Baseball passings 2025

[Cowtipper]

Rob Mallicoat died.

https://www.newsweek.com/sports/mlb/former-astros-first-round-draft-pick-dies-after-cancer-battle-10921367c

Who was Rob Mallicoat?

Robbin Dale Mallicoat (November 16, 1964 – October 19, 2025) was an American left-handed pitcher who played in Major League Baseball for the Houston Astros between 1987 and 1992. A native of St. Helens, Oregon, Mallicoat was first drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 1983 before being selected by the Astros in the first round of the 1984 amateur draft. Standing 6'3" and throwing left-handed, he spent a decade in professional baseball, including minor league stints with teams such as the Osceola Astros and Tucson Toros, and international play in Taiwan.

Although he never recorded a Major League win, Mallicoat earned one career save on August 18, 1991, against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Earlier in his career, he nearly captured the Florida State League Pitching Triple Crown in 1985, leading the league in wins (16) and strikeouts (179) while finishing second in ERA (1.36).

In his later years, Mallicoat was diagnosed with stage IV colon, liver, and lung cancer, from which he passed away on October 19, 2025, at age 60. Remembered as a once-promising prospect and determined competitor, his career bridged both American and international baseball circuits.

Mickey McGuire died.

https://www.houseofwheat.com/obituary/MC-McGuireJr

Who was Mickey McGuire?

M.C. Adolphus “Mickey” McGuire Jr. (January 18, 1941 – October 19, 2025) was an American professional baseball player who played as a shortstop and second baseman. Born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, McGuire spent most of his professional career in the Baltimore Orioles organization, appearing briefly in Major League Baseball during the 1962 and 1967 seasons.

Standing 5′10″ and weighing 170 pounds, McGuire batted and threw right-handed. In his limited MLB career, he played 16 games, recording a .190 batting average (4 hits in 21 at-bats), with two runs and two RBIs, and no extra-base hits.

Beyond his short stints in the majors, McGuire had a long minor league career from 1960 to 1969, later joining the California Angels’ system and playing for the Tucson Toros, where he hit .349 in 1971—one of his best professional seasons. He finished his career with two years in Japan playing for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp (1973–1974).

McGuire died in his hometown of Dayton on October 19, 2025, at the age of 84.

Bernie Smith died.

https://www.newsweek.com/sports/mlb/longtime-mets-prospect-who-debuted-with-brewers-dies-10924190

Who was Bernie Smith?

Calvin Bernard “Bernie” Smith (September 4, 1941 – October 18, 2025) was an American professional baseball player best remembered for his spirited play with the early Milwaukee Brewers. Born in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, Smith attended Southern University and batted and threw right-handed.

Standing 5′9″ and weighing 164 pounds, Smith spent eight years in the New York Mets’ minor league system (1962–1969) before being traded to Milwaukee ahead of the Brewers’ second season. He made his Major League debut on July 31, 1970, at age 29, and became a fan favorite for his energy and determination on a young franchise still building local support after relocating from Seattle.

In his brief MLB career (1970–1971), Smith appeared in 59 games, hitting .232 with 26 hits, 2 home runs, and 9 RBIs. Before reaching the majors, he was named the 1967 Eastern League Player of the Year while playing for the Williamsport Mets. After retiring, he briefly managed in the minors, leading the 1973 Danville Warriors.

Bernie Smith died on October 18, 2025, at the age of 84.

Bill Pleis died.

https://www.pitmanfuneralhome.com/obituary/William-PleisIII

Who was Bill Pleis?

William “Bill” Pleis III (August 5, 1937 – October 17, 2025) was an American professional baseball pitcher who played in Major League Baseball for the Minnesota Twins from 1961 to 1966. A left-handed pitcher, Pleis appeared in 190 MLB games, primarily as a reliever, recording a 21–16 win–loss record, a 4.07 ERA, 184 strikeouts, and 13 saves.

Standing 5′10″ and weighing 170 pounds, Pleis earned a place in Twins history by securing the franchise’s first win in Minnesota on April 22, 1961. In 1965, he contributed to the Twins’ first American League pennant since moving from Washington, appearing in the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers and allowing one earned run in one inning pitched during Game 4.

After retiring as a player in 1968, Pleis worked as a scout for the Los Angeles Dodgers, signing players including Jamie McAndrew and Scott Proctor. His son, Scott Pleis, also pursued a career in scouting. Bill Pleis died on October 17, 2025, at the age of 88.

