Necrology
In remembrance of baseball legendsMike Adamson was born Sept. 13, 1947, in San Diego, Calif. and made his major league debut July 1, 1967 with the Baltimore Orioles. Adamson played three seasons in the majors, all three spent with the Orioles. Adamson passed away May 7, 2022, in Monument, Colo.
Luke Allen was born Aug. 4, 1978, in Covington, Ga., and made his major league debut Sept. 10, 2002, with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Allen played two seasons in the majors, split between the Dodgers and the Colorado Rockies. Allen passed away April 26, 2022 in Covington, Ga. at age 43.
Al Autry was born Feb. 29, 1952, in Modesto, Calif. and made his major league debut Sept. 14, 1976, with the Atlanta Braves. Autry appeared in one game with the Braves, as the starting pitcher in the second half of a doubleheader. Autry passed away Feb. 25, 2022, in El Dorado Hills, Calif.
Jim Bailey was born Dec. 16, 1934, in Strawberry Pines, Tenn. and made his major league debut Sept/ 10, 1959, with the Cincinnati Reds. Bailey pitched one season in the majors for the Reds, where he was teammates with his brother and catcher, Ed Bailey. After his playing days, Bailey worked in freight motor sales. He passed away Oct. 13, 2022, in Ten Mile, Tenn.
Eddie Basinski was born Nov. 4, 1922, in Buffalo, N.Y. and made his major league debut May 20, 1944, with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Basinski played three years in the majors, splitting his tenure between the Dodgers and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Before entering the big leagues, he earned an engineering degree at the University of Buffalo, while also becoming lead violinist in his college¡¯s symphonic orchestra. He ended his playing career in the Pacific Coast League, earning a spot in the PCL Hall of Fame. Basinski passed away Jan. 8, 2022, in Gladstone, Ore.
Ed Bauta was born on January 6, 1935, in Florida, Cuba and made his major league debut July 6, 1960, with the St. Louis Cardinals. Bauta played five years in the majors, pitching 97 games between the Cardinals and the New York Mets. He passed away July 6, 2022, in Manahawkin, N.J. at the age of 87.
Larry Biittner was born July 27, 1946, in Pocahontas, Iowa and made his major league debut July 17, 1970, with the Washington Senators. Biittner spent 14 years in the majors, playing for the Senators, Texas Rangers, Montreal Expos, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds and Texas Rangers. Before breaking into the big leagues, Biittner was an NAIA All-American in baseball and basketball at Buena Vista College. During his major league career, he became an important pinch-hitter, ending his career tied for 12th on the all-time list for pinch hits (96). His name continues to be recognized as he is a member of the Buena Vista University Baseball and Basketball Halls of Fame, as well as the Iowa High School Athletic Association Baseball and Basketball Halls of Fame. Biitner passed away Jan. 2, 2022, in Pocahontas, Iowa after a battle with cancer.
Ethan Blackaby was born July 24, 1940 in Cincinnati, Ohio and made his major league debut Sept. 6, 1962, with the Milwaukee Braves. Blackaby played two seasons with the Braves as an outfielder and pinch-hitter. Beyond his playing career, he became the General Manager of the Phoenix Giants in the 1970s and early 1980s. Blackaby passed away Jan. 16, 2022.
Tommy Boggs was born Oct. 25, 1955, in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. and made his major league debut July 19, 1976, with the Texas Rangers. Boggs played nine years in the majors, splitting his time with the Rangers and the Atlanta Braves. After his playing days, Boggs stayed near the game and became the head coach at Concordia University at Austin from 2010 to 2022. He passed away Oct. 5, 2022 in Salado, Texas after a battle of cancer.
Carl Boles was born on Oct. 31, 1934, in Center Point, Ark., and made his major league debut Aug. 2, 1962, with the San Francisco Giants. Boles spent one year with the Giants as a left fielder and pinch hitter. Boles passed away April 8, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. at the age of 87.
Jim Bronstad was born June 22, 1936, in Fort Worth, Texas, and made his major league debut June 7, 1959, with the New York Yankees. Bronstad pitched three years in the majors, playing for both the Yankees and the Washington Senators. After his playing career, Bronstad worked in the cement construction business. He passed away April 9, 2022, in Fort Worth, Texas.
Cal Browning was born March 16, 1938, in Burns Flat, Okla. and made his major league debut June 12, 1960, with the St. Louis Cardinals. Browning, a left-handed pitcher played in one major league game with the Cardinals. He passed away Sept. 14, 2022 in Oklahoma City, Okla.
