Mr. Richard Kipp Behenna

Times-Herald.com
Wednesday, Febryary 1, 2012

Mr. Richard Kipp Behenna, a devoted husband, exemplary parent and a kind and compassionate friend, left this world peacefully on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012, and entered into the presence of his Heavenly Father, now in a world of no more pain and suffering.

He was born in Miami, Florida, and lived in Cutler Ridge. During those years as a Ridge Rat he played baseball, football and soccer.

Rick graduated from Miami Southridge in 1978 and signed with the Atlanta Braves Baseball organization. He was traded to the Cleveland Indians in 1983 and continued his baseball career. In 1984 he met his wife of 27 years, Kimberly Smith, who fell madly in love with him and devoted her life to his dreams and goals.

He used his God-given talent, skill and knowledge of baseball to share with the community. Rick's passion for baseball drove him to coach at East Coweta High School for several seasons and give private lessons to up-and-coming baseball players in surrounding communities.

He also developed and organized a summer college baseball league for local college players. Rick always gave back all of the knowledge he developed as a professional baseball player in hopes that it would help young men achieve their dreams. Most of all, his desire was to instill good work ethic, discipline, character and integrity in the development of all whom he came into contact with. Rick will forever be remembered as a great leader, coach, friend, father and husband.

Surviving Mr. Richard Kipp Behenna are his wife, Kimberly, and his children, Bowen & Brandon. His family, mother Marlayne, brothers, Mark, Scott, and Gregg, his sister Nancy and many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to acknowledge Piedmont Newnan Hospital, Dr. Joseph Parks, Dr. Assikis and Dr. McAlpin for their faithful, loving care he received during this journey that God had called him on. Thank you for never giving up on the diagnoses and thinking outside the box. Thank you for willing to use your skills and knowledge when others wouldn't take the opportunity to take on the challenge.

Funeral arrangements are by McKoon Funeral Home at 38 Jackson St., Newnan. Visitation will be Friday evening, Feb. 3, between 6 and 8 p.m. The memorial service will be on Saturday, Feb. 4 at 3 p.m. at Sonrise Baptist Church, 6 Shenandoah Blvd.

In lieu of flowers, Mr. Behenna's memory may be acknowledged by memorial contributions to BAT www.baseballassistanceteam.com or Pink Posse www.pinkposseofga.com and follow the prompts to make a donation.



Musial teammate Bud Byerly dies; pitched in '44 Series

By Rick Hummel
Stltoday.com
Saturday, January 28, 2012

Native St. Louisan Eldred W. (Bud) Byerly, a righthanded pitcher believed to be the only surviving member of the 1944 Cardinals World Series champions other than Hall of Famer Stan Musial, died at age 91 on Thursday at St. Anthony's Medical Center after a brief illness.

Byerly, a Webster Groves High product, signed with the Cardinals' organization in 1940 and reached the majors in 1943. He was 2-2 in the regular season for the 1944 Cardinals, who beat the Browns in the World Series. Byerly appeared in one game in that series, pitching 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief.

An 11-season career also took Byerly, who had a 22-22 lifetime record, to Cincinnati, Washington, Boston and San Francisco. His best season was in 1957 at Washington, where he was 6-6 with six saves.

One of his teammates on that team was Hall of Famer Whitey Herzog, whose first big-league team was the Senators.

"I don't know if he was a flame-thrower or not early in his career before he came to Washington," Herzog said. "But he knew how to pitch.

"He always said he threw a 'dry spitter,'" said Herzog, laughing. "I'd never heard of a 'dry spitter.'"

The family said that services will be private.



Clifford Day Chambers
1922 - 2012

Published in Idaho Statesman on January 24, 2012

Clifford Day Chambers died on Saturday January 21 at Paramount Park Assisted Living Center in Eagle, ID.

Cliff was born in Portland, Oregon on January 10, 1922, the only child of Day Theodore and Clara Hazel Chambers. He was raised and educated through high school in Bellingham, WA where his mother took over the running of a neighborhood grocery store and his father started in business as a painting contractor. Although no one in his family had been to college, Cliff went off to Washington State University in the fall of 1939.

He was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and distinguished himself as a hard throwing, left handed pitcher for the Cougars. He hit .444 his sophomore year. For his baseball prowess he was inducted into the WSU Athletic Hall of Fame. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education and was a member of the Phi Epsilon honor group of PE majors.

While at Washington State he met Emma Louise (June) Chambers whom he married April 4, 1942, in Boise, ID.

Cliff signed a baseball contract with Los Angeles of the Pacific Coast League and played for the Tulsa Oilers in 1942. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1942 where he spent 3 years putting together rehabilitation and recreation programs for returning military men at Fort George Wright in Spokane, WA. There his two daughters, Jane Ann and Lynne were born in 1943 and 1945 respectively.

Upon leaving the Air Force, Cliff pitched for LA in 1946 and was named to the All Star team. His contract was sold to the Chicago Cubs. He spent 1947 with LA again, winning 24 games and a league championship again and was again named to the All Star team. Today he is listed as the best left handed pitcher of all time in the Pacific Coast League. From there he went to the Chicago Cubs, then was traded to the Pirates where he was the staff ace from 1948-1950.

In 1951 he pitched a no-hitter against the Brooklyn Dodgers, batting in the last run of the game. This was only the second no-hitter by a Pirate at the time and the only one pitched in the National League that year. At mid-season with an 11-6 record, a salary dispute resulted in his being traded to the St. Louis Cardinals.

In 1952 his wrist was broken with a line drive early in the season. In 1953 he was not being used and was traded back to San Diego. He voluntarily retired in August, returning to Boise, ID. He opened a beer distributorship which went out of business in 1958. He spent the next year as recreation director at Mountain Home Air Force Base. He went on to learn the life insurance business and helped start a life insurance company for 3 years and finally onto Wilson Sales distributing chain saws and setting up dealers for 10 speed bikes. In 1970 he went to work for Investors Diversified Services and later became one of the first Certified Financial Planners in Idaho. He then operated as an independent broker until his retirement in 1991.

Cliff served on the board of Deacons of the First Congregational Church and on the Senior Citizen's board. He was the first president of the CFPS. He held a private pilots license, served as treasurer of the Back Country Horsemen, oversaw the consolidation of the Senior Center into the Ada County Senior organization that exists today. He served at times as Republican precinct committeeman for District 14. He has membership in the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown and the Major League Baseball Alumni Association.

Cliff was a devoted Christian who served as Bible study facilitator and was head of various Christian Education Committees. He and his wife cherished their Arabian horses and were avid back country riders. He took an active role with the rest of the family in caring for the Bryant Ranch of his wife's extended family, a place that was close to his heart and where he and his wife spent many vacations together.

Cliff was an entertaining story teller, regaling his listeners with episodes from his years in baseball and other aspects of his eventful life. He leaves behind a host of friends and family who loved him dearly.

Cliff leaves a daughter, Jane Ann Dignan, son-in-law, George Dignan, grandchildren, Brennan Dignan of Los Angeles and Ryan Dignan of Sandpoint, ID.; Grand-daughter-in-law, Karen Dignan, and 5 great-granddaughters, Stella, Sophie, Sadie, Cecelia, and Emma Louise Dignan, and an enormous host of loving friends. His wife, June, and daughter, Lynne, as well as his parents preceded him in death.

A memorial service will be held at Cole Community Church on Thursday, January 24 at 11:00 am. A grave side service will be held at Dry Creek Cemetery at 11:00 on Wednesday, January 23. Memorials are suggested for a charity of your choice.



Former Phillies broadcaster Andy Musser dies

Philly.com
Monday, January 23, 2012

Former Phillies broadcaster Andy Musser died peacefully in his home in Wynnewood on Sunday, his family said.

Mr. Musser was 74. No cause of death was listed.

The native of Lemoyne, Pa., broadcast Phillies games for 26 years. At one time or another, Mr. Musser did play-by-play for every major sports team in Philadelphia except the Flyers.

A Syracuse graduate and Army veteran, he broadcast two World Series, two Super Bowls, two Masters Toumaments, and numerous football and basketball games on national networks.

After leaving the Phillies in 2001, Mr. Musser worked in private business. He is survived by Eun Joo, his wife of 50 years; two children: Allan of Roswell, Ga., and Luanne Zimmerman of Lower Gwynedd, Pa., and four grandchildren.

Former AL umpire Marty Springstead dead at 74

Yahoo Sports
January 19. 2012

NEW YORK (AP)—Marty Springstead, who at the age of 36 in 1973 became the youngest umpire crew chief in World Series history, has died. He was 74.

Major League Baseball said Wednesday that Springstead was found dead at his home in Florida on Tuesday night.

A native of Nyack, N.Y., Springstead was an American League umpire from 1966-85. Among his three World Series were 1978 and 1983, and he also was an umpire at the All-Star game in 1969, 1975 and 1982 and at five AL championship series.

After retiring from the field, he became the AL’s executive director of umpires, then worked as an umpire supervisor for MLB after umpire staffs from the leagues merged.

He retired from his management position before the 2010 season.

“For a quarter-century, Marty mentored a new generation of our umpires, not only in the major leagues but around the world,” Commissioner Bud Selig said. “Marty was an avid teacher, a great storyteller and a friend to countless people around our game. Like so many of my colleagues, I always appreciated his wonderful sense of humor and the pride he had for his profession.”

Springstead worked U.S. Army baseball games while he was a minor league umpire and lectured on umpiring to the U.S. Air Force in Germany, the Netherlands and Spain. He was involved in clinics of Japan’s Pacific League and in Canada.

MLB said he was survived by wife Linda, son Bradley and stepson Robert.

