Baseball Passings 2024

[Frayed Knot]

Sean Burroughs, 43.

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/05/sean-burroughs-passes-away.html

 

"Accidental Fentanyl Intoxication" is being cited as cause of death.

[Edgy MD]

Gosh, that raises as many questions as it answers.

[Edgy MD]

Sean Burroughs comes from the Little League World Series to New York and creates a little chaos on 53rd Street.

[YOUTUBE]LOBHdtBFJ0o[/YOUTUBE]

[Cowtipper]

Sean Burroughs, 43.

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/05/sean-burroughs-passes-away.html

 

"Accidental Fentanyl Intoxication" is being cited as cause of death.

 

Sounds like he bought what he thought was the good stuff, but it was laced with the bad stuff.

[MFS62]

Rachel Minaya, wife of Omar Minaya

https://nypost.com/2024/07/21/sports/rachel-minaya-wife-of-yankees-executive-omar-found-dead-in-their-nj-home/?utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=nypost_sports&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3NjTzOuBqWeu7GcVn9BoQDL-RzXfPRIVPvCPcZPpAsOss2Lc_0unlECCc_aem_kIcYwy8by0R6lpPJZMOtgA

RIP

Later

[metirish]

Wow ,how awful

[Cowtipper]

Jerry Walker:

https://www.theadanews.com/oklahoma/former-mlb-great-jerry-walker-passes-away/article_35410c56-4514-11ef-8182-471ede0bbed0.html

[nymr83]

The wife of Omar Minaya, Rachel, was found dead in their home. No foul play suspected no further details at this time.

[Cowtipper]

Doug Creek:

https://ramblinwreck.com/georgia-tech-baseball-mourns-passing-of-doug-creek/

Reyes Moronta:

https://aroundthefoghorn.com/posts/sf-giants-announce-the-passing-of-hard-throwing-reliever-reyes-moronta-01j4cnqxzn25

Gary Dotter:

https://www.wileyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Gary-Richard-Dotter?obId=32489037

Denny Lemaster:

https://news.monroelocal.org/obituary-and-funeral-service-denver-clayton-denny-lemaster-85/

Mike Ferraro:

https://nypost.com/2024/07/26/sports/former-yankee-player-coach-mike-ferraro-dead-at-79/

[Cowtipper]

More:

Nelson Chittum:

https://www.legacy.com/funeral-homes/obituaries/name/nelson-chittum-obituary?pid=207280386&v=batesville

Mel Held:

https://www.krillfuneralservice.com/obituaries/melvin-held

[Benjamin Grimm]

Who are these people?

[Edgy MD]

Yes, let us do more than ticking names off.

[Cowtipper]

Former MLB umpire Larry Poncino:

https://www.afterall.com/obituaries/LarryPoncino

[MFS62]

Billy Bean - 60 from Leukemia.

One of the first openly gay Major leaguers.

From wiki:

In July 2014, he was named MLB's first ambassador for inclusion. In January 2016, he became MLB's vice president, ambassador for inclusion and was senior vice president and special assistant to the commissioner.

RIP

Later

[metirish]

Just reading about this , how sad

[Frayed Knot]

Billy Bean - 60 from Leukemia.

One of the first openly gay Major leaguers.

 

But not while he was still playing.

[Edgy MD]

Must be 10 years ago I picked up his memoir, but only just recently decided to read it.

[nymr83]

I was halfway through an article about Bean's death before realizing that Billy Bean is not Billy Beane though their career stat lines are not that different!

[Cowtipper]

Bean signed an autograph for me through the mail in 2017. He also sent a short note.

Jim Umbarger, who played in the 1970s, died in July. No articles yet, but Baseball Almanac has him listed as deceased.

[Frayed Knot]

I was halfway through an article about Bean's death before realizing that Billy Bean is not Billy Beane though their career stat lines are not that different!

 

Chris Russo was a minute or two into announcing Billy Beane's death on air before HE realized that he was talking about the wrong Billy Bean.