Bill Burbach was born Aug.22, 1947, in Dickeyville, Wisc. and made his major league debut April 11, 1969, with the New York Yankees. Burbach played three years in the majors, all spent with the Yankees. He passed away on July 20, 2022, in Elizabethton, Tenn. at the age of 74.
Pete Burnside was born July 2, 1930, in Evanston, Ill., and made his major league debut Sept. 20, 1955, with the New York Giants. Burnside pitched eight seasons in the majors, playing for the Giants, Detroit Tigers, Washington Senators and the Baltimore Orioles. Before his big-league career took off, Burnside served in the United States Military during the Korean War in 1953. He ended his MLB career with an overall record of 19-36 and a 4.61 ERA. Beyond his playing days, he received his master¡¯s degree at Northwestern and became a teacher and coach at New Trier High School in Wilmette, Ill. until he retired in 1994. Burnside passed away Aug. 26, 2022, in Wilmette, Ill
Chuck Carr was born Aug. 10, 1967, in San Bernardino, Calif. and made his major league debut April 28, 1990, with the New York Mets. Carr, a centerfielder, spent eight years in the majors playing for the Mets, St. Louis Cardinals, Florida Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers and the Houston Astros. The final at-bat of his career was a home run off of John Smoltz in the seventh inning of Game 3 of the 1997 NL Division series. After retirement, he became a coach for the Salem Avalanche from 2005-07. He passed away Nov. 13, 2022, after a battle with cancer.
Frank Cipriani was born April 14, 1941, in Buffalo, N.Y. and made his major league debut Sept. 8, 1961, with the Kansas City Athletics. Cipriani played for one year with the Athletics as a right fielder. Cipriani passed away June 7, 2022, in West Seneca, N.Y. at the age of 81.
Gene Clines was born Oct. 6, 1946, in San Pablo, Calif. and made his major league debut June 28, 1970 with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Clines played ten years in the majors, spending his time with the Pirates, New York Mets, Texas Rangers and Chicago Cubs. Clines is most remembered for being a member of Major League Baseball¡¯s first all-minority lineup, as well as a member of the Pirates 1971 World Series Championship team. Beyond his playing days, Clines entered the coaching world, beginning with the Cubs after his retirement in 1979. He then coached the Houston Astros, Seattle Mariners, Milwaukee Brewers and San Francisco Giants, later returning back to the Cubs. After, he joined the Los Angeles Dodgers as a minor league instructor, minor league hitting coordinator, then a Senior Advisor, Player Development for the L.A. team. Clines passed away Jan. 27, 2022, in Bradenton, Fla.
Don Collins was born Sept. 15, 1952, in Lyons, Ga. and made his major league debut May 4, 1977, with the Atlanta Braves. Collins pitched two seasons in the majors with the Braves and the Cleveland Indians. He passed away May 22, 2022.
Bob Conley was born Feb. 1, 1934, in Mousie, Ky. and made his major league debut Sept. 11, 1958, with the Philadelphia Phillies. Conley played one season in the majors, starting in two games for the Phillies. He passed away Feb. 14, 2022, in Whiting, N.J.
Jim Corsi was born Sept. 9, 1961, in Newton, Mass. and made his major league debut on June 28, 1988 with the Oakland Athletics. Clines pitched ten seasons in the majors playing for the Athletics, Houston Astros, Florida Marlins, Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles. After a hard-fought battle with stage IV liver and colon cancer, Corsi passed away on January 4, 2022 in Bellingham, Mass. He was 60 years old.
Julio Cruz was born on December 2, 1954 in Brooklyn, N.Y. and made his major league debut July 4, 1977 with the Seattle Mariners. Cruz played 10 years in the majors, splitting his time between the Mariners and the Chicago White Sox. After he playing days, Cruz returned to the Mariners but this time as a Spanish language broadcaster for the club. He also became a co-coach with former teammate Bill Claudill, for Eastside Catholic High School in Kirkland, Wa. Cruz passed away Feb. 23, 2022.
John Cumberland was born May 10, 1947, in Westbrook, Maine, and made his major league debut Sept. 27, 1968, with the New York Yankees. Cumberland, a left-handed pitcher, spent six years in the majors, playing for the Yankees, San Francisco Giants, St. Louis Cardinals and the California Angels. After his playing career, Cumberland entered the professional coaching world from 1982 to 2004. He passed away April 5, 2022, in Lutz, Fla.