Glenn Cox
(1931 - 2012)

Published in Daily News on January 11, 2012

Glenn Cox passed away on January 8, 2012, at his home in Los Molinos, California. He was 80 years old.

Glenn was born on February 3, 1931. He was the youngest of four boys born to Charlie and Leanora Cox. He was raised in Montebello, California.

Glenn spent much of his youth dreaming of becoming a professional baseball player. This dream came true in June, 1949. When he graduated from high school, he signed a contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers. For the next ten years, Glenn barnstormed through various levels of baseball, pitching and hitting his way through such places as Hollywood, Montreal, Kansas City, Buffalo, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela. Glenn's vivid memories and experiences during this time period have been captured in a book he published in 2009 called The Way the Game was Played.

Glenn served in the Army for two years during the Korean conflict, and he retired from professional baseball in 1961. He then pursued various careers, such as construction, owning a carpet store, and operating a fishing resort. In 1982, he was able to once again pursue his dream of baseball as he began to work at Los Molinos High School and became the head baseball coach. He coached baseball at this school for 15 years, and his teams won numerous championships. The school's baseball diamond today is called Glenn Cox field.

Glenn also loved to fish, hunt, and play golf. Although a very serious competitor, Glenn had a great sense of humor. He was also a very warm and compassionate man, and he would do anything to help a friend. Many people have been touched and influenced by this man. They will never forget the role he played in their lives.

Glenn, a loving husband, father, and grandfather, is survived by his wife Cathy. Glenn is also survived by his four children: Cindy Varlinsky and her husband, Rich; Chris Cox and his wife, Neva; Steve Cox and his wife, Natalie; Sara Rumiano and her husband, Keith. Glenn also leaves 6 grandchildren: Suzanne Hopper and husband, John, Dakota Glenn Cox, Hannah Cox, Hilary Cox, Holly Rumiano, and Rocco Rumiano. He also leaves four great grandsons; Selik, Logan, Preston, and Kyler Hopper.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 14th, at Los Molinos High School at 2 PM in the gym.

Memorial donations can by made to the Athletic Department at Los Molinos High School.

Carey, helped preserve Larsen's perfecto, dies

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com
01/04/12 12:25 PM EST

NEW YORK -- Andy Carey, a former Yankees third baseman who helped preserve Don Larsen's 1956 perfect game, passed away on Dec. 15 in Costa Mesa, Calif., his family announced. He was 80.

A career .260 hitter, Carey played in 11 Major League seasons from 1952-62, beginning with the Yankees at age 20 in '52 and spending nine seasons wearing pinstripes.

Born on Oct. 18, 1931, in Oakland, Calif., Carey signed with the Yankees after spending a summer playing semi-pro ball in Weiser, Idaho. As New York's everyday third baseman in '55, Carey led the league with 11 triples and was known as a solid defender and clutch hitter.

Carey played on four Yankees World Series teams, winning rings with the 1956 and '58 squads. He is remembered as playing a key role in Larsen's Oct. 8, 1956, perfecto against the Dodgers at Yankee Stadium.

Opening the second inning, Carey made contact with Jackie Robinson's hard smash to the third baseman's left, deflecting the ball from going to the outfield and allowing shortstop Gil McDougald to field it with barely enough time to throw Robinson out at first base.

"I was in the right place at the right time," Carey is quoted as saying in Lew Paper's 2009 account of Larsen's game, "Perfect." "We would have never gotten Robinson out if the game would have been played two or three years earlier when he still had his speed."

Carey again helped save the perfect game with one out in the eighth, when Gil Hodges hit a low line drive to Carey's left. Carey snagged the ball about an inch from the ground, and just in case the ball was ruled a trap, Carey threw on to first baseman Joe Collins to be sure the out was recorded.

"It was a fantastic thing to be part of," Carey once told the Los Angeles Times. "I don't think we realized what a great game it was until many years later.

"It wasn't a big deal then -- it was just a real good game. But the longevity of it and the fact that no one has duplicated it made it what it is today. If someone had done it the next year, it wouldn't have been as significant."

Carey's Yankees career ended with a May 19, 1960, trade to Kansas City for outfielder Bob Cerv. Slowed by back injuries, Carey completed his pro service with the A's (1960-61), White Sox ('61) and Dodgers ('62).

Howard D. "Howie" Koplitz
(1938 - 2012)

Published in Oshkosh Northwestern on January 4, 2012

Howard D. "Howie" Koplitz, died at Eden Meadows on Monday, January 2, 2012. Born to Eldor and Esther (Diestler) Koplitz on May 4, 1938. Howard was an Oshkosh High School Indian and proud of it. On July 7, 1962 he married Karen Kimball, they have enjoyed 49 years together.

A big fan of State and local sports teams, Howard enjoyed anything that required a ball or a puck. He played professional baseball for 10 years with the Detroit Tigers and Washington Senators. In 1961 he was Minor League Player of the Year. Howard retired after working 38 years as a United State Postal Service clerk in Oshkosh. He was a former director of the Snitz Club, the American Legion Baseball Organization, and the Postal Employees Credit Union. He coached baseball at Lourdes High School and will be remembered by many as a bird lover and coin collector. His personal "crafty" cards will be cherished.

Surviving Howard is his wife, Karen; children: Jeffrey (Ann) Koplitz, Kelly (Thomas) Sobojinski; Michael (Mandy) Koplitz; Jamie Koplitz; and Julie Schamens; grandchildren: Tawni (Rory) Karle, Logan Sobojinski, Brianna Durrant, Brooklyn Schamens, Spencer Schamens, Samuel Schamens, Zachary Schamens, and Rylan Elizabeth Koplitz; brothers, Kenneth (Joan) Koplitz and Larry (Carol) Koplitz; sister, Shirley (Dave) Treleven; sister-in-law, Dorothy Koplitz; brother-in-law, Richard (Judith) Kimball of Racine; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Marvin Koplitz.

Funeral services will be held for Howard at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, January 6, 2012, at First English Lutheran Church, 1013 Minnesota Street. A time for visiting and sharing memories will be held at the church on Friday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service. Interment will be in Lake View Memorial Park. A memorial is being established.

Randy Stein

Published in San Bernardino Sun on December 15, 2011

Born William Randolph Stein on March 7, 1953 in Pomona, Randy lost his valiant 4 year battle with Early Onset Alzheimer's on December 12, 2011.

Randy graduated from Ganesha High School in 1971 where he was an outstanding athlete and was drafted in the first round by the Baltimore Orioles. He broke into the Majors in 1978 with the Milwaukee Brewers, and also played for the Seattle Mariners and Chicago Cubs. He then went on to climb to the highest levels in the Title Insurance business where he worked as a Vice President/Sales Manager for Stewart Title's LA Division.

He was one of three children born to the late Don and Irene Stein. Randy married his high school sweetheart Patty (Delk) and was a loving husband for 36 years. Randy will forever be remembered by his beloved children, daughter Erica (Brian) Marlow, daughter Ashley (Danny) Hobbs and son Adam Stein, treasured Grandson Cameron Hobbs, devoted brother Ron (Renee) Stein and his loving sister Lisa (Rick) Winton, along with countless other family and friends whom were blessed to know him.

Randy loved camping with his family in the High Sierra's and Glamis, hunting, soaking up the sun at the beach, riding his bicycle, being a prankster and eating M&M's. He never stopped being the husband and father his family loved. He was someone you could always depend on, and a friend to all who knew him. He was the life of the party.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 17 at 10:30 am, Community Baptist Church, 9090 19th Street, Rancho Cucamonga.

To continue the family's fight against Alzheimer's disease donations can be made in his memory to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org.

Ted Beard

Published in the The Indianapolis Star on January 1, 2012

Ted Beard 90, professional baseball player and WWII veteran, passed away December 30, 2011 with his family by his side.

Ted, voted most popular player for the Indianapolis Indians in 1948 and 1951, began his professional career in 1941. His career was interrupted to serve in the Pacific Theatre in WWII. He was also the recipient of the State of Indiana, Council of the Sagamores of the Wabash in August 1986.

Survivors include three children, Robin Foster, Ted Beard, and Steven Beard; grandchildren, Teddy Beard and Dawn Beard; seven great-grandchildren; and dear friend, Brigitte Saur.

Ted was preceded in death by his wife Laura of 55 years.

Services will be held at a later date.

Harry W. Moore Funeral Care is in charge of arrangements.




St. Louisian Don Mueller, former big-league star, dies

From staff and wire reports STLtoday.com
Friday, December 30, 2011 12:15 am

St. Louisan Don Mueller, who led the majors in hits in 1954 and roamed the outfield with Willie Mays of the New York Giants, died on Wednesday. He was 84.

Mueller, a native St. Louisan who played at CBC, was signed by the Giants in 1944 and made his big-league debut four years later.

At age 23, he became a starter for the Giants in right field and hit .291 in his first full season.

In the 1951 playoff game between the Giants and Brooklyn Dodgers, which ended with Bobby Thomson's famous homer, Mueller played a key role. After Alvin Dark led off the ninth with a single, Mueller singled to right, advancing Dark to third. Whitey Lockman then doubled to score Dark and cut the Dodgers' lead to 4-2, but Mueller slid badly and injured an ankle. He was taken from the field by stretcher. It was during that delay that the Dodgers called for Ralph Branca to pitch to Thomson, who homered in what became known as the "shot heard 'round the world."

Mueller's best year came in 1954 when he led the majors with 212 hits and batted .342 as he was named an All-Star. He was also 12th in voting for the MVP award (won by Mays). He hit .394 in the World Series as the Giants swept Cleveland.