Being first, rather than accurate, is the new media standard.

[Edgy MD]

I tend to think that a lack of commitment to accuracy is nothing new for Mr. Russo, sadly.

It strikes me that, like our risk of soon having no living persons who walked on the moon, we've suddenly got no living openly gay Major League Baseball vets.

[DocTee]

Mike Cubbage, 74.

[Edgy MD]

I tend to think that a lack of commitment to accuracy is nothing new for Mr. Russo, sadly.

It strikes me that, like our risk of soon having no living persons who walked on the moon, we've suddenly got no living openly gay Major League Baseball vets.

 

Shut my mouth. Former MLB pitcher T.J. House came out as gay in 2022.

[Cowtipper]

Who are these people?

 

That would actually be a good project for this thread. I'll use ChatGPT to create brief biographies of big leaguers who died in 2024. It will derive its information from Wikipedia and the Baseball Reference Bullpen, so it won't be making stuff out of whole cloth. ChatGPT is great for providing synopses of stuff. Let's start with three.

Who was Hank Allen?

Harold Andrew "Hank" Allen (July 23, 1940 – May 29, 2024) was an American professional baseball player who primarily played as an outfielder in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Washington Senators, Milwaukee Brewers, and Chicago White Sox between 1966 and 1973. Born in Wampum, Pennsylvania, Allen was the elder brother of notable MLB player Dick Allen and Ron Allen, who also had a brief MLB career. Hank Allen began his professional career with the Philadelphia Phillies but made his MLB debut with the Senators, where he had a standout performance in September 1966, hitting .387. Despite showing promise, he struggled to secure a regular spot in the lineup and was known for his versatility, playing multiple positions throughout his career. His most productive season came in 1969 with the Senators, where he achieved career highs in several offensive categories. Over his seven-season MLB career, Allen hit .241 with 6 home runs, 57 RBIs, and 104 runs in 389 games.

After his baseball career, Allen transitioned to Thoroughbred horse racing, becoming a trainer and owner based in Maryland. He made history in 1989 as the first African-American trainer in 78 years to saddle a horse in the Kentucky Derby. His horse, Northern Wolf, also set track records at Laurel Park and Pimlico. Allen remained connected to baseball as a scout, eventually working for the Houston Astros. He passed away in Bethesda, Maryland, in 2024 at the age of 83.

Who was Brant Alyea?

Garrabrant Ryerson Alyea (December 8, 1940 – February 4, 2024) was an American professional baseball outfielder who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Washington Senators, Minnesota Twins, Oakland Athletics, and St. Louis Cardinals. Notably, Alyea became the ninth player to hit a home run on his first MLB pitch during his debut in 1965. Born in Passaic, New Jersey, and raised in Rutherford, New Jersey, Alyea was a multi-sport athlete in high school before being signed by the Cincinnati Reds and later drafted by the Senators. His most successful season came in 1970 with the Minnesota Twins, where he achieved career highs in batting average, home runs, and RBIs, including two seven-RBI games. Alyea also had a successful stint in winter ball in Venezuela, leading the league in home runs and RBIs at various times. After his baseball career, Alyea managed the crap tables at the Tropicana Casino & Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey. He passed away in 2024 at the age of 83.

Who was Cuno Barragan?

Facundo Anthony "Cuno" Barragan (June 20, 1932 – May 12, 2024) was an American professional baseball player who served as a catcher for the Chicago Cubs from 1961 to 1963. Born in Sacramento, California, Barragan was a right-handed batter and thrower, standing 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing 180 pounds. He attended Sacramento City College and California State University, Sacramento. Barragan made a memorable debut in Major League Baseball by hitting a home run in his very first at-bat on September 1, 1961, off San Francisco Giants pitcher Dick LeMay. Over his MLB career, he played in 69 games, collecting 33 hits, including six doubles and a triple, and recorded 14 RBIs with a batting average of .202. Despite his brief career, Barragan's unique name and one-time appearance as a player earned him a place in baseball lore, humorously noted in The Great American Baseball Card Flipping, Trading and Bubble Gum Book. He was inducted into the Mexican American Hall of Fame in 1973 and later honored in the Sacramento City College Hall of Fame for his contributions to baseball and football. Barragan passed away from heart failure in Placer County, California, at the age of 91.