Tommy Davis was born March 21, 1939 in Brooklyn N.Y., and made his debut Sept. 22, 1959, with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Davis played 18 years in the big leagues with 10 different teams. He spent eight of those seasons with the Dodgers. Over his successful big league tenure, Davis was a three-time NL All-Star, two-time NL batting average leader, 1963 World Series champion and he recorded more than 2,200 hits total. After his playing career, Davis became a hitting coach in 1981 for the Seattle Mariners with former teammate Maury Willis as manager. Davis passed away April 3, 2022, in Phoenix, Ariz.
Ike Delock was born Nov. 11, 1929, in Highland Park, Mich. and made his major league debut April 17, 1952 with the Boston Red Sox. Delock pitched 11 years in the majors, spending all but one season with the Red Sox. After his playing days, Delock worked in sales before owning a small construction business. He also was a head coach of Brandeis University. Delock passed away Feb. 28, 2022, in Raleigh, N.C.
Don Dillard was born Jan. 8, 1937, in Greenville, S.C. and made his major league debut April 24, 1959 with the Cleveland Indians. Dillard played six seasons in the majors, splitting his time between the Indians and the Milwaukee Braves. After his playing days, Dillard resided in Waterloo, S.C. where he owned a marina and sporting goods business. He then operated a baseball camp in Greenwood, S.C. with former Negro Leagues player, Rosel Williams. Dillard passed away Jan. 8, 2022, in Greenwood, S.C.
George Elder was born on March 10, 1921, in Lebanon, Ky. and made his major league debut on July 22, 1949, with the St. Louis Browns. Elder played one year with the Browns, appearing in 41 total games in the majors. Beyond his playing days, he became a sheriff¡¯s deputy and a court bailiff in California. Elder passed away on July 7, 2022, in Fruita, Colo. at the age of 101. Before his passing, Elder was the oldest living MLB player at the time.
John Ellis was born Aug. 21, 1948, in New London, Conn., and made his major league debut May 17, 1969, with the New York Yankees. Ellis played thirteen years in the majors, splitting his time between the Yankees, Cleveland Indians and the Texas Rangers as a first baseman and catcher. During his time with the Indians in 1974, Ellis became the first designated hitter in Indians history. He passed away April 5, 2022, in New Haven, Conn.
Dick Ellsworth was born March 22, 1940, in Lusk, Wyo. and made his major league debut June 22, 1958, with the Chicago Cubs. Ellsworth spent 13 years in the majors, playing for the Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians and Milwaukee Brewers. He was selected as an NL All-Star in 1964 during his time with the Cubs. His son, Steve Ellsworth, also played for the Red Sox ¨C the two later became the first father-son duo to both win a game for Boston in franchise history. Ellsworth passed away Oct. 10, 2022 in Fresno, Calif.
Tom Flanigan was born Sept. 6, 1934, in Cincinnati, Ohio and made his major league debut April 14, 1954, with the Chicago White Sox. Flanigan pitched three games in the majors for both the White Sox and the St. Louis Cardinals. Beyond his playing days, Flanigan entered the insurance business and later became a sales representative for a building supplies company. He passed away Dec. 8, 2022 in Edgewood, Ky.
Ken Frailing was born Jan. 19, 1948, in Madison, Wis. and made his major league debut Sept. 1, 1972, with the Chicago White Sox. Frailing pitched five years in the majors, all five spent playing in Chicago with the White Sox and the Chicago Cubs. He passed away Aug. 25, 2022, in Sarasota, Fla.
John Gamble was born Feb. 10, 1948, in Reno, Nev. and made his major league debut Sept. 7, 1972, with the Detroit Tigers. Gamble played two seasons with the Tigers as a pinch runner and shortstop. Gamble passed away Sept. 1, 2022, in Orovada, Nev.
George Gerberman was born March 8, 1942 in El Campo, Texas, and made his major league debut Sept. 23, 1962, with the Chicago Cubs. Gerberman pitched in one career major league game with the Cubs. Gerberman passed away Jan. 7, 2022.
Jeremy Giambi was born Sept. 30, 1974, in San Jose, Calif. and made his major league debut Sept. 1, 1998 with the Kansas City Royals. Giambi played six years in the majors, split between the Royals, Oakland Athletics, Philadelphia Phillies and the Boston Red Sox. In 2000, Giambi had two game-winning, extra-inning hits with the Athletics. He was the brother of Jason Giambi. Giambi passed away Feb. 9, 2022, in Claremon, Calif. at the age of 47.
