Winter League
RIP to Tony Balsamo, whose 4-year professional baseball career included 18 games played with the Chicago Cubs in 1962. The former right-handed pitcher-turned-restaurateur died on March 12 at the age of 89. Anthony Fred Balsamo was born in Brooklyn on July 21, 1936. He attended Erasmus Hall High School and was one of the best … Continue reading Obituary: Tony Balsamo (1936-2026)
In terms of longevity and in terms of memorable moments, Bruce Froemming stands as one of the top umpires of baseball's last century. Starting in the low minors, he worked as an umpire for 50 years and is third on the list of games worked all-time. Froemming died on February 25 in Milwaukee from injuries … Continue reading Obituary: Bruce Froemming (1939-2026)
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)
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)