That season was the same one in which Stan Musial hit five homers in a doubleheader against the Giants and Mueller was manning right field that day.

Mueller was an All-Star selection again in 1955 when he hit .306.

A career .296 hitter, Mueller became known as "Mandrake the Magician." He finished his career with two seasons with the White Sox in 1958 and 59.

Pitcher Rosman Garcia died in traffic accident

The reliever was Aragua Tigers in a private vehicle at the time of occurrence of the fatal event.

Jean Pier Nunez Hernandez
The Universal
Thursday December 29, 2011 12:56 AM

Caracas - The pitcher for the Tigres de Aragua, Rosman Garcia, died at dawn on Thursday in a traffic accident in the center to regional highway at kilometer 24 through Valencia, said the team's media manager, Manuel Rodriguez.

Garcia, a native of Maracay, 32, was in a car particupar occur when the fatal accident on his way to Ottawa after playing last night against the Lions in Caracas. It is unknown if it was accompanied.

In 16 appearances with the cats left this season mark of 1-0 with a 3.55 ERA in 38 innings.

The right-hander debuted in the majors in 2003 with the Texas Rangers organization with which he played until 2004, leaving 1-2 record in 50 games.

Clyde Stalcup Bloomfield
(January 5, 1936 - December 21, 2011)

The Fayetteville (AR) Herald-Leader
Saturday, December 24, 2011

Clyde Stalcup "Bud" Bloomfield, 75, of Huntsville, Arkansas, died December 21, 2011 at Countryside Retirement Center in Huntsville, Arkansas. He was born January 5, 1936 at Tulsa, Oklahoma, the son of Clyde Orsamus and Jeanne Stalcup Bloomfield. He was a graduate of the University of Arkansas and a United States Army veteran. He was a minor and major league baseball player having played for the Saint Louis Cardinals and the Minnesota Twins. He was the former owner of the Tail of the Trout Restuarant in Rogers and a member of the Major League Baseball Alumni Association.

Survivors include: his wife, Karen Nannette Adkisson Bloomfield of the home; one son and daughter-in-law, Ty Christian and Yazmin Isabel Bloomfield of Murphy, Texas; one daughter and son-in-law, Brooke Elizabeth and John Ellis Cook of Huntsville, Arkansas; one brother, O'Neal Bloomfield of Hot Springs, Arkansas; one sister, Nancy Bloomfield; three grandsons, Logan Cook and Jackson Cook, both of Huntsville, Arkansas and Aidan Bloomfield of Murphy, Texas; two granddaughters, Shelby Cook of Huntsville, Arkansas and Maiya Bloomfield of Murphy, Arkansas and his mother-in-law, Ruth Adkisson of Huntsville, Arkansas.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P. M. Friday, December 23, in the chapel of Brashears Funeral Home with Jerry Ferguson and The Reverend Jim Hepler officiating. Private interment will be in the Fayetteville National Cemetery under the direction of Brashears Funeral Home www.brashearsfuneralhome.net of Huntsville, Arkansas.

Joseph P. Lonnett

Beaver County Times
Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Joseph P. Lonnett, 84, of Brighton Twp., died Monday evening, December 5, 2011, with his devoted wife and family at his side.

Born February 7, 1927, in Beaver Falls, he was the youngest child of Frank and Rose Barberio Lonnett. He was a resident of Brighton Twp. for the past 45 years and a member of SS Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Church, Beaver. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy during WW II and the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Joe was a professional baseball player with the Philadelphia Phillies and later became a Major League Baseball coach with several teams including the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was third base coach for the Pirates during the 1979 World Championship season.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Alvida Pisani Lonnett; five daughters, Maria Lonnett Burgess, Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA; Judy Lonnett and her husband, Rick Morgan; Joyce and her husband, Tom Schaughency, all of Brighton Twp.; Barbara Lonnett, Leetsdale; Nancy Lonnett Roman and her husband, Chris Roman, Beaver; six cherished grandchildren, Joseph, Ellen, and Will Burgess; Kayla and Leah Schaughency, and Lily Roman, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death, besides his parents, was his son-in-law, Dr. Bill Burgess; two sisters, Mary Carvelli and Florence Riddle, and three brothers, Tony, Lou, and William 'Beetle' Lonnett.

Family and friends will be received today from 6 to 8 p.m. and Thursday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in the NOLL FUNERAL HOME INC., 333 Third St., Beaver. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 11 a.m. in SS Peter & Paul Church, Beaver. Father Bob Miller and Father Albin McGinnis will celebrate the Mass.

Interment will follow at the Beaver Cemetery.

Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made, in Joe's name, to a charity of your choice.

Mariners outfielder Halman stabbed to death
Player's brother, 22, arrested by police as suspect in Netherlands

By Greg Johns / MLB.com | 11/21/11

Mariners outfielder Greg Halman was stabbed to death in Rotterdam, Netherlands, early Monday morning, and his younger brother reportedly was arrested as a suspect by Dutch police.

Halman, 24, played 35 games as a rookie with the Mariners last season before returning home to the Netherlands to prepare for a shot at earning a full-time job in Seattle's outfield.

The Mariners have not yet issued a response to the news, which came overnight. Michael Weiner, executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association, issued the following statement:

Greg Halman appeared in 44 games for the Mariners over the past two seasons. (Otto Greule Jr/Getty)"We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of Greg Halman. Greg was passionate about the game of baseball and generously gave of himself to share his passion with others in an attempt to help grow the sport's popularity across Europe. He will be sorely missed. ... Our thoughts and prayers go out to Greg's family, his teammates, the Mariners organization and his many friends and fans throughout Europe and America."

The AP reported that police were called to a home in Rotterdam early Monday morning and found Halman bleeding from a stab wound and were unable to revive him, according to Rotterdam police spokeswoman Patricia Wessels.

Wessels said police arrested Halman's 22-year-old brother, who was being questioned.

"It will take some time to figure out what exactly happened," Wessels told The AP in a telephone interview.

"We are shocked and incredibly saddened by the news this morning," Halman's agent, Greg Nicotera, said. "Hopefully in time we will all be able to come to terms with the tragic loss of such a passionate, good-hearted, generous and faithful young man. Our thoughts and prayers are with Greg's family, friends and loved ones. This hurts."

Halman participated in a series of baseball camps for kids in his home country two weeks ago as part of the European Big League Tour, along with a group of other Major League players that included Prince Fielder and Adam Jones.

"Having played for the Netherlands in the 2009 World Baseball Classic, and having participated in the recent 2011 European Big League Tour, Greg's lasting legacy is sure to be the trail he helped blaze for European youth to follow in his footsteps," Weiner said.

Halman hit .230 in 87 at-bats with two home runs and six RBIs for the Mariners last season. When starting center fielder Michael Saunders struggled early in the year, Halman was called up and played in 35 games before being sent back to Triple-A Tacoma in early August for the rest of the season.

He was on the Mariners' 40-man roster and regarded as a challenger for a position in left field or as a backup to center fielder Franklin Gutierrez.

Mariners outfielder Mike Carp, who played with Halman in the Minor Leagues the past several years, responded to the news on Twitter: "Hard to process such a tragedy. Thoughts and prayers are with the Halman and Mariners family right now. You'll be missed, brother. Love You."

The 6-foot-4, 200-pounder hit .243 with 33 home runs with 80 RBIs for Tacoma in 2010, then batted .299 with three home runs and 15 RBIs for the Triple-A club in 40 games last season. He was Seattle's Minor League Player of the Year in 2008 after signing with the club as an international free agent in 2004.

John C. 'Sonny' Dixon, Jr.

Published in Charlotte Observer from November 20 to November 21, 2011

Mr. Dixon, 87, lifelong resident of the Steele Creek Community of Charlotte, NC, passed away, Saturday morning, November 19, 2011 at Carolinas Medical Center - Main.

Sonny, as he was affectionately known, was born November 5, 1924 in Charlotte, North Carolina, the only child of the late John Craig Dixon, Sr. and Eva Wilson. He played in baseball from 1941 to 1960 except for three years while he was serving in the United States Navy during World War II. Sonny played in the major leagues for 3 1/2 years with the Washington Senators, Philadelphia Athletics and the New York Yankees. He held The American League record for appearing in 54 games in 1954, was inducted into the American Legion Hall of fame in 1989, and was the 'Old Timer' of the year in Ringgold, GA at the Catoosa County Special Olympics.

After his retirement from baseball in 1960 he worked over 35 years at a convience store in the Steele Creek Community. He was a longtime member of Steele Creek Presbyterian Church.

Friends may call on the Dixon family Monday, November 21, 2011 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at McEwen Funeral Service at Sharon. A service to celebrate his life will be held 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 22, 2011 from the sanctuary of Steele Creek Presbyterian Church with The Reverend Valarie Phillips, Associate Minister, officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Military Honors.

Mr. Dixon is survived by his only daughter, Samantha-Lynn Laughlin and her husband, Robert of Charlotte, NC; he was 'Big Paw Paw' to a granddaughter, Melissa Laughlin and her husband, Brad Earman; two great-grandchildren, Emma and Mitch Earman; a sister-in-law, Mrs. Helen Liles; and various cousins and a special friend, Brandon Smith.

Memorials may be made to The Charlotte Humane Society, 2700 Tommey Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28203.

Arrangements are by McEwen Funeral Service at Sharon, 5716 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC 28212.



Nick Strincevich

Published in The Times from November 12 to November 13, 2011

Nick Strincevich, age 96, of Valparaiso, passed away Friday, November 11, 2011 at Life Care Center. He was born March 1, 1915 in Gary to Luis and Karolina (Chlapcic) Strycovic. On November 14, 1936 in Valparaiso he married Mary Ciesielski, who preceded him in death in 1999.