[Cowtipper]

Don Wert recently died.

https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/world-series-champion-and-lancaster-county-native-don-wert-dies-at-86/article_639e1506-6320-11ef-a73e-b3e7c25421ea.html

Who was Don Wert?

Donald Ralph Wert (July 29, 1938 – August 25, 2024), nicknamed "Coyote," was an American professional baseball player who played as a third baseman in Major League Baseball from 1963 to 1971. He spent the majority of his career with the Detroit Tigers, where he was recognized as an excellent fielder and was a member of the 1968 World Series championship team. Although overshadowed by Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson, Wert earned a reputation as one of the best defensive third basemen of his era. His career highlights include being named an All-Star in 1968 and delivering the game-winning hit that secured the American League pennant for the Tigers that same year. Born in Strasburg, Pennsylvania, Wert attended Franklin & Marshall College before signing with the Tigers as an amateur free agent in 1958. He struggled offensively after being hit in the head by a pitch in 1968, which marked a turning point in his career. Wert played his final season with the Washington Senators in 1971 before retiring with a .242 career batting average, 929 hits, 77 home runs, and 366 RBIs in 1,100 games.

Pete Daley recently died. There are no articles available, but his passing is listed on Baseball Almanac.

https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=daleype01

Who was Pete Daley?

Peter Harvey Daley (January 14, 1930 – August 22, 2024) was an American professional baseball catcher who played in Major League Baseball from 1955 to 1961 for the Boston Red Sox, Kansas City Athletics, and Washington Senators. Known for his defensive skills, Daley maintained a .993 fielding percentage over his seven-season career. He posted a .239 batting average with 18 home runs and 120 RBIs in 391 games. His most productive season came in 1956 with the Red Sox, where he achieved career highs in batting average, home runs, and RBIs. After being traded to the Athletics in 1960, Daley shared catching duties before being selected by the Washington Senators in the expansion draft, ending his major league career in 1961. Prior to his MLB debut, Daley played in the minor leagues and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After retiring from baseball, he worked in sales and eventually settled in Newbury Park, California. Daley passed away at the age of 94 in Marysville, California.

Jim Brady recently died.

https://www.jacksonville.com/story/news/local/2024/08/23/former-ju-president-big-league-pitcher-james-j-brady-jr-dies-at-88/74909975007/

Who was Jim Brady?

James Joseph Brady Jr. (March 2, 1936 – August 18, 2024) was an American economist, educator, university administrator, and former professional baseball pitcher. Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, Brady earned three degrees from the University of Notre Dame. He served as the eighth president of Jacksonville University from 1989 to 1996, following roles as dean of both the university’s College of Arts and Sciences and Davis College of Business. Before his tenure at Jacksonville University, Brady chaired the economics department at Old Dominion University and was a member of the economics faculty at Notre Dame.

As a baseball player, Brady was signed by the Detroit Tigers in 1955 as a "bonus baby" while still an undergraduate. Despite being sidelined by injury during his first season, he made his MLB debut in 1956. Nicknamed "Diamond Jim" due to his lucrative signing bonus, Brady's brief major league career consisted of six relief appearances, during which he struggled with a high ERA of 28.42. He was later sent to the minor leagues, where he played until 1961 before retiring from baseball.

After his athletic career, Brady returned to Notre Dame to complete his education, eventually earning a master’s and Ph.D. He later taught at Old Dominion University and briefly served as the university’s baseball coach. Brady remained active in academia and sports, even coaching Team USA to a bronze medal in the 1973 Intercontinental Cup. He later worked as an arbitrator in North Florida. Brady passed away in Jacksonville at the age of 88.