David Green was born Dec. 4, 1960, in Managua, Nicaragua and made his major league debut Sept. 4, 1981, with the St. Louis Cardinals. Green played six years in the majors, spending his time with the Cardinals and the San Francisco Giants. During his tenure in the big leagues, Green accomplished a World Series Championship title with the Cardinals in 1982, appearing in all seven games. His father, Eduardo Green, also played Major League Baseball. Green passed away Jan. 29, 2022, in Atlanta, Gea. due to COVID-19.
Rudy Hern¨¢ndez was born Dec. 10, 1931, in Santiago, Dominican Republic and made his major league debut July 3, 1960, with the Washington Senators. Hernandez pitched in 28 games over a two-year span with the Senators. He was an outfielder until 1954 where he then became a pitcher. Hernandez passed away Nov. 23, 2022.
Dave Hillman was born Sept. 14, 1927, in Dungannon, Va. and made his major league debut April 30, 1955, with the Chicago Cubs. Hillman spent eight years in the majors, playing for the Cubs, Boston Red Sox, Cincinnati Reds and the New York Mets. Beyond his playing days, Hillman moved home to Kingsport, Tenn. where he became owner of a clothing store. Hillman passed away Nov. 20, 2022 in Kingsport.
Joe Horlen was born Aug. 14, 1937, in San Antonio, Texas and made his major league debut Sept. 4, 1961, with the Chicago White Sox. Horlen played 12 years in the majors, spending 11 of those years with the White Sox and his final year with the Oakland Athletics. Throughout his big-league career, Horlen was a 1967 AL All-Star, 1967 AL ERA leader and was 1972 World Series Champion with the Athletics. On Sept. 10, 1972, Horlen tossed a no-hitter against the Tigers. Beyond his playing days, Horlen ran a roofing business before he took his talents back to the game as a minor league coach in 1986. He spent fourteen years coaching in the New York Mets, San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres organizations. Horlen passed away April 11, 2022.
Jeff Innis was born July 5, 1962 in Decatur, Ill. and made his major league debut May 16, 1987 with the New York Mets. Innis played pitched seven years in the majors, all seven seasons spent with the Mets. He was mostly known for being a low sidearm pitcher, relying on curves, sinkers, sliders and sometimes knuckleball. Innis passed away Jan. 30, 2022, in Dawsonville, Ga. at age 59.
Calvin Jones was born Sept. 26, 1963 in Compton, Calif. and made his major league debut June 14, 1991 with the Seattle Mariners. Jones pitched two seasons for the Mariners. Beyond his playing days, Jones became a scout for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He passed away Feb. 13, 2022, after a battle with cancer. He was 58 years old.
George Kernek was born Jan. 12, 1940, in Holdenville, Okla. and made his major league debut Sept. 5, 1965, with the St. Louis Cardinals. Kernek played two seasons with the Cardinals as a first baseman. He passed away Aug. 14, 2022, in Purcell, Okla. at the age of 82.
Fred Lasher was born Aug. 19, 1941, in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. and made his major league debut April 12, 1971, with the Minnesota Twins. Lasher spent six years in the majors, playing for the Twins, Detroit Tigers, California Angels and the Cleveland Indians. Lasher passed away Feb. 27, 2022 in Altoona, Wis.
Carl Linhart was born Dec. 14, 1929, in Zborov, Czech Republic and made his major league debut Aug. 2, 1952, with the Detroit Tigers. Linhart played one year of Major League Baseball with the Tigers. Beyond his playing days, Linhart became a bricklayer foreman for National Steel. He passed away Jan. 3, 2022, in Maryville, Ill.
Mark Littell was born Jan. 17, 1953, in Cape Girardeau, Mo. and made his major league debut June 14, 1973, with the Kansas City Royals. Littell pitched nine seasons in the majors, playing for the Royals and the St. Louis Cardinals. His career ended due to bone spurs in his elbow. Beyond his playing days, Littell was a coach from 1989 to 2012. He passed away Sept. 5, 2022, in St. Louis, Mo. after complications following heart surgery.
Bob Locker was born March 15, 1938, in George, Iowa and made his major league debut April 14, 1965, with the Chicago White Sox. Locker spent 10 years in the majors, playing for the White Sox, Seattle Pilots/Milwaukee Brewers, Oakland Athletics and the Chicago Cubs. Locker, a right-handed pitcher, competed in 576 games throughout his big-league tenure and was a 1972 World Series champion with the Athletics. He passed away on Aug. 15 at the age of 84.