Survivors include two children: Carol (Les) Perino of Valparaiso and Nick M. (Lourine) Strincevich of Marion, IN; three granddaughters: Lori (Jack) Manushaw, Cheryl (Alan) Passe, and Lisa (Patrick) Frey; four great granddaughters: Amber, Ashley, Samantha, and Jenna; and two great grandsons: Alan Jr. and Nicholas.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by brother, Joe; infant brother, Michael; two sisters: Ann Bauer and Daisy Mance.

Nick began a pitching career in major league baseball in 1940 after being recruited to the New York Yankees from Gary's "Twilight League." Following a stint in the Yankee farm system, he was drafted by the Boston Bees and was managed by Casey Stengel. In 1941 Nick was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was selected to represent the National League in the 1945 All-Star game, but due to war-time travel restrictions the game was cancelled.

After retiring from the Philadelphia Phillies in 1948, Nick went to work at the Budd Plant in Gary, retiring in 1980 as Safety Supervisor.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, November 14, 2011 at 11:00 AM directly at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St., Merrillville, with the Rev. Marko Matic officiating.

Burial will follow at Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville. Visitation will be Sunday from 1:00-5:00 PM at Moeller Funeral Home in Valparaiso, with a Pomen service at 5:00 PM.

Charlie Lea, former major league pitcher, found dead at Collierville home

By Phil Stukenborg
Memphis Commercial Appeal
November 11, 2011 at 8:20 p.m.

Former major league pitcher Charlie Lea, a star at Kingsbury High and then-Memphis State University before embarking on a successful pro career, was found dead in his Collierville home Friday. He was 54.

Collierville police chief Larry Goodwin said Lea died of a suspected heart attack.

Known for his gentle manner and unwavering passion for the sport, Lea had the distinction of being a baseball standout in his hometown at the high school, college and professional level.

His likeness, in the form of a pitcher winding up, is one of two prominent statues in the entrance plaza of AutoZone Park, Downtown home of the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds.

''The folklore is it's Charlie (pitching) and Tim McCarver (catching),'' said Dave Chase, president and general manager of the Redbirds from 2002 to '09. The statue captures Lea's signature windup -- arching back, head peeking over his left shoulder and his high left leg kick hiding his left elbow before delivery.

Born on Christmas Day in Orleans, France, in 1956, Lea was selected in the ninth round of the 1978 major league baseball amateur draft by the Montreal Expos and played for the Expos' affiliate in his hometown. Lea went 9-0 with a 0.84 earned-run average with the Double-A Memphis Chicks in 1980 before making his major league debut with the Expos in June.

Winner of 62 games in a career that ended with Minnesota in 1988, Lea pitched a no-hitter against San Francisco in 1981 and was the starting and winning pitcher for the National League in the 1984 All-Star Game.

''To have done what he did in his hometown, with all the distractions you have playing at home, tells you how focused he was as a pitcher and a person,'' Chase said. ''Then he goes to Montreal where he becomes an all-star and pitches a no-hitter.''

A member of the Memphis Redbirds radio broadcast team, Lea was an intelligent, easygoing analyst who had entertained returning to pro baseball, possibly as a minor-league pitching coach.

Redbirds play-by-play announcer Steve Selby called news of Lea's death ''a shocker.''

''I had just talked to him (Friday) morning,'' said Selby of Lea, who worked home games. ''I had left a message that I was putting together a hot-stove (offseason baseball) radio show to start in January and I asked if he wanted to be part of it. He called back and said he would.''

Selby said what made Lea such an effective radio analyst was that easygoing style.

''It was like you were sitting in a rocking chair on the porch,'' Selby said. ''And he was so unassuming. You would have never known he had played major league baseball unless you asked him. So many analysts are quick to tell you 'When I played major league baseball . . .' Charlie never did that.

''It's obvious he had inside knowledge of the game and wanted to tell you what he knew. A lot of players distance themselves from the game because their careers may not have ended the way they wanted. Charlie was positive about everything. We became good friends. There's a huge hole in my life right there.''

Tim Dulin, owner of Dulins Sports Complex in Cordova, called Lea, who was a close friend, an excellent teacher with a great demeanor. ''You always knew where you stood with him,'' Dulin said. ''He was so genuine.''

Bobby Kilpatrick, Lea's college coach, recalled how competitive his former pitcher was during the one season he played for the Tigers. His favorite story came after the team had suffered a severe case of food poisoning and Kilpatrick wanted to trim a scheduled doubleheader against Missouri to a single game. Missouri declined.

''I went back to the dugout to tell the team we were going to have to play two,'' Kilpatrick said. ''Charlie, who had been sick, too, said 'Give me the ball.' And he went out and threw a magnificent game.''

Benjamin McCoy, oldest living Detroit Tiger, dies on 96th birthday

By Kate Nagengast
The Grand Rapids Press
Thursday, November 10, 2011

Benjamin Jenison McCoy, of Grandville, died on his 96th birthday, Wednesday, November 9, 2011.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Ruth (Austin) McCoy, his parents, and eight siblings.

Ben played for the Detroit Tigers and the Philadelphia Athletics in the 1930's and early 1940's and had the distinction of being the oldest living former Detroit Tiger.

Ben proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during WWII. Ben retired from Sysco Frostpack after 25 years of dedicated service.

He was an avid golfer, loved the family pets, feeding and watching the birds, listening and singing along to the Mills Brothers Music of the 40's, and especially enjoyed watching sports with his grandsons on Sunday afternoons.

Ben was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather with a great sense of humor and a quick wit, who put family first in all he did.

He will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by his children, Linda and Ron Timmer, Patti McCoy, Kris and Joe Tuszynski; grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Forsch was 'icon in Cards' history'

By Rick Hummel
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Saturday, November 5, 2011 12:25 am

Bob Forsch, the only Cardinal to pitch two no-hitters and the third-winningest pitcher in franchise history, died Thursday at his home near Tampa, Fla., less than a week after throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at Game 7 of the World Series in St. Louis.

Forsch collapsed at his home in Weeki Wachee, Fla., and died of an aneurysm at age 61 after experiencing discomfort in his upper chest.

He was one of 30 players to have pitched two no-hit games in the major leagues and, with his brother, Ken, a part of the only brother combination to toss no-hitters.

A former 26th-round draft pick who spent 15 seasons with St. Louis from 1974-88, Forsch won 163 games for the Cardinals and had 10 seasons of at least 10 wins and one of 20, in 1977. He played on Cardinals National League champion teams in 1982, 1985 and 1987, and was a member of the 1982 World Series champions.

When his manager, Whitey Herzog, and former teammates learned of his death, they preferred to look at the man behind the numbers.

"Bob Forsch had class not only on the field, but off," said Herzog.

Former teammate Rick Horton said Forsch was one of "the quintessential Cardinals."

"How fitting that he would throw the pitch before that last game," Horton said of the opening pitch before St. Louis' Game 7 win over the Texas Rangers for the franchise's 11th world title.

"Most people don't realize how much of a professional Bob was," Horton said. "And how much of a mentor he was to me and a number of other young players. Bob had a wonderful blend of being an absolutely nice human being but also knowing what was right and being stern when he had to be."

Former Cardinals righthander Danny Cox and lefthander Joe Magrane spent last Friday with Forsch in a suite upstairs at Busch Stadium. "He was happy. Everything was good," said Cox. "He was loving what he was doing."

Forsch had just finished a season as the Cincinnati Reds' pitching coach at rookie-league Billings and had just got the word that he was going to spend all of next season in Arizona, where the Reds train.

"He's an icon in Cardinals history," said Cox.

One of the most significant pitches Forsch threw in his career came toward the end in 1987. With the Cardinals down 4-0 after four innings to San Francisco in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series, Forsch decided he had seen enough of Jeffrey Leonard's "one-flap down" home run trot, which he had employed three times in the first three games of the series.

Herzog, a day before Game 3, remembered saying to Forsch, "You're pitching tomorrow, big boy."

Herzog then looked at Forsch, and he got the return look he was seeking.

"You could see him saying, 'I'll take care of it,'" said Herzog.

"Now, you're not going to tell them to throw at somebody's head. You'd get sued for that. But the message got across and Forschie took care of it."

Forsch famously hit Leonard in the back in the fifth inning. "Just trying to come inside," said Forsch, not very convincingly.

"We called (Leonard) 'both flaps down' after that," Cox said.

The Cardinals, taking inspiration from their veteran leader, then scored two runs in the sixth and four more in the seventh to snatch a win that put them in position to win the series in Games 6 and 7 here.

"That completely changed the series," said Herzog. "He was the thinking man's pitcher. He understood the game and did it his own way. And he never said anything about it."

Cox said, "I'm always going to remember Forschie not only for being a great pitcher but that he was a great pitcher who respected the game."

Horton added: "He was a very good teammate and the perfect veteran to have on the team.

"I know I'm better for having had his winning influence."

Other members of the Cardinals family offered their own memorials for Forsch, who is third in Cardinals wins behind Hall of Famers Bob Gibson (251) and Jesse "Pop" Haines (210).

Hall of Fame shortstop Ozzie Smith, via Twitter, said: "A great competitor/teammate and one of the finest men I played with. Heaven just got a starter."

Current Cardinals chairman Bill DeWitt Jr., in a statement, said: "We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Bob Forsch. Bob was one of the best pitchers in the history of our organization and a valued member of the Cardinals family."