[Cowtipper]

One more batch, because this project is fun, new and novel:

Who was Kevin Batiste?

Kevin Wade Batiste (October 21, 1966 – April 2, 2024) was an American professional baseball player who had a brief stint with the Toronto Blue Jays in 1989. Drafted by the Blue Jays in the second round of the 1985 amateur draft, Batiste was called up to the majors in June 1989 and played in six games. However, his major league career was abruptly interrupted when he was arrested at Oakland International Airport on June 24, 1989, for carrying a loaded handgun in his checked luggage. Following this incident, Batiste was sent back to the minor leagues and never returned to the majors. After retiring from professional baseball at the age of 23, he transitioned to playing football for the University of Houston, having been a top high school quarterback before his baseball career. Batiste passed away in Tomball, Texas, at the age of 57.

Who was Billy Bean?

William Daro "Billy" Bean (May 11, 1964 – August 6, 2024) was an American professional baseball player who played as an outfielder in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Dodgers, and San Diego Padres, as well as for the Kintetsu Buffaloes in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). A standout athlete from Santa Ana High School, Bean excelled in baseball at Loyola Marymount University before being drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 1986. He made an impressive MLB debut in 1987 but had a career marked by brief stints in the majors. After his playing career ended in 1995, Bean publicly came out as gay in 1999, becoming only the second MLB player to do so. He later became a prominent advocate for inclusion and diversity within sports, serving as MLB's first Ambassador for Inclusion and later as Vice President for Social Responsibility and Inclusion. Bean's personal life was marked by tragedy, including the death of his partner in 1995, which he kept secret at the time. In his later years, Bean continued to champion LGBTQ+ rights and diversity in sports until his death from acute myeloid leukemia at the age of 60.

Who was Larry Brown?

Larry Leslie Brown (March 1, 1940 – April 13, 2024) was an American professional baseball infielder who played for the Cleveland Indians, Oakland Athletics, Baltimore Orioles, and Texas Rangers from 1963 to 1974. He was the younger brother of fellow Major League Baseball player Dick Brown. Larry Brown's career was marked by his steady, albeit low, batting averages, peaking at .253 between 1964 and 1969. A notable moment in his career occurred on May 4, 1966, when he suffered a severe skull fracture after colliding with teammate Leon Wagner during a game against the New York Yankees. This injury led to a significant decline in his playing abilities, yet he continued to play, eventually transitioning to a part-time role. Over his career, Brown hit .233 with 47 home runs and 254 RBIs. He was recognized for his strong plate discipline, ranking in the top ten for best at-bats per strikeout ratio in 1968 and 1969, and his fielding skills, with a career fielding percentage of .966. Despite his modest offensive statistics, Brown's contributions were valued in the dead-ball era of the 1960s. He passed away in Stuart, Florida, at the age of 84.

[Cowtipper]

Today's offering.

Who was Mike Brumley?

Anthony Michael Brumley (April 9, 1963 – June 15, 2024) was an American professional baseball utility player, primarily a shortstop, who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1987 to 1995 with six teams: the Chicago Cubs, Detroit Tigers, Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox, Houston Astros, and Oakland Athletics. His most active season was in 1989 with the Detroit Tigers, where he played in 92 games but struggled offensively, which led to a role as organizational depth. After his playing career, Brumley transitioned into coaching and management, working in various capacities for several teams, including as a manager in the minor league systems of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, and as a coach for the Seattle Mariners and Chicago Cubs. He also served as the Atlanta Braves' minor league hitting coordinator from 2018 to 2022, where he played a key role in the development of players like Austin Riley. Brumley died in a car accident in 2024 at the age of 61. He was the son of Mike Brumley, a former MLB catcher.

Who was Sean Burroughs?