[Cowtipper]

Yeorvis Medina died.

https://people.com/yoervis-medina-dead-former-mlb-pitcher-dies-at-37-11841701

Who was Yeorvis Medina?

Yoervis José Medina (July 27, 1988 – October 30, 2025) was a Venezuelan professional baseball pitcher who played in MLB for the Seattle Mariners and Chicago Cubs from 2013 to 2015.

Born in Puerto Cabello, Venezuela, he began his career in the Venezuelan Summer League (2006–2009) before moving to the U.S. in 2010, where he impressed in the Mariners’ minor league system. Medina debuted in the majors on April 16, 2013, and became a dependable reliever, posting a 2.91 ERA his rookie season and 2.68 in 2014.

Traded to the Cubs in May 2015, his performance declined, and he later spent brief stints with the Pirates and Phillies before continuing his career overseas with Senago Baseball Club in Italy and Draci Brno in the Czech Republic.

Medina died at age 37 from a heart attack while driving in Naguanagua, Venezuela, on October 30, 2025. He finished his MLB career with a 10–9 record, 3.08 ERA, and 147 strikeouts.

[Cowtipper]

Craig Eaton died.

https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=eatoncr01

Who was Craig Eaton?

Craig Eaton (September 7, 1954 – October 14, 2025) was an American professional baseball pitcher who played briefly in Major League Baseball for the Kansas City Royals in 1979. A right-handed pitcher from Glendale, Ohio, Eaton grew up in Lake Worth Beach, Florida, where he attended Lake Worth Community High School. After two years at Miami-Dade College, he was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the sixth round of the 1974 amateur draft but chose instead to finish his degree in marine biology at Florida State University before signing as a free agent in 1979.

Eaton made his MLB debut on September 5, 1979, appearing in five games and pitching ten innings with an impressive 2.70 ERA—one of the lowest on the Royals that season. The following year, he was sent to the California Angels to complete a trade involving Willie Aikens and Rance Mulliniks. Eaton spent subsequent years in the minor leagues with the Angels, Detroit Tigers, and Montreal Expos organizations, including stints with Triple-A teams in the Pacific Coast League.

His professional career was cut short by a series of knee injuries sustained in an off-season golf accident in 1983, leading to multiple surgeries after the 1984 season.

Off the field, Eaton married his high school sweetheart, Suzanne Sullivan, in 1977, and together they had four daughters. He later settled back in Lake Worth Beach, Florida. Eaton passed away in Jupiter, Florida, on October 14, 2025, at the age of 71.

Though his time in the majors was brief, Craig Eaton’s journey reflected a lifelong dedication to baseball, education, and family—marking him as one of the many unsung figures who contributed to the game’s rich tapestry.

Terry Ley died.

https://www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com/obituary/TerrenceTerry-Ley

Who was Terry Ley?

Terrence Richard “Terry” Ley (February 21, 1947 – August 30, 2025) was an American professional baseball pitcher who played briefly in Major League Baseball for the New York Yankees in 1971 and later in Japan for the Nippon-Ham Fighters. A left-handed pitcher from Portland, Oregon, Ley attended Madison High School before playing college baseball at the University of Oregon and later Clark College in Vancouver, Washington.

Ley was initially drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 1965 but chose to attend college. He was selected by the Yankees in the third round of the January 1967 draft and signed shortly afterward. He made his MLB debut on August 8, 1971, appearing in six games, finishing the season with a 5.00 ERA and seven strikeouts. After the 1971 season, Ley was involved in multiple trades, moving from the Yankees to the Texas Rangers and then to the Cleveland Indians.

Following his U.S. career, Ley played for the Nippon-Ham Fighters in Nippon Professional Baseball from 1974 to 1975. He made history in 1974 as the first pitcher in NPB to commit three balks in a single inning.

Ley passed away in Prineville, Oregon, on August 30, 2025, at the age of 78. Though his major league career was brief, Ley is remembered for his time in both MLB and NPB, as well as his unique place in baseball history.

[Cowtipper]

Steve Hargan died.

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/11/steve-hargan-passes-away.html

Who was Steve Hargan?

Steven Lowell Hargan (1942–2025) was an American Major League Baseball pitcher best known for his years with the Cleveland Indians and his 1967 All-Star season. Born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana, he excelled in sports despite his high school not offering baseball, instead showcasing his pitching talent in youth leagues. After being scouted by several teams, he signed with the Cleveland Indians in 1961.