Former Cardinals general manager Walt Jocketty, who hired Forsch for the Cincinnati organization, said in a statement:

"The Reds family and all of baseball mourn the passing of Bob Forsch. He spent his entire life in baseball and touched many people both inside and outside the game. Over the last few seasons, he played an important part in the development of our young players. Our baseball operations staff and the players he touched will miss him."

The Forsch family so far has said the service will be a private one. Forsch is survived by Jan, his second wife, and two daughters. A memorial service might be held later.

Giants great Matty Alou dies

CSNBayArea.com
November 3, 2011, 9:38 am

Giants legend Mateo Rojas "Matty" Alou, who made history with Jesus and Felipe as the first trio of brothers to play the outfield together in the majors, passed away in Miami Thursday at the age of 72.

Alou made his debut with the Giants in 1960. The Alou brothers finished their careers with 5,094 hits, the highest total for brothers in big-league history.

Alou played for six teams in a 15-year career, and starred for San Francisco from 1960-65.

He won the 1969 National League Batting title with an average of .342 while with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

He was inducted into the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame in 2007 with a ceremony at AT&T Park before a game between the Giants and the New York Yankees.

Alou retired with a career batting average of .307, 1,777 hits and 427 RBIs. He is regarded as one of the greatest players to come out of the Dominican Republic.

He was a two-time All-Star (1968, '69) and was a member of the 1972 World Series champion Oakland A's.

Dominican Olympic Committee president Luisin Mejia made the announcement of Alou's passing on Thursday morning.

The Giants released the following statement Thursday morning:

The Giants were deeply saddened to learn about the passing of former Giants outfielder Matty Alou. Matty, who was a formidable player during his career, was a lifetime .307 hitter who collected 1,777 hits over 15 seasons, six with the Giants from 1960-65. He was a two-time All-Star and won the 1966 National League batting title with a .342 average while playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Although he played for six different teams, Matty remained a part of the Giants family as a long time employee and will be forever linked with his brothers – Felipe and Jesus – as the first all-brother Major League outfield.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Alou Family during this difficult time.

Former Angel Ricky Adams dies of cancer

Marcia C. Smith
OCRegister.com
October 28th, 2011

Ricky Adams, a member of the Angels’ 1982 Western Division Championship club, passed away earlier today in Rancho Cucamonga, CA following a lengthy bout with cancer. He was 52 years old.

Adams, of Alta Loma, was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma in January. His battle with cancer was the subject of a column in the Register earlier this season. (Read it here.)

A native of Upland, California, Adams was the first-round draft pick of the Houston Astros in 1977. He would go on to sign with the Angels on May 2, 1980 and make his Major League debut two years later on September 15, 1982. Adams played 66 games as a utility infielder during the 1982 and 1983 campaigns. He spent two seasons with San Francisco before returning to the Angels farm system for his final professional season in 1987.

“The Angels organization and their alumni are deeply saddened to hear of Ricky’s passing,” said Tim Mead, Angels Vice-President of Communications “There is always a special bond with any member of the Angels family. We wish to extend our deepest sympathies to Tammy and other members of Rick’s family, and want them to know that he will always have a special place in the hearts and memories of the Angels and their fans.”

Adams had hoped to be able to return this past 50th anniversary season to throw out the ceremonial first pitch but health issues left him too weak. The Angels were able to deliver to Adams the Angels Alumni red jacket with his number last week. The jacket was like the ones worn by all the Angels Alumni first pitchers when they took the mound.

Adams is survived by his wife, Tammy and their four children, Ashley, Joshua, Adam and Garrett.

Friends of the Adam’s Family established the Ricky Lee Adams Foundation to assist Ricky in continuing his mission of having a positive impact on today’s youth by helping them develop confidence playing the game of baseball.

Dagoberto 'Dag' Concepcion Cueto

Published in Charlotte Observer on October 27, 2011

Mr. Cueto, 74, of Charlotte, NC, passed away suddenly Tuesday, October 25, 2011.

Dag was born August 14, 1937 in San Luis, Pinar del Rio, Cuba to Ceferino Concepcion and Pura Rosa Cueto. Dag's passions in life were his family, baseball and tending his garden.

Dag played professional baseball for 9 years, playing for the Charlotte Hornets in 1958, where he met his beloved wife, Brenda. He eventually made it to the major leagues playing for the Minnesota Twins in 1961.

After his professional career he continued to play locally for many teams until age 69, including the Kings Gym baseball team helping them win several Roy Hobbs World Series. He worked for many years with Haverty's Furniture and most recently with Embree-Reed, Inc.

He is survived by two sons, Bert Concepcion and his wife Julie and children Anna and Jake, Carlos Concepcion and his wife Lisa and child Brandon, daughter Susan Parrish and husband Stan and children Sierra and Savanna.

Dag was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife Brenda. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

The family will receive friends Saturday, October 29, 2011 from 11:00am until 1:00pm at McEwen Funeral Service. A celebration of life will follow.

Interment will be in Sharon Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in remembrance of his beloved wife Brenda to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation , 500 East Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28203.

Arrangements are by McEwen Funeral Service at Sharon Memorial Park, 5716 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC 28212 704.334.6421
Condolences to mcewenfs.com

Baseball was start of good life for Cole

Herald-Mail.com
October 27, 2011

WILLIAMSPORT— Many leave their hometowns looking for fame and fortune.

Dave Cole had that chance and found out that fame was a relative thing. He didn’t have to go far to live a successful life.

After a small fraction of his life as a professional baseball player, Cole returned home in the late 1950s to Williamsport. Baseball was his obvious talent, but Cole will be long remembered for the work he did in his community rather than on the mound.

Cole, 81, died on Wednesday at Meritus Medical Center, ending a multifaceted life that only began when he was playing baseball. The obvious proof is the family, which includes four children and eight grandchildren, that survives him.

It all started with baseball, where he was drafted by the Boston Braves out of high school in 1948. He also played on Williamsport High School’s only state championship basketball team.

It produced a relatively short career of six seasons with four different organizations.

Cole wasn’t a Hall of Famer, but he got to play with a number of players who were eventually elected to baseball’s shrine.

And the only team that probably feared Cole when he was pitching was the Philadelphia Phillies. The right-hander was 6-18 in his career, including four wins against the Phillies, who eventually bought him from the Chicago Cubs.

“That’s too bad. They’re the only team I can beat,” said Cole, according to Baseball Digest.

Cole’s pitching career ended in 1955 after being traded to the Brooklyn Dodgers. In his short career, he played with some of the game’s greats, including pitchers Warren Spahn and Johnny Sain with the Boston Braves; Eddie Matthews with the Milwaukee Braves; Ernie Banks and Ralph Kiner with the Cubs and Smokey Burgess with the Phillies.

With baseball behind him, Cole returned to Williamsport to resume what became a full life off the field.

Besides working until retiring in 1987 at Mack Trucks, Inc., Cole found ample time to offer his service and expertise to a number of groups.

It seemed natural that Cole would become a manager at Williamsport Little League and he enjoyed other athletic endeavors as a member of Potomac Fish and Game Club and as a charter member of Williamsport Country Club.

He was elected to the Washington County Sports Hall of Fame in 1998.

Away from the athletic field, Cole became a staple in Williamsport government and social clubs.

He served as a Williamsport town councilman along with serving as president of the Williamsport Lions Club and the country club. He was also a member of the Improved Order of Red Men.

In the course of his life, Dave Cole chased a dream early, but ended up living it to the end.

Cubs standout Roy Smalley Jr. dies at 85

Scott Dyke
Special to the Green Valley News
Monday, October 24, 2011 4:58 pm

Roy Smalley Jr., who was signed as a free agent at 17 and went on to play for the Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Braves and Philadelphia Phillies during baseball’s Golden Era, died Saturday. He was 85.

Smalley, father of baseball great Roy Smalley III, hit 21 homers and drove in 85 runs in 1950. But it was his marriage that year to Jolene Mauch — sister of Braves player Gene Mauch — that made headlines as they walked down the aisle when the Cubs were in town for a matchup with the then-Boston Braves. Mauch later became a heralded manager, and Smalley played for him with the AAA Minneapolis Millers after he retired in 1958 from the Major Leagues.

That club ended up in the Little World Series for minor league teams against the Havana club from the International League, Smalley recalled during a June interview with the Green Valley News. In the seventh and deciding game, the outcome came down to the bottom of the ninth when the Cubans had a man on second.

“It was a bizarre experience,” Smalley said. “Everywhere in Havana there were armed troops. Castro had seized power. When the Great Bearded One made an appearance in our dugout, he was accompanied by machine gun-toting men.”

“Havana won the game when a base hit sent the runner home. He tripped rounding third and spent the rest of his journey to the plate scrambling on all fours. No one really knows if he made it because, by then, our team and the umpires had left the field.”

Smalley’s first assignment was with the Los Angeles Angels of the Pacific Coast League. He did a stint with the Navy from 1944-46, then resumed his baseball career with the Des Moines Bruins in 1947.

The Cubs saw promise in the young shortstop and brought him up in 1948. Smalley anchored the infield for the Cubs into the 1953 season, when he was replaced by Ernie Banks, who became a Hall of Famer and still bears the monicker “Mr. Cub.”

Smalley moved to Sahuarita, Ariz., south of Tucson, in 2004.

Local baseball legend Merritt Ranew passes away

TheAlbanyJournal.com
October 19, 2011

Merritt Thomas Ranew, an Albany native who became a Major League baseball player and successful local horse trainer and businessman, died Tuesday, Oct. 18 at Langdale Hospice House in Valdosta. He was 73. Kimbrell-Stern Funeral Directors is handling the arrangements.