H¨¦ctor L¨®pez was born July 8, 1929, in Colon, Panama and made his major league debut May 12, 1955, with the Kansas City Athletics. Lopez spent 12 years in the majors playing for the Athletics and the New York Yankees. He was part of two World Series Championship wins during his time with the Yankees and ended his career with 136 major league home runs. After his playing days, He managed three minor league teams and managed Panama in the 2009 Baseball Classic. Lopez passed away Sept. 29, 2022 in Hudson, Fla.
Tommy Matchick was born Sept. 7, 1943, in Hazleton, Pa. and made his major league debut Sept. 2, 1967, with the Detroit Tigers. Matchick spent six years in the majors, playing for the Tigers, Boston Red Sox, Kansas City Royals, Milwaukee Brewers and Baltimore Orioles. During his big-league tenure, Matchick won a World Series with the Tigers in 1968. He passed away Jan. 4, 2022, in Sylvania, Ohio.
Bob Miller was born on July 15, 1935, in Berwyn, Ill., and made his major league debut on June 25, 1953, with the Detroit Tigers. Miller pitched five years in the majors, playing for the Tigers, Cincinnati Reds, and the New York Mets. Known for entering the major leagues at age 17 as a $60,000 bonus baby, Miller remains the youngest pitcher to start a game in Tigers history after he turned 18 in 1953. After his playing days, Miller briefly served as the Chairman of the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association (MLBPAA) in the early history of the organization. He passed away on May 24, 2022 in St. Charles, Ill.
Cholly Naranjo was born Nov. 25, 1934, in La Habana, Cuba and made his major league debut July 8, 1956, with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Naranjo pitched one season with the Pirates. He then pitched in the Cuban Winter League from 1952-1961. He passed away Jan. 13, 2022, in Miami, Fla.
Al Neiger was born March 26, 1939, in Wilmington, Del. and made his major league debut July 30, 1960, with the Philadelphia Phillies. Neiger, a left-handed pitcher, played in six games in the majors with the Phillies. Beyond his playing days, Neiger worked for 39 years at the NVP Co. in Delaware, then became an executive at Thermal Seal Experts. He was later inducted into the Delaware Sports Museum and Hall of Fame and the University of Delaware Athletics Hall of Fame. Neiger passed away Oct. 3, 2022, in his hometown of Wilmington, Del.
Ed Olivares was born Nov. 5, 1937, in Brooklyn, N.Y. and made his major league debut Sept. 16, 1961, with the St. Louis Cardinals. Olivares spent two seasons in the majors with the Cardinals. He is the son of pitcher, Omar Olivares. Olivares passed away Oct. 14, 2022 in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
Od¨¢lis P¨¦rez was born June 11, 1978, in Las Matas de Farfan, Dominican Republic and made his major league debut Sept. 1, 1998 with the Atlanta Braves. P¨¦rez, a 2002 National League All-Star, pitched 10 years in the majors, splitting his time playing for the Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers, Kansas City Royals and the Washington Nationals. His first major league win came in the postseason, becoming the first to do so in major league history. P¨¦rez passed away March 10, 2022, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic at age 43.
Gaylord Perry was born Sept. 15, 1938, in Williamston, N.C. and made his major league debut April 14, 1962 with the San Francisco Giants. Perry spent a successful 22 years in the majors, earning him a ticket into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1991, two Cy Young awards and five All-Star appearances. Perry pitched for several ball clubs, most notably for the Giants, Texas Rangers and Cleveland Indians. He finished his career with 314 wins, becoming the first pitcher to reach the 300 milestone since Early Wynn 19 years before. After his playing days, Perry became the first baseball coach for Limestone College in 1988, and in 2016 the Giants honored him with a statue on the concourse outside of AT&T Park. Perry passed away Dec. 1, 2022 in Gaffney, S.C. due to natural causes.
Joe Pignatano was born Aug. 4, 1929, in Brooklyn, N.Y. and made his major league debut April 28, 1957, with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Pignatano caught six years in the majors, splitting his time playing for the Dodgers, New York Mets, San Francisco Giants and Kansas City Athletics. He was a part of the 1959 World Series where the Dodgers beat the Chicago White Sox. Pignatano passed away May 23, 2022, in Naple, Fla. at the age of 92.
Leo Posada was born April 15, 1936, in La Habana, Cuba and made his major league debut Sept. 21, 1960, with the Kansas City Athletics. Posada spent three years in the majors with the Athletics. Posada passed away June 23, 2022, in Miami, Fla. at the age of 86.