Hargan made his MLB debut in 1965 and quickly demonstrated promise, highlighted by a standout 1967 season in which he opened with back-to-back shutouts, earned an All-Star selection, and led the American League in shutouts. Across his career he pitched for the Indians (1965–1972), the Texas Rangers (1974–1977), and briefly the Toronto Blue Jays and Atlanta Braves in 1977.

Although known for strong performances and durability early on, injuries—including arm troubles, an ankle fracture, and later carpal tunnel syndrome—hampered his consistency. He finished his career with an 87–107 record, a 3.92 ERA, and 891 strikeouts.

Hargan died in Palm Springs, California, in 2025 at the age of 83.

[Cowtipper]

Tom Timmermann died.

https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2025/11/17/tom-timmermann-death-tigers/87318727007/

Who was Tom Timmermann?

Thomas Henry Timmermann (1940–2025) was an American right-handed pitcher who spent 15 years in professional baseball, including six seasons in Major League Baseball with the Detroit Tigers (1969–1973) and Cleveland Indians (1973–1974). Born in Breese, Illinois, and raised on a prairie farm, he played college baseball at Southern Illinois University before signing with Detroit in 1960. He spent nearly a decade in the minor leagues, highlighted by a remarkable 1968 winter-league performance in Puerto Rico in which he tied a professional record by inducing 27 infield outs in a complete-game shutout.

Timmermann debuted for the Tigers in 1969 and quickly became one of the American League’s top relievers. In 1970, he set a Detroit franchise record with 61 appearances, finished third in the league with 27 saves, and was voted Tiger of the Year, credited with transforming a previously struggling bullpen. He remained an important contributor for Detroit through 1972, shifting between relief and starting roles.

Traded to Cleveland in 1973, Timmermann pitched as both a starter and reliever before concluding his MLB career in early 1974. Overall, he finished with a 35–35 record, 3.78 ERA, 35 saves, and 315 strikeouts across 228 major-league games.

After retiring, he worked in industrial sales. Later in life, it became widely known that he was the biological father of MLB pitcher Phil Leftwich, whose son Luke Leftwich also became a professional pitcher. Timmermann died in Michigan on November 14, 2025, at age 85.

Also, who was Bart Shirley?

Barton Arvin “Bart” Shirley (1940–2025) was an American infielder whose professional baseball career spanned Major League Baseball, Nippon Professional Baseball, and extensive time in the minor leagues. Born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas, and a standout at the University of Texas, Shirley debuted in MLB with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1964. Over parts of four major-league seasons (1964, 1966–1968) with the Dodgers and New York Mets, he appeared in 75 games, batting .203 with 11 RBIs.

Although his MLB tenure was brief, Shirley built a substantial minor-league legacy, playing a record 997 games for the Spokane Indians, the most in franchise history. After being selected by the Mets in the 1966 Rule V Draft but returning to the Dodgers mid-season, he saw his longest major-league action in 1968, though he struggled at the plate.

Seeking new opportunities, Shirley spent 1971–1972 in Japan with the Chunichi Dragons, where he hit 15 home runs and drove in 79 runs across two seasons. Following his playing days, he managed in the Dodgers’ minor-league system from 1973 to 1975 and later worked as a coach in Japan.

Shirley died in his hometown of Corpus Christi on November 19, 2025, at age 85 after a long illness.

And who was Randy Jones?

Randy Jones (1950–2025) was an American left-handed pitcher who became the San Diego Padres’ first true homegrown star and one of the most distinctive pitchers of the 1970s. Known as “Junkman,” Jones built his success not on velocity but on a uniquely heavy sinker, extraordinary control, and an uncanny ability to force hitters into weak ground balls. Drafted by the Padres in 1972, he rose quickly and broke out in 1975, going 20–12 with a National League–leading 2.24 ERA. The following year he delivered one of the most unusual and dominant pitching seasons in modern baseball, finishing 22–14 with a 2.74 ERA, 40 starts, 25 complete games, and 315.1 innings. During that run he set an NL record by throwing 68 straight innings without issuing a walk and became the Padres’ first Cy Young Award winner. He appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated as a possible 30-game winner and starred in consecutive All-Star Games, recording the save in 1975 and starting—and winning—in 1976. His success made him a major attraction in San Diego, with his starts drawing some of the team’s biggest crowds.