Ranew was born on Tuesday, May 10, 1938. In 1957, at the age of 19 young Ranew was discovered by baseball scout and Albany legend Paul Eames. He was signed with the Milwaukee Braves as an amateur free agent. He played for many farm teams and even played in Venezuela in the off season. He was the 17th pick in the 1961 expansion draft in October 1961; he was only 23 years old when he broke into the big leagues on April 13, 1962, with the Houston Colt .45s.

In 1963 Ranew was traded by the Colt .45’s to the Chicago Cubs. By June 1965, Ranew was playing for the Milwaukee Braves before moving on to the San Francisco Giants. His contract was then purchased by the California Angels.

In May 1966, while catching for the Seattle Angels (a farm team for the California Angels); the Angels were playing the Vancouver Mounties in Capilano Stadium in Vancouver. According to Sports Illustrated:

Seattle Pitcher Jim Coates threw one high and tight and struck Ricardo Joseph of Vancouver on the shoulder. Joseph charged the mound, but before he could get to Coates, he was tackled from behind and had his chin bloodied by Seattle Catcher Merritt Ranew. The ensuing free-for-all finally subsided, but then Vancouver’s Tommy Reynolds bunted up the first base line, forcing Coates to field the ball and tried to run the pitcher down. Again Ranew raced to the aid of Coates. Vancouver’s Santiago Rosario dashed from the on-deck circle and hit Ranew over the head with his bat, opening up a deep three-inch gash. There is internal bleeding in the brain, and the left side of Ranew’s face is paralyzed.

The attack very nearly killed Ranew; he suffered a blood clot in his skull and remained in a hospital for three weeks close to death. He had surgery to remove the clot but was unconscious for 72 hours after surgery. Ranew sued the Vancouver Mounties and Rosario and won his case in court before the next spring training.

Ranew later said this of Rosario: “Let’s just say I don’t have too much respect for him. I couldn’t understand his actions. He wasn’t involved in the fight.”

Before the 1968 season Ranew was sent from the Angels to the New York Yankees. Before the 1969 season Ranew was playing for the Seattle Pilots before going with the Milwaukee Brewers and the Washington Senators. By 1969 he made his last move to the Hawaiian Islanders. He played his final MLB game on September 30, 1969.

Ranew was also a respected horse trainer, training champion award-winning horses at his stable on Old Leesburg Road. He also trained horses in Texas as well as in Florida. One horse Ranew trained locally, was crowned World Champion Appaloosa. He not only trained the winning horse, he rode it in the championship.

Ranew was also co-owner, along with Gene Connell, of the Jolly Fox night club in Albany. The Jolly Fox hosted many singers and bands, as well as other celebrities in the 1970s, including “Tiny Tim” of “Tip Toe Through The Tulips” fame. Ranew picked Tiny Tim up at the Albany airport and escorted him all over Albany.

Ranew, well respected locally, is also among few Albanians to have been given a “key to the city.”

Don Fred Williams

Published in Roanoke Times on October 17, 2011

Don Fred Williams of Floyd, passed away October 16, 2011 at his home with his loving wife at his side.

Don was a native Floyd Countian and pitched for the local Blue Sox Baseball Team. He was a graduate of the University of Tennessee and George Washington University.

Upon graduating from Tennessee he joined the army and later signed to play for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Kansas City athletics, and the San Diego Padres.

During and after professional baseball, he taught and coached P.E. in Montgomery Co. Maryland. Don and his brother had a summer camp for kids in Pennsylvania called Camp Bright Star.

Upon retiring from teaching, he returned to his beloved home on Little River where he farmed, raised cattle, and collected Indian artifacts.

Don was an avid golfer and loved his faithful companions Pretty Girl and Precious. He was a member of the Floyd United Methodist Church and the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association.

Don was an identical twin and was the youngest of eleven children born to Ola Howery Williams and Richard M. Williams Sr.

He is survived by his partner in life and best friend Jackie and his devoted nephew Larry Williams. Others surviving are three children, six grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Floyd County Rescue Squad P.O Box 257 Floyd and the Floyd County Humane Society P.O 862 Floyd.

A private memorial service is planned.

Online condolences may be made at MaberryFuneralHome.com.




Old-time baseball player dies in Burlington

The Burlington Times-News
October 6, 2011 12:14 AM

Elmer Ralph Hodgin, who on his 96th birthday in February was considered to be the fourth-oldest living major league baseball player in the country, died Tuesday at the Hospice Home in Burlington.

He was 96.

Born Feb. 10, 1915, in Greensboro, Hodgin played outfield and third base in Major League Baseball between 1939 and 1948. His first big-league at-bat came on April 19, 1939.

He went to the majors with the Boston Bees, spending part of the season with them. In both 1941 and 1942 he was drafted from San Francisco in the Pacific Coast League.

His biggest year was 1943 with the Chicago White Sox, when he batted .315 (third in the league) and had a slugging percentage of .415 (seventh in the league). He served in the army in World War II from February 1945 to December 1945.

After the war he played for the Chicago White Sox and hit a career-high .314 as a rookie. In 1947, he suffered a concussion after being hit by a pitch thrown by Hal Newhouser. He only hit .266 in 114 games for the Sox in the 1948 season, his last. His last at-bat was recorded Oct. 3, 1948.

His career batting average was .285, with 481 hits and 188 runs batted in. He had four home runs in 530 games, including 198 runs, 79 doubles, 24 triples and seven stolen bases.

Johnny Schmitz, Wausau's All-Star, dies at 90

WausauDailyHerald.com
October 5, 2011 12:25 AM,

Johnny Schmitz, a Wausau native who pitched for the Chicago Cubs, died Saturday at age 90.
Johnny Schmitz, a Wausau native who pitched for the Chicago Cubs, died Saturday at age 90.

Wausau native Johnny Schmitz, a former All-Star pitcher who faced Hall of Fame baseball legends such as Ted Williams, has died in Wausau at age 90.

Schmitz, who debuted with the Chicago Cubs, spent eight seasons in Chicago before shuffling around the major leagues. He went on to play for the Brooklyn Dodgers, Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, Washington Senators, Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles.

Known also as "Bear Tracks," because he had large feet and seemed to shuffle to the mound, Schmitz tallied 93 wins and 114 losses in 235 starts. He finished his career with a 3.55 earned run average, according to the Baseball Almanac. Schmitz, who died Saturday, also pitched 86 complete games.

During his All-Star 1948 season, Schmitz had an 18-13 record with a 2.64 ERA and 18 complete games, according to the Baseball Almanac.

Bob Steif, Schmitz's nephew, lived with the big league player for more than 20 years in Wausau after Schmitz took him, his mother, Ruth (Schmitz's sister), and Steif's sister, Betty, into his home after Steif's father died.

Steif, who said Schmitz died of natural causes, said the former ballplayer always was willing to share a story or two about his time in baseball.

During his career, he pitched against stars such as Williams, Jackie Robinson and Stan Musial.

"He said he didn't have a problem with (St. Louis Cardinals' great) Stan Musial, but he said you could not fool Ted Williams. I'd ask him that a lot. He said no matter what, you couldn't fool that guy," Steif said.

Schmitz missed three seasons -- 1943 to 1945 -- to serve in the Navy during World War II. After baseball, Schmitz worked as greenskeeper at the American Legion Golf Course in Wausau.

"He was a very introverted person, you know, and he lived a simple life, but he sure took care of our family," Steif said. "That's why we think the world of him. That's a heck of a thing to do."

For almost 50 years, Schmitz would walk across the street from his home on East Union Avenue to Mark's Barber Shop every couple weeks to get his hair cut and talk with his longtime friend, barber Mark Resch.

Inside the barber shop, Resch, 78, adorned the walls with Schmitz memorabilia, including a 1942 photo of Schmitz with the Cubs. The topic of conversation rarely strayed from baseball, and it remained Schmitz's favorite subject through his final years as he rooted for the Cubs, Resch said.

Though he always would sign a baseball, he never liked to speak publicly and turned down paid events on a regular basis, Resch said. Instead, he would share his tales with folks such as Resch.

Schmitz loved to talk about one contract negotiation with Phil Wrigley, then the Cubs' owner. He was able to land a contract for about $6,500 a year, Resch said.

"But I got Wrigley,'' Schmitz would tell Resch. "He had a big bowl of Wrigley's gum and I reached right in with both hands and got a big handful of gum."

Schmitz never made it to the World Series, but he witnessed one of the most famous moments in playoff history. Sitting in the Brooklyn Dodgers bullpen Oct. 3, 1951, he watched Dodgers pitcher Ralph Branca serve up a fastball to New York Giants outfielder Bobby Thomson.

Thomson hit the game-ending home run -- known as the "Shot Heard 'round the World" -- to lead the Giants to the National League pennant.

Steif said Schmitz said he wanted to warn ranca not to throw fastballs but decided not to say anything.

"If (the Dodgers) would have won that game, (Schmitz) could have been opening-day pitcher in the World Series," Steif said. "But he never got there."




John Romonosky Jr.

Published in The Columbus Dispatch from October 4 to October 5, 2011

John Romonosky, Jr., age 82, of Groveport, passed away Sunday, October 2, 2011. John was born and raised in Harrisburg, Illinois, son of the late John and Anna Romonosky. John graduated from Harrisburg High School, Class of 1947.

In 1949, John was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals organization as a pitcher. During that time, John played for various minor league teams, including the Columbus Red Birds. He played major league baseball with the St. Louis Cardinals and the Washington Senators.

Following his retirement from baseball, John worked as a Franklin County Deputy Sheriff for 34 years.