Milt Ramirez was born April 2, 1950, in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico and made his major league debut April 11, 1970, with the St. Louis Cardinals. Ramirez spent three seasons in the majors, playing for the Cardinals and the Oakland Athletics as an infielder. He finished his professional career in 1981 by playing in the Mexican League. Ramirez passed away Aug. 18, 2022 in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
Jack Reed was born Febr. 2, 1933, in Silver City, Miss. and made his major league debut April 23, 1961 with the New York Yankees. Reed played three seasons in the majors with the Yankees being part of two of their World Series championship wins. Reed passed away Nov. 10, 2022.
Win Remmerswaal was born March 8, 1954, in The Hague, Netherlands and made his major league debut Aug. 3, 1979, with the Boston Red Sox. Remmerswaal played two years in the majors entirely spent with the Red Sox. Remmerswaal had a successful run playing in the Netherlands before entering the big leagues, but his U.S. career was cut short due to shoulder problems. After his playing days he became the head coach of the Amsterdam Pirates in 1989. Remmerswaal passed away July 24, 2022, at the age of 68.
Ray Rippelmeyer was born July 9, 1933, in Valmeyer, Ill. and made his major league debut April 14, 1962, with the Washington Senators. Rippelmeyer pitched one season for the Senators. Beyond his playing days, he entered the coaching world, managing the Aberdeen Pheasants, then coaching for the San Diego Padres of the Pacific Coast League and the Philadelphia Phillies. He retired from coaching and found himself back, coaching for five additional organizations. Rippelmeyer passed away Sept. 9, 2022, in Waterloo, Ill.
Vic Roznovsky was born Oct. 19, 1938 in Shiner, Texas and made his major league debut on June 28, 1964 with the Chicago Cubs. Roznovsky spent five years in the majors, playing for the Cubs, Baltimore Orioles and the Philadelphia Phillies. Roznovsky passed away Jan. 18, 2022, in Fresno, Calif.
Roger Samuels was born Jan. 5, 1961 in San Jose, Calif. and made his major league debut July 20, 1988, with the San Francisco Giants. Samuels played two years in the majors, splitting his time between the Giants and Pittsburgh Pirates. His son, Zach Samuels, also played professionally. Samuels passed away Jan. 17, 2022, in San Jose, Calif.
John Sanders was born Nov. 20, 1945, in Grand Island, Neb. and made his major league debut April 13, 1965, with the Oakland Athletics. Sanders played one game in the majors with the Athletics. After retirement, he became a coach at the University of Nebraska (1978-1997). He then managed the GCL Red Sox (1990-2002). In high school in Nebraska, he was named all-state football quarterback, all-state basketball and won the discus event at the state track meet, landing him in the Nebraska Sports Hall of Fame. Sanders passed away Feb. 5, 2022.
Moe Savranksy was born Jan. 13, 1929, in Cleveland, Ohio and made his major league debut April 23, 1954, with the Cincinnati Redlegs. Savranksy appeared in 16 games with the Redlegs. After time spent with the military, Savranksy went straight to the big leagues. He passed away Oct. 13, 2022 in Alpharetta, Ga. He was the oldest living Jewish former major leaguer at the time of his death.
Mark Schaeffer was born June 5, 1948, in Santa Monica, Calif. and made his major league debut April 18, 1972, with the San Diego Padres. Schaeffer pitched one year in the majors for the Padres. Schaeffer passed away June 1, 2022, in West Hills, Calif. at the age of 73.
Dick Schofield was born Jan. 7, 1935, in Springfield, Ill. and made his major league debut July 3, 1953, with the St. Louis Cardinals. Schofield spent 19 years in the majors, playing for seven different clubs ¨C most notably for the Cardinals and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Schofield¡¯s son, Dick Schofield Jr. also played in the big leagues as well as his grandson, Jayson Werth. Throughout his long tenure, Schofield became a World Series champion in 1960 with the Pirates. He passed away July 11, 2022, in Springfield, Ill.
Ted Schreiber was born July 11, 1938, in Brooklyn, N.Y. and made his major league debut April 14, 1963, with the New York Mets. Schreiber played 39 games with the Mets as a utility infielder. Beyond his playing days, he became a teacher back in Brooklyn, N.Y. Schreiber passed away Sept. 9, 2022, in Boynton Beach, Fla.
Costen Shockley was born Feb. 8, 1942, in Georgetown, Del. and made his major league debut July 17, 1964, with the Philadelphia Phillies. Shockley spent two years in the major leagues, playing first base for the Phillies and the California Angels. After his playing days, Schockley worked in construction and was inducted into the Delaware Sports Hall of Fame in 1998. Schockley passed away May 30, 2022, in Georgetown, Del.