Jones’s career turned abruptly later in 1976 when he suffered a nerve injury in his pitching arm. Although he continued to pitch competitively through 1980 and later with the New York Mets in 1981–82, he never fully returned to his peak form. He retired with a 100–123 record and a 3.42 ERA, making him the only starting pitcher to win the Cy Young Award while ultimately finishing with a career losing record. Despite modest strikeout totals, he achieved lasting respect for his mastery of movement and location; Pete Rose, for example, hit only .183 against him. His achievements earned him induction into several halls of fame, including the Padres Hall of Fame and Chapman University’s Hall of Fame, and the Padres retired his No. 35 in recognition of his impact on the young franchise.

Off the field, Jones married his high school sweetheart, Marie, and together they raised two daughters. After retiring from baseball, he became well known locally for his restaurants, his car wash business, and his enthusiastic service as a Padres ambassador. He remained a beloved figure in the community, organizing charity events such as the Randy Jones Run/Walk. In 2016 he survived a battle with throat cancer linked to years of chewing tobacco, and he remained active and visible in charitable work afterward. Randy Jones died on November 18, 2025, at the age of 75.

[Cowtipper]

Jim Duckworth died.

https://www.newsweek.com/sports/mlb/former-as-senators-pitcher-dies-11117208

Who was Jim Duckworth?

James Raymond “Jim” Duckworth (1939–2025) was an American professional baseball pitcher whose career spanned eleven seasons, including four in Major League Baseball with the Washington Senators and Kansas City Athletics. A tall right-hander known for his strong strikeout ability but inconsistent control, Duckworth was originally signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1957 and later moved through several organizations before reaching the majors via the Senators’ 1962 Rule 5 draft.

Duckworth debuted in 1963 and earned his first MLB win that May. His career included notable performances—such as striking out eight of the first nine batters he faced in a 1965 start and tallying 13 strikeouts in his next outing—but also struggles, reflected in his 7–25 career record and 5.26 ERA. His fear of flying once caused him to miss a road series, leading to a fine from the Senators. In 1966 he was traded twice between Washington and Kansas City before making his final major league appearance that July. He spent his last professional season in 1967 with the Hawaii Islanders.

Following baseball, Duckworth served as an officer with the California Highway Patrol. He died in Fort Mill, South Carolina, in 2025 at the age of 86.

Dave Morehead died.

https://kingsofkauffman.com/royals-mourn-the-loss-of-original-franchise-pitcher-and-owner-of-a-no-hitter-01kayshnt80p

Who was Dave Morehead?

David Michael Morehead (1942–2025) was an American Major League Baseball pitcher best known for throwing a no-hitter for the Boston Red Sox on September 16, 1965. A right-hander from San Diego, Morehead debuted with the Red Sox in 1963, immediately joining their starting rotation and showing early promise with a shutout in his first game and a one-hitter a month later.

Despite flashes of brilliance, Morehead’s career was marked by inconsistency and control issues, including league-leading walk totals in each of his first three seasons. His standout moment came in 1965, when he no-hit the Cleveland Indians at Fenway Park—a rare pitching feat in a notoriously hitter-friendly stadium.

Arm troubles limited his playing time from 1966 onward. Morehead was part of the Red Sox’s 1967 “Impossible Dream” pennant-winning team and pitched in relief during the World Series. Selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 1969 expansion draft, he spent two seasons with them, posting a career-best ERA in 1970 before injuries ended his career at age 28.

Over eight seasons, Morehead compiled a 40–64 record with a 4.15 ERA and 627 strikeouts in just over 819 innings. He died in Santa Ana, California, in 2025 at the age of 83.

Also, who was George Altman?

George Altman (1933–2025) was an American professional baseball outfielder whose career uniquely bridged the Negro Leagues, Major League Baseball (MLB), and Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). Born in Goldsboro, North Carolina, he overcame early hardship—including the loss of his mother at age four—and excelled academically and athletically at Tennessee A&I (now Tennessee State University), where he played both basketball and baseball.

Altman began his pro career with the Kansas City Monarchs in 1955 before being signed by the Chicago Cubs. Debuting with the Cubs in 1959, he became one of the National League’s standout hitters in the early 1960s. A three-time All-Star (1961–62), he posted back-to-back elite seasons in 1961 and 1962, highlighted by 27 home runs, a league-leading 12 triples in 1961, and a .318 average with 22 homers in 1962. He was known for both power and speed, as well as strong defensive play in the outfield.

After later stints with the St. Louis Cardinals and New York Mets, injuries and platoon roles diminished his MLB production, and he ended his major-league tenure with a .269 average, 101 home runs, and 403 RBIs over nine seasons.