Sean Burroughs, an American professional baseball third baseman, made history as the first former Little League World Series champion to win an Olympic medal, earning a gold at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Born in Atlanta in 1980, he grew up in Southern California, where he gained fame for leading his Long Beach Little League team to back-to-back World Series titles in 1992 and 1993. A first-round draft pick by the San Diego Padres in 1998, Burroughs was expected to be a star, but his Major League Baseball (MLB) career, which spanned from 2002 to 2012, did not meet those expectations. Despite early promise and a .312 career batting average in the minors, Burroughs struggled to develop power, hitting only 12 home runs in over 1,800 MLB plate appearances. After battling a drinking problem, he made a brief comeback in 2011 with the Arizona Diamondbacks. However, his later years saw him playing mostly in the minors and independent leagues. Burroughs tragically passed away in May 2024 at the age of 43 from a fentanyl overdose while coaching his son’s Little League team. His death was a sad conclusion to a life and career filled with early promise but ultimately marked by unfulfilled potential.

Who was Orlando Cepeda?

Orlando Cepeda, a Puerto Rican baseball player known for his power hitting and consistent performance, had a remarkable 17-year career in Major League Baseball. He ended his career with a .297 batting average, 379 home runs, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999 by the Veterans Committee. Cepeda, who was nicknamed "the Baby Bull" and "Peruchin," began his major league career with the New York Giants in 1958, the same year he won the National League Rookie of the Year Award. Over his career, he also earned the NL MVP Award in 1967 and was a seven-time All-Star.

Cepeda's career was marked by his exceptional batting skills, including nine seasons where he batted over .300 and eight seasons with 25 or more home runs. Despite facing challenges such as playing with another great first baseman, Willie McCovey, and struggling with injuries, Cepeda achieved significant milestones. He led the league in home runs in 1961 and was instrumental in the St. Louis Cardinals' World Series win in 1967. His career also included stints with the Atlanta Braves, Oakland Athletics, and Boston Red Sox, where he became their first designated hitter.

Cepeda faced personal and professional struggles, including a prison sentence for drug trafficking in 1975, but he later rehabilitated his image through charity work and continued contributions to baseball. His legacy includes his induction into the Hall of Fame, the retirement of his number 30 by the Giants, and his recognition as a role model for Puerto Rican and Hispanic players. Cepeda passed away in 2024 at the age of 86, leaving behind a significant impact on the game and his community.

More:

In 1961, Orlando Cepeda had a standout season, leading the league in RBIs, home runs, and at-bats per home run. He had a memorable performance on July 4, going 5-for-5 with two doubles and a home run, driving in eight runs in a game against the Chicago Cubs. Cepeda was selected for the All-Star Game and finished second in MVP voting. Contract disputes followed, with Cepeda initially seeking a $20,000 raise but eventually settling on $46,000. The 1962 season saw the Giants in a tight pennant race with the Dodgers, ultimately advancing to the World Series where they lost to the Yankees. Cepeda, dealing with managerial conflicts and a knee injury, played through pain in 1963 and finished fifth in the batting title race. In 1964, he led the Giants in batting average and slugging percentage, but the team lost the pennant to the Cardinals. Cepeda's injuries persisted, leading to a decline in performance.

In May 1966, Cepeda was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals, where he enjoyed a successful season, winning the NL Comeback Player of the Year award. The Cardinals won the 1967 World Series, and Cepeda was named NL MVP. However, he struggled in 1968 during a season dominated by pitching and was traded to the Atlanta Braves in 1969. Cepeda hit his 300th home run with the Braves and had notable performances in 1970 but faced knee issues that affected his play. After brief stints with the Oakland Athletics and Boston Red Sox, Cepeda finished his career with the Kansas City Royals in 1974.

Cepeda's post-retirement years included legal troubles, including a drug possession charge leading to a prison sentence, and a brief career as a scout and coach. He later returned to the Giants as a scout and goodwill ambassador, contributing to community service and baseball. Cepeda's number 30 was retired by the Giants in 1999, and he was honored with a statue at Oracle Park. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999, Cepeda was recognized for his significant contributions to the sport. He passed away on June 28, 2024, at the age of 86.

[Cowtipper]

Today's offering.

Who was Nelson Chittum?