Bill Short was born Nov. 27, 1937, in Kingston, N.Y. and made his major league debut April 23, 1960, with the New York Yankees. Short played six years in the majors, pitching for six different teams. Short was the 1959 Pitcher of the Year in the International League with the Richmond Virginians, earning him a spot in the International League Hall of Fame in 2009. Short passed away Febr. 2, 2022, in Sarasota, Fla.
Dwight Smith was born Nov. 8, 1963, in Tallahassee, Fla. and made his major league debut May 1, 1989, with the Chicago Cubs. Smith spent eight years in the majors, playing for the Cubs, California Angels, Baltimore Orioles and the Atlanta Braves. During his big-league tenure, he became a 1995 World Series champion with the Braves. After Smith¡¯s playing days, he became a coach for the Charleston RiverDogs in 2000. Smith¡¯s son, Dwight Jr. also reached the major leagues in 2017. Smith passed away July 22, 2022, at the age of 58.
Jerry Snyder was born July 21, 1929, in Jenks, Okla. and made his major league debut May 8, 1952, with the Washington Senators. Snyder played seven years in the majors, all spent with the Senators as an infielder. After his playing days, Snyder became the owner of the Texas Plumbing Supply Company in Houston, Texas. He passed away Jan. 31, 2022, in Houston, Texas.
Marv Staehle was born March 13, 1942, in Oak Park, Ill. and made his major league debut Sept. 15, 1964 with the Chicago White Sox. Staehle spent seven years in the majors, playing for the White Sox, Montreal Expos and the Atlanta Braves. He passed away Sept. 30, 2022 in Lake Geneva, Wis.
Joe Staton was born March 8, 1948, in Seattle, Wash. and made his major league debut Sept. 5, 1972 with the Detroit Tigers. Staton played two years in the majors, both years spent as a pinch runner and first baseman with the Tigers. Staton passed away June 20, 2022, in Mercer Island, Wash. at the age of 74.
John Stearns was born Aug. 21, 1951, in Denver, Colo. and made his major league debut Sept. 22, 1974, with the Philadelphia Phillies. Stearns played 11 seasons in the majors, spending ten of those years with the New York Mets. Stearns ended his successful career with four National League All-Star appearances. After his playing days, he stayed in the industry, later becoming a scout, coach and broadcaster throughout the years 1987-2014. Stearns passed away after a battle with cancer Sept. 15, 2022, in Denver, Colo.
Bruce Sutter was born Jan. 8, 1953 in Lancaster, Pa. and made his major league debut May 9, 1976 with the Chicago Cubs. Sutter spent 12 successful years in the majors, earning him a spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2006 after six All-Star appearances, a Cy Young Award and a 1982 World Series ring. He spent his Hall of Fame career with the Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals and the Atlanta Braves. A dominant relief pitcher, Sutter was known for popularizing the split-fingered fastball. He ended his career with 300 saves, which was the third-highest total in MLB history. The Cardinals retired his no and also inducted him into their club¡¯s Hall of Fame. Sutter passed away Oct. 13, 2022 in Cartersville, Ga. after a battle with cancer. He was 69.
Ralph Terry was born Jan. 9, 1936, in Big Cabin, Okla. and made his major league debut Aug. 6, 1956, with the New York Yankees. Terry played 12 years in the majors, spending eight of those years with the Yankees, and the remaining with the Kansas City Athletics, New York Mets, and the Cleveland Indians. Terry ended his decorated playing career as a two-time All-Star, two-time World Series champion and earned the 1962 World Series MVP Award. Short passed away March 16, 2022, in Larned, Kan.
Lee Thomas was born Feb. 5, 1936, in Peoria, Ill. and made his major league debut April 22, 1961, with the New York Yankees. Thomas spent eight years in the majors, playing for the Yankees, Los Angeles Angels, Boston Red Sox, Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs and the Houston Astros. He ended his big-league career with 106 home runs and two All-Star appearances. After his playing days, he entered the coaching world, and later became General Manager of the Philadelphia Phillies from 1988-1997. From 2012-14 he was the Special Assistant to the Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations for the Baltimore Orioles. Thomas passed away Aug. 31, 2022, in St. Louis, Mo.
Tom Urbani was born Jan. 21, 1968, in Santa Cruz, Calif. and made his major league debut April 21, 1993 with the St. Louis Cardinals. Urbani spent four years in the majors, playing for the Cardinals and the Detroit Tigers. After his playing career he briefly worked in real estate and later started a company called Lefty Right Sports. He also invented the Curveball Trainer, which is a device to help teach young players how to throw a curveball. Urbani passed away Sept. 28, 2022 in his hometown of Santa Cruz, Calif.
Julio Vald¨¦z was born June 3, 1956, in San Cristobal, Dominican Republic and made his major league debut Sept. 2, 1980 with the Boston Red Sox. Valdez played four years in the majors, all four spent as an infielder with the Red Sox. Valdez passed away July 24, 2022, at the age of 66.
Anthony Varvaro was born Oct. 31, 1984, in Staten Island, N.Y. and made his major league debut Sept. 24, 2010, with the Seattle Mariners. Varvaro spent six years in the majors, playing for the Mariners, Atlanta Braves and the Boston Red Sox. Beyond his playing days, Varvaro became a police officer for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. He passed away Sept. 11, 2022, in Jersey City, N.J. due to a car crash while headed to a ceremony to commemorate the September 11th terrorist attacks. He was 37 years old.
Gale Wade was born Jan. 20, 1929, in Hollister, Mo. and made his major league debut April 11, 1955, with the Chicago Cubs. Wade played two seasons in the majors with the Cubs. Beyond his playing days, Wade worked as an electrician and district manager for a rural electricity co-op in Nebo, N.C. He passed away Jan. 16, 2022, in Dysartsville, N.C.
Pete Ward was born July 26, 1937, in Montreal, Canada and made his major league debut Sept. 21, 1962, with the Baltimore Orioles. Ward played nine years in the majors, spending seven of those years with the Chicago White Sox and the remaining with the Orioles and the New York Yankees. During his time with the White Sox, Ward started at third base for most of the 1960s and was runner-up for the 1963 American League Rookie of the Year Award, ending the season with a .295 average with 22 home runs and 84 RBI. After his playing days, Ward became a manager in the minor leagues and was a coach for the Atlanta Braves in 1978. Ward passed away March 16, 2022.
David West was born Sept. 1, 1964, in Memphis, Tenn. and made his major league debut Sept. 24, 1988, with the New York Mets. West played 10 years in the majors, pitching for the Mets, Minnesota Twins, Philadelphia Phillies and Boston Red Sox. He was a part of the 1991 World Series where the Twins beat the Atlanta Braves. West passes away May 14, 2022, in Arlington, Tenn.
Dave Wickersham was born Sept. 27, 1935, in Erie, Pa. and made his major league debut Sept. 18, 1960, with the Kansas City Athletics. Wickersham played 10 years in the majors, pitching for the Athletics, Kansas City Royals, Detroit Tigers and Pittsburgh Pirates. He was one of four players to play for both the Kansas City Athletics and the Kansas City Royals. Wickersham passed away June 18, 2022, in Overland Park, Kan.
Gerald Williams was born Aug. 10, 1966, in New Orleans La. and made his major league debut Sept. 15, 1992, with the New York Yankees. Williams played 14 years in the majors, spending seven of those years with the Yankees, the others with the Milwaukee Brewers, Atlanta Braves, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Florida Marlins and the New York Mets. Throughout his 14 big league years, Williams played 1,168 games, hitting .255 with 85 home runs and 365 RBI. He passed away at age 55 on Feb. 8, 2022, after a battle with cancer.
Maury Wills was born Oct. 2, 1932, in Washington, D.C. and made his major league debut June 6, 1959, with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Wills played 14 years in the majors, spending 12 of those seasons with the Dodgers. He ended his successful career with three World Series titles with the Dodgers, seven All-Star appearances, two Gold Gloves, an NL MVP Award and an All-Star MVP Award. After his playing days, Wills became a manager and coach, managing the Seattle Mariners in 1980 and 1981. Leaving his legacy behind as a Dodger, Wills passed away Sept. 19, 2022, in Sedona, Ariz. at 89.
Gordie Windhorn was born Dec. 19, 1933, in Watseka, Ill. and made his major league debut Sept. 10, 1959, with the New York Yankees. Windhorn spent three years in the major leagues, splitting his time with the Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Kansas City Angels and Los Angeles Angels. After his big league career, he played for the Hankyu Braves in Japan from 1964-1969, where his team won the league title in 1967. Windhorn passed away on May 21, 2022, in Danville, Va.
John Wockenfuss was born Feb. 27, 1949, in Welch, W.Va. and made his major league debut Aug. 11, 1974, with the Detroit Tigers. Wockenfuss spent 12 years in the majors, playing ten with the Tigers and two with the Philadelphia Phillies. He passed away Aug. 19, 2022, in Wilmington, Del.