At age 35, Altman revitalized his career in Japan, playing eight highly successful seasons (1968–1975) with the Tokyo/Lotte Orions and the Hanshin Tigers. He became a major star abroad, hitting 205 home runs, batting .309, earning multiple Best Nine awards, and leading the Pacific League in hits, runs, and RBIs in 1968.

Altman credited better training practices in Japan for extending his career, especially after he played much of his MLB time while injured. Outside baseball, he worked as a substitute teacher, survived colon cancer, later became a commodities trader, and eventually retired in Missouri, where he also competed in horseshoe pitching. He co-authored an autobiography in 2013.

George Altman died on November 24, 2025, at the age of 92, remembered as a versatile, resilient, and pioneering athlete whose career spanned continents and eras—from the Negro Leagues to MLB to Japanese professional baseball.

[Cowtipper]

Steve Hertz died.

https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/college/state-college-sports/article313501080.html

Who was Steve Hertz?

Stephen Allan Hertz (1945–2025) was an American baseball player, coach, and manager whose career spanned Major League Baseball, high school and college coaching, and international competition. Born at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, and raised in Miami, he debuted in the majors in 1964 at just 19 years old as part of the Houston Colt .45s’ youth movement. Although his MLB playing career was brief—appearing in five games—he spent several additional seasons in the minor leagues.

Hertz balanced baseball with education, earning degrees from the University of Miami and later a master’s from Nova University. After retiring as a player, he built a highly successful coaching career in South Florida. He led Coral Park High School to a state championship in 1978, won over 300 games as a high school coach, and spent decades guiding Miami Dade College’s baseball program, where his teams won more than two-thirds of their contests. His coaching influence extended abroad in 2007, when he managed the Tel Aviv Lightning during the Israel Baseball League’s sole season, leading the club to a strong second-place finish.

A member of the Miami High School Hall of Fame and the Florida Community College Activities Association Hall of Fame, Hertz was also noted as one of baseball’s Jewish major leaguers. He died in Miami in 2025 at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy as a respected teacher, mentor, and ambassador of the game.

Also, who was Tim Harkness?

Thomas William "Tim" Harkness (1937–2025) was a Canadian professional baseball first baseman who played in Major League Baseball from 1961 to 1964 for the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets. Born in Lachine, Quebec, Harkness was a left-handed hitter and thrower, standing 6'2" and weighing 182 pounds. He was originally signed by the Philadelphia Phillies in 1956 and developed in the minor leagues, where he hit 117 home runs, peaking with 28 in a season for the Atlanta Crackers in 1960.

Harkness made his MLB debut with the Dodgers in 1961, appearing sparingly behind established first basemen Gil Hodges and Norm Larker. In 1962, he played 92 games, posting a .370 on-base percentage, though he did not appear in the postseason. Traded to the New York Mets after the 1962 season, he became their regular first baseman in 1963, hitting .211 with 10 home runs and 41 RBIs. In 1964, he achieved a .282 average in 39 games, including the first hit in the Mets’ inaugural game at Shea Stadium.

After brief stints in the minor leagues with the Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates organizations, Harkness retired from playing in 1966. He later worked as a scout for the San Diego Padres—earning Canadian Scout of the Year honors in 1996—and managed the Toronto Maple Leafs of the Intercounty Baseball League. Harkness passed away in Courtice, Ontario, at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy as one of Canada’s notable MLB players and contributors to the game.

[Cowtipper]

Greg Thayer died.

https://www.stcloudlive.com/sports/former-twins-pitcher-tech-scsu-hall-of-fame-athlete-greg-thayer-dies-at-76

Who was Greg Thayer?

Gregory Allen Thayer (October 23, 1949 – December 12, 2025) was an American professional baseball pitcher who briefly played in Major League Baseball for the Minnesota Twins in 1978. A right-handed pitcher, Thayer made his MLB debut on April 7, 1978, and appeared in his final game on June 26, 1978. During his short major-league career, he posted a 1–1 win–loss record, a 3.80 ERA, and recorded 30 strikeouts.

Born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Thayer was closely associated with St. Cloud, Minnesota. He attended St. Cloud Tech High School and St. Cloud State College, where he was notable enough to be inducted into athletic halls of fame. In addition to his MLB stint, Thayer spent many years in the minor leagues, playing for teams such as the Toledo Mud Hens, Syracuse Chiefs, Tacoma Twins, and others