Nelson Chittum, a right-handed pitcher, began his professional baseball career after being signed by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1956, following his service in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Chittum quickly made a name for himself in the minor leagues, winning Rookie of the Year honors in the Class C California League. His steady performance earned him a late-season call-up to the major leagues with the Cardinals in 1958, where he pitched without a decision in his debut against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Traded to the Boston Red Sox in 1959, Chittum excelled as a relief pitcher, posting an impressive 1.19 ERA in 21 appearances. Despite this success, his major league career was short-lived, and after a trade to the Dodgers in 1960, he spent the rest of his career in the minors, retiring in 1964 with a minor league record of 106-82. After baseball, Chittum managed a clothing store and later worked as a postal inspector before retiring in 1990. He passed away in 2024 at the age of 91.

Who was Bob Chlupsa?

Bob Chlupsa was an American Major League Baseball pitcher, notable for being the only major leaguer with a last name starting with "Chl" through 2024. Primarily a relief pitcher, Chlupsa had a solid minor league career, recording a 40-26 record with a 3.17 ERA over seven seasons. He played in 15 major league games for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1970 and 1971, where he was notably ten years younger than teammate Bob Gibson and a year younger than Steve Carlton. In addition to his baseball career, Chlupsa was drafted by the NBA in 1967, the same year as Hall of Famer Walt Frazier. He attended Cardinal Hayes High School and Manhattan College, where he excelled in both baseball and basketball. Chlupsa passed away in Garden City, New York, on July 17, 2024, at the age of 78.

Who was Doug Creek?

Doug Creek was a left-handed relief pitcher who played parts of nine seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1995 to 2005. Known for his perseverance, Creek's career highlights included a standout performance with the 2003 Toronto Blue Jays, where he posted a 3.29 ERA in 21 appearances, one of his few seasons with an ERA under 4. He also played a season in Japan with the Hanshin Tigers in 1998, where he led the Western League in ERA and strikeouts. Creek's professional journey took him through several MLB teams, including the St. Louis Cardinals, San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Seattle Mariners, Toronto Blue Jays, and Detroit Tigers. Despite his efforts, Creek found more consistency in the minor leagues, where he posted better numbers throughout his career. After retiring from baseball, he faced a battle with pancreatic cancer, which ultimately led to his death on July 28, 2024, at the age of 55.

[Cowtipper]

Today's offering.

Who was Mike Cubbage?

Mike Cubbage, an American third baseman, coach, and manager in Major League Baseball, had a diverse career both on and off the field. After an eight-season playing career, where he appeared in 703 games and hit for the cycle in 1978, Cubbage transitioned to coaching and managing. He managed various teams in the New York Mets' minor league system from 1983 to 1989 before serving as a Mets coach from 1990 to 1996, even briefly managing the team in 1991. Cubbage later worked as the Houston Astros' third base coach and bench coach before taking on roles with the Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Devil Rays. He concluded his career as a scout and special assistant, including a stint with the Washington Nationals. Cubbage passed away on August 11, 2024, at the age of 74.

Who was Pete Daley?

Pete Daley was an American professional baseball catcher who played in Major League Baseball from 1955 to 1961 for the Boston Red Sox, Kansas City Athletics, and Washington Senators. After signing as an amateur free agent with the Red Sox in 1948, Daley spent several years in the minor leagues before his career was interrupted by military service during the Korean War. He returned to baseball in 1953 and made his major league debut with the Red Sox in 1955, where he played as a backup catcher to Sammy White. Daley's most productive season came in 1956 when he achieved career highs in several statistical categories, including a .267 batting average, five home runs, and 29 RBIs. He was traded to the Kansas City Athletics before the 1960 season and later selected by the Washington Senators in the 1960 expansion draft, where he spent his final major league season in 1961. In his seven-season MLB career, Daley posted a .239 batting average and was known for his strong defensive skills, committing only 11 errors in 391 games for a .993 fielding percentage. After retiring from baseball, he pursued a career in sales and eventually settled in Newbury Park, California. Daley passed away on August 22, 2024, at the age of 94.