John was a man who was very energetic and loved life. He was a member of the Central Ohio Home Plate Club, Columbus Clippers Booster Club, Tri County Gun Club, Pickerington Senior Center, and the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association. He enjoyed painting, hunting, trap shooting, gardening, baseball and many other sports. Most of all,

John enjoyed spending time with family. He will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 56 years, Jean Romonosky; children, Roxanna (Bill) McCulloch, Ronald (Audrey) and Richard (Beth) Romonosky; grandchildren, Brian and Matt McCulloch, and Glen, Rachel, and Rebeka Romonosky; brother, Richard (Shirley) Romonosky; many nieces and nephews; and other extended family members and dear friends.

A memorial service to celebrate John's life will be held at 6:30 p.m. October 6, 2011 at SCHOEDINGER EAST CHAPEL, 5360 E. Livingston Ave., where family will receive friends from 3:30 p.m. until time of service. Rev. Herb Goetz officiating.

Contributions may be made to HomeReach Hospice, OhioHealth Foundation, 180 Broad St., Columbus, Ohio 43215 or to the Central Ohio Home Plate Club for the John Romonosky Outstanding High School Pitcher Award, 3603 Panama Dr., Westerville, Ohio 43081.

Joseph Edward ‘Eddie’ Bockman

The San Mateo Daily Journal
September 30, 2011, 04:12 AM

Joseph Edward “Eddie” Bockman, of Millbrae, died at home Sept. 29, 2011.

He was 91.

He is survived by his nephew Gary Bockman and his companion Ruth E. Bennison of Millbrae.

He was a native of Santa Ana and was a well-known and admired baseball player who later scouted for the Philadelphia Phillies and Florida Marlins. Seventeen players he scouted went into the Major League and he was in several halls of fame.

At his request, there will be no funeral services. Private interment will be at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale. There will be public celebrations of his life both in the Bay Area and Southern California at a later date. No flowers, please. Any memorial contributions should be sent to the Professional Baseball Scouts Foundation, 5010 N. Parkway Calabasas, Ste. 201, Calabasas, CA 91302.

Bill Taylor, 81; Was OFer for New York Giants, Detroit Tigers

The Antelope Valley Press
September 26, 2011

William M. 'Bill' Taylor, who was born Dec. 30, 1929, crossed home plate for the last time on September 15, 2011. Bill was signed by Casey Stengel's wife, and her brother, to play pro baseball for the New York Giants on his
18th birthday in 1947. He spent two years in the Army during the Korean War then went back to playing ball. He had many highlights in his career but the best one was playing in the 1954 World Series against the Cleveland Indians. He was later traded to Detroit and retired in 1960.

He then embarked in a career in Real Estate and founded Taylor Land Company in Acton, where his parents homesteaded in the 1920s. Bill later went on to work for Realty Executives in Santa Clarita. He built many homes in Acton
and developed several land projects during his 40 years in Real Estate.

He married Margaret Ray of New York and had three boys William B. Taylor (Lesley) of El Cajon, Robert Brian Taylor (Jennifer) of Acton and Thomas Joseph Taylor of Palmdale.

During his life Bill was very active in youth sports in the Antelope Valley and impacted many young peoples lives. He was fiercely proud of his sons and grandchildren Cydney Clair, Madisyn Delaney and Camryn Presley Taylor and Chadd and Branden Owen.

In addition he is survived by his wife, Victoria Coy Taylor, his sister Luella Maguire and nephew Michael Maguire both of Lancaster, his pets Bosley and his beloved Scottish Terriers, Tuggy and Tess.

Bill was a 'man's man', who lived life his way!

Bill had chosen to be cremated with his ashes scattered at sea. A Celebration of his life will be held later in the year.

Danny Litwhiler dies at 95

Associated Press
September 23, 2011

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Danny Litwhiler, who followed an 11-year major league career in the 1940s with a lifetime of coaching college players and work on inventions intended to improve the game he loved, died Friday at the age of 95.

Michigan State, one of the schools where Litwhiler coached, said Litwhiler died in Clearwater, Fla., and that his widow, Patricia, had notified the school. He also coached at Florida State.

Litwhiler played for the Phillies, Cardinals, Braves and Reds from 1940-51. He was an All-Star in 1942 with Philadelphia and was a member of the Cardinals' 1944 championship team.

According to biographical information from Michigan State, Litwhiler was the first major leaguer to play an entire season without committing an error (317 chances in 151 games in 1942) and played 187 consecutive errorless games over a period of two seasons. Litwhiler, a two-time Gold Glove winner, had a lifetime average of .282 with 107 home runs, 451 RBIs and 428 runs scored in 1,057 games played.

He later served as international president for the U.S. Baseball Federation from 1978-83. Michigan State said he helped develop one of the first radar guns for use in clocking pitches, one of dozens of inventions for the game.

In 28 years of coaching Division I college baseball at both Florida State and Michigan State, Litwhiler had a combined record of 678-445-9 (.603) and guided his teams to 10 appearances in the NCAA tournament. His former players included Kirk Gibson, Rick Miller and Steve Garvey.

Litwhiler was born Aug. 31, 1916, in Ringtown, Pa. Besides his wife, survivors include eight children.

Ex-Oriole Jesse Jefferson dead at 62

Pete Kerzel
MASNSports.com
September 10, 2011 9:43 AM

Former Orioles pitcher Jesse Jefferson has died of prostate cancer. He was 62, and lived in his hometown of Midlothian, Va.

The O's made Jefferson a fourth-round pick in the 1968 amateur draft and the right-hander reached the majors in 1973. He spend three of his nine big league seasons in Baltimore, going 7-7 with a 4.13 ERA in 42 games, 17 as a starter. When he started, he usually finished, recording 12 complete games in orange and black from 1973-75.

Jefferson was traded to the Chicago White Sox in June 1975 for first baseman Tony Muser and was taken by the Blue Jays in the expansion draft in November 1977. He was a mainstay in Toronto's inaugural rotation, going 9-17 with a 4.31 ERA in 33 starts. He also pitched for Pittsburgh and California in his career, finishing 39-81 with a 4.81 ERA in 237 lifetime games.

After being granted free agency by the Angels in November 1981, the Orioles re-signed Jefferson. But the reconciliation didn't last long - Jefferson was released on April 1, 1982. He resurfaced in 1983 with the Angels' Triple-A Edmonton affiliate, but his comeback ended after three games and he retired.

Frank J. Fanovich Jr.

Published in Daytona Beach News-Journal on August 28, 2011

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Frank J. Fanovich, Jr., 88, on August 27, 2011 with his family by his side.

A gathering of friends will be held from 2-4 and 6-8PM, Wednesday at the Baldwin Brothers Heritage Place, 1 N. Causeway, New Smyrna Beach.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, September 1, 2011 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with entombment to follow at Sea Pines Memorial Gardens.

Frank was born on January 11, 1923 in Bronx, NY to Frank and Mary Fanovich.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Yolanda "Gloria" of 65 years; brother, Ralph Fanovich; sister, Anne Flannery, loving nieces, nephews and many great nieces and great nephews.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, John and Thomas Fanovich.

Frank proudly served his country for three years, in the Army Air Force in the ETO during World War II and was stationed in England.

Upon completion of his military service Frank returned home and married his childhood sweetheart, Yolanda on February 2, 1946. Frank had a passion for baseball which began while playing sandlot baseball as a youth.

Frank's professional baseball career began when he was discovered by a former major league baseball player who recognized his potential which brought him to the New York Giants who then signed him as a free agent in 1946. Frank was 27 when he broke into the major leagues on April 25, 1946 pitching for the Cincinnati Reds. "Lefty", as he was also known, also played for the Philadelphia A's and the Baltimore Orioles.

After baseball Frank had a 27 year career with the NYPD where he became one of the "Big Apple's" finest as a member of the Manhattan North Narcotics Division.

Upon Frank and Yolanda's retirement they relocated to New Smyrna Beach. Frank loved good food, old movies, golfing and the New York Yankees. He had an overwhelming compassion for animals, having adopted many strays.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude for the excellent care and compassion shown to Frank and his family by the team at Halifax Health Hospice of Volusia/Flagler.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to Hospice, 4140 S. Ridgewood Avenue, Edgewater, FL 32141.

To share a memory with the family visit www.BaldwinCremation.com.



Joe Clifford Caffie
1931-2011

The Tribune Chronicle
August 7, 2011

WARREN - Joe Clifford Caffie, 80, 447 Third St. S.W., died Monday, Aug. 1, 2011, at his home.

He was born Feb. 14, 1931, in Warren, the son of Willie and Florence Mays Caffie.

Mr. Caffie was a laborer for 37 years at Thomas Steel.

He was a member of New Jerusalem Fellowship Church and once played in the Cleveland Indians farm system.

Survivors include two daughters, Ta-Tarnya Caffie of Haverhill, Mass., and Tracey Winbush of Youngstown; two grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Deceased are three sisters.

Arrangements are being handled by the Sterling-McCullough Williams Funeral Home.

Orioles' Mike Flanagan found dead
He was 59

Thursday, 25 Aug 2011
By DAVID GINSBURG, AP Sports Writer

BALTIMORE (AP) - Mike Flanagan, a former Cy Young winner and part of the Baltimore Orioles' 1983 World Series championship team, has died. He was 59.

Authorities found a body outside Flanagan's home in Monkton, Md., on Wednesday afternoon. Hours later, the Orioles confirmed that Flanagan -- who served the team as a pitcher, front office executive and television broadcaster -- was dead.

"I am so sorry to hear about Mike's passing. He was a good friend and teammate," said Hall of Fame third baseman Cal Ripken Jr., a former teammate of Flanagan's. "... Mike was an Oriole through and through and he will be sorely missed by family, friends and fans. This is a sad day."

Flanagan was a crafty left-hander who went 167-143 with a 3.90 ERA over 18 seasons with Baltimore and Toronto. He didn't possess an overpowering fastball, but won a fair share of games by depending on a slow curve, a sinker and a changeup.

An All-Star in 1978, Flanagan received the Cy Young Award with the Orioles in 1979 after going 23-9 with a 3.08 ERA and five shutouts. The Orioles lost the World Series that year in seven games to Pittsburgh.

"He's one of our family. A great friend, competitor, whit, funny, hysterical, talented," former teammate and Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Palmer said after doing the Orioles' telecast Wednesday night in Minneapolis. "He was a breath of fresh air with his humor, his insight all those things. He was just a terrific guy."

Flanagan played for Baltimore's 1983 championship team, finishing 12-4 despite missing nearly three months with ligament damage in his left knee.

He was 141-116 with Baltimore and is a member of the team's Hall of Fame. Flanagan was also the final Oriole to pitch at Memorial Stadium, Baltimore's home from 1954-1991.

"Since the day I was given the number 46 I've had thousands of people tell me that that was the number of their favorite pitcher for the Orioles when they were growing up," Orioles pitcher Jeremy Guthrie said. "From Day One I think I've been reminded of the legacy and the work that Mike did not only as a player, but as a member of the community in Baltimore."

Flanagan's career with Toronto was not as profound. Traded from Baltimore to the Blue Jays on August 31, 1987, for pitchers Oswaldo Peraza and Jose Mesa, he went 3-2 with Toronto that season, then 13-13 and 8-10.

He signed as a free agent with Baltimore in 1991 and pitched out of the bullpen during his final two seasons.

After his playing career, Flanagan worked as the Orioles' vice president for baseball operations and executive VP. He teamed with Jim Duquette in the front office from 2005-07 in an effort to make Baltimore a winner.

"We spent hour after hour, day after day, trying to improve the Orioles," Duquette said late Wednesday night. "What stood out to me was his love for the Orioles and Baltimore. He was just so passionate about trying to get the Orioles back to where they were."

Duquette said he was "devastated and heartbroken" to learn of Flanagan's death.

"I just talked to him yesterday," Duquette said. "He was looking forward to broadcasting the Yankees series coming up."

In recent years, including this season, Flanagan did color commentary for the team's TV network, combining his wry sense of humor with a knowledge of the game that came from decades of experience.

"It is with deep sadness that I learned of the death of my friend Mike Flanagan earlier this evening," Orioles owner Peter Angelos said in a statement. "In over a quarter century with the organization, Flanny became an integral part of the Orioles family, for his accomplishments both on and off the field. His loss will be felt deeply and profoundly by all of us with the ballclub and by Orioles fans everywhere who admired him."

Flanagan grew up in Manchester, N.H., and pitched for the University of Massachusetts before being drafted by the Orioles in the seventh round of the 1973 draft. He made his major league debut in 1975. From 1977 through 1983, he made more starts (223) than any pitcher in the American League and was third in wins (109) during that span.

Robert Will

Published in Chicago Tribune on August 14, 2011

Robert "Bob" L. Will, 80, of Woodstock, died August 11 in Woodstock.

He was an outfielder for the Chicago Cubs from 1957-1963.

Beloved husband of Nancy; loving father of Robert S. (Laura) Will, Julie (Richard) Caldwell, Lisa (Steven) Garhan, Paula Lohse, Thomas P. Will, and Jennifer (Mike) Safraniec; cherished grandfather of 10 and great-grandfather of one; and dear brother of James (Jean) Will and Suzanne Wolkas.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, August 18 at Querhammer & Flagg Funeral Home, 500 W. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Northeastern Illinois. For information call 815-459-1760. Online condolences may be made at www.querhammerandflagg.com.

Longtime Braves announcer Ernie Johnson dies

The Augusta Chronicle
Friday, Aug 12, 2011 10:01 PM

Longtime Atlanta Braves broadcasting great Ernie Johnson Sr. has died at age 87.

He passed away tonight in a hospice, with his wife at his side, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution newspaper reported on its Website.

Announcers at tonight's Braves-Cubs broadcast acknowledged the passing of Johnson, a former major league pitcher, known for his good humor and kindness.

While Atlanta fans came to love Johnson of the decades for his calm, mellow broadcasting style, most didn't remember him as a successful pitcher for the team in Boston and Milwaukee, who had only one losing season in a decade-long career. Johnson was particularly effective as a relief pitcher in the Braves pennant winning seasons of 1957 and 1958.

Friday was also the birthday of Johnson's longtime broadcasting partner the late Skip Carey, who died three years ago this month.

Johnson's passing came on a special night for many Braves fans as a sellout crowd of 50,146 turned out at Turner Field to celebrate the retirement of the the No. 6 jersey of former manager Bobby Cox.

Early in the game against the Cubs, which the Braves won 10-4, Dan Uggla set the Atlanta team hitting streak record at 32 with a homer in his first at-bat, he later added a second. Veteran Brave Chipper Jones also homered -- his 1,000th extra-base hit.

Joseph G. Trimble Jr.

Published in The Providence Journal on August 12, 2011

Trimble, Joseph G. Jr., 80, of Lincoln and Narragansett passed away on Thursday, August 11, 2011.

He was the beloved husband of Jennie (Moretta) Trimble. Born in Providence, a son of the late Joseph G. and Magdalen (McCoy) Trimble, he had lived in Lincoln for the past 16 years.

Mr. Trimble was a Vice President and Division Manager of Coca-Cola New England for 36 years before retiring in 1992. He was a graduate of LaSalle Academy.

He started his professional career as a Major League baseball player with the Cincinnati Reds in 1948, and was a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox in 1955 and the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1957. He was a member of the Major League Baseball Players of America, the Boston Red Sox Alumni and the Pittsburgh Pirates Alumni.

He served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War.

In March, he was the 2011 recipient of the Jefferson Award for Public Service. He served on the Human Resources Board of the Groden Center, Providence, and for 31 years, he ran the John Trimble Annual Golf Tournament to benefit the Groden Center. He was a member of Wannamoisett Country Club, Rumford.

Besides his wife, he is survived by his loving children, Jean Cinquegrana of North Providence, Joanne Degnan of Henniker, NH, Jane Alfaro of Santa Maria, CA, Joseph G. Trimble III of Cranston and John Trimble of Chepachet; seven beloved grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was the brother of the late Magdalen McCann, William Trimble and Maureen Higgins.

His funeral will be held MONDAY, AUGUST 15 at 8:45 A.M. from BELLOWS-FALSO FUNERAL CHAPEL, 160 River Road, Lincoln with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 A.M. in St. Jude's Church, 301 Front Street, Lincoln.

Burial, with military honors, will be in Resurrection Cemetery, Cumberland. Relatives and friends are invited and may call SUNDAY 2-5 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mr. Trimble's memory to the Groden Center, 86 Mt. Hope Avenue, Providence, RI 02906 would be appreciated.



Jim Leyland loses a friend in former Tiger Al Federoff

Tom Gage/ The Detroit News
Last Updated: August 06. 2011 1:00AM

Kansas City, Mo.— Former Tiger Al Federoff has died.

He was Jim Leyland's first manager, but more than that — much more than that — he was his friend.

When Hank Bauer hit a bullet to second base with two outs in the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium, it was Federoff who came up with the ball — securing Virgil Trucks' second no-hitter of an otherwise miserable 1952 Tigers' season.

And when his career as a major leaguer ended a month later, it was Federoff who re-invented himself as a student of the game, knocking around the minors for several years until he became a manager — and knocked around the minors for several more years.

There are those who, to this day, feel it was an injustice that Federoff never managed in the majors. But he made his mark as a minor league manager, for sure — and also as someone Leyland will never forget.

That's not to say they didn't clash. Sometimes they screamed at each other — such as the time Federoff used a pinch hitter for Leyland. When Leyland made it known he wasn't happy about it, Federoff fired back, calling him a "a puny little .180 hitter."

"We yelled at each other, but I loved him," Leyland said. "He was the best manager I ever had. But he really got the shaft when he didn't get a shot at the majors. Al was really good at handling players, plus he had a competitive way about him.

"At that time, I didn't know if he was good or bad strategically, but he was a fierce competitor."

Federoff, who was 87 at the time of his death, came to Comerica Park a year ago last May to see Leyland. He spoke that day about their friendship.

"Let me tell you how I got him one year as a player," Federoff said. "Toward the end of spring training (in 1966), there were some players the Tigers didn't know what to do with, and they said, 'Does anyone want Jim Leyland?'

"I said, 'Yes, I'll take him gladly.' They hadn't given him any bonus, and I think he was worried. But it was a good promotion for him to go to Rocky Mount (N.C.) at the time.

"I liked Jim as a catcher. He handled the pitchers well. It looked like he knew what he was doing. In fact, I caught him more than I caught Gene Lamont until I got orders from Detroit to catch Lamont instead.

"Jim came up to me later and asked why I stopped playing him. He knew he'd been doing a good job, and I said, 'One of these days I'll let you know.'"

Eventually he did.

Federoff, in fact, thought Leyland was a major league-caliber catcher.

"There were only eight teams in each league," he said. "He could have played in the majors later. Sure he could have. Nowadays, you don't have to be a great hitter to catch in the majors. Just handle the pitchers — and Jim could do that."

Leyland and Federoff grew apart when Leyland managed elsewhere, but their friendship was rekindled in Detroit.

"He wants me to come to more games, said he would even send a limo to my house (in Taylor) to pick me up," Federoff said at the time, "but he doesn't have to do that. I'll come down and see him anyway."

And for as long as he could, he did.