Who was Jose DeLeon?

José DeLeón was a Dominican professional baseball pitcher known for his paradoxical career, where his solid pitching performances often resulted in losses due to poor run support. He played in Major League Baseball for 13 seasons with teams including the Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago White Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies, and Montreal Expos. Despite a career ERA of 3.76 and an ERA+ of 102, DeLeón's win-loss record was 86-119, highlighting the challenge of pitching well on struggling teams. Notably, he led the National League in strikeouts in 1989 while with the Cardinals. DeLeón also endured two seasons where he led the league in losses, posting a 2-19 record with the Pirates in 1985 and a 7-19 record with the Cardinals in 1990, both times with a respectable ERA. His repertoire included a rising fastball and a sharp-dropping forkball. Offensively, DeLeón was a career .091 hitter and he even played one game in the outfield for the Cardinals in a marathon 19-inning game in 1988. Over his career, he pitched two two-hitters and a one-hitter, the latter of which he lost due to defensive errors. DeLeón passed away on February 25, 2024, at the age of 63 after battling cancer.

[Cowtipper]

Who was Larry Demery?

Larry Demery, an American Major League Baseball pitcher, played for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1974 to 1977. Born on June 4, 1953, in Bakersfield, California, he was the son of Artist Demery, a former Negro Leagues and California League player, and the brother of Art Demery, who pitched in the Kansas City Royals chain. Larry Demery's early baseball career was marked by success at Wasco High School, Locke High School, and Los Angeles City College, where he threw two no-hitters. The Pittsburgh Pirates selected him in the seventh round of the 1972 MLB draft, and he quickly made a name for himself in the minor leagues, leading the Carolina League with 14 complete games in 1973. Demery made his major league debut on June 2, 1974, against the Cincinnati Reds, impressively striking out four of the six batters he faced without allowing a run. After his MLB career, which ended in 1977, Demery lived in Bakersfield, California, and appeared in the 2014 film "No No: A Dockumentary." He passed away on February 20, 2024, at the age of 70.

Who was Gary Dotter?

Gary Richard Dotter was an American professional baseball player, a left-handed pitcher who made brief appearances in Major League Baseball for the Minnesota Twins during the 1961, 1963, and 1964 seasons. Born on August 7, 1942, in St. Louis, Missouri, Dotter signed with the St. Louis Cardinals after high school but was later drafted by the Twins. After a strong season with the Wilson Tobs in 1961, where he posted 14 wins in the Class B Carolina League, Dotter was called up to the majors and made his debut in September. In his first game, he pitched four innings in relief against the Kansas City Athletics, performing well in the initial three innings before struggling in the fourth. Over his MLB career, Dotter appeared in seven games, pitching a total of 12⅓ innings, with ten strikeouts. However, the majority of his professional career was spent in the minor leagues, where he compiled a 55-40 record before retiring in 1967. Dotter passed away on July 27, 2024, in Wichita Falls, Texas, at the age of 81, due to complications from Parkinson's disease.

Who was Carl Erskine?

Carl Erskine was a celebrated pitcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers during the 1950s, playing alongside legendary teammates such as Jackie Robinson and Sandy Koufax. Known for his exceptional overhand curveball, Erskine pitched two no-hitters and set a World Series record with 14 strikeouts in 1953. He contributed to five Dodgers teams that faced the New York Yankees in World Series matchups, winning the championship in 1955. After retiring from baseball, Erskine returned to his hometown in Indiana, where he became a college baseball coach and a business executive. He was also deeply involved in charitable work, particularly with the Special Olympics, inspired by his son Jimmy, who had Down syndrome. Erskine received numerous accolades for his contributions to both baseball and his community, including the Buck O'Neil Lifetime Achievement Award. He passed away in 2024 at the age of 97, remembered as the last surviving member of the "Boys of Summer" Dodgers teams and as a dedicated advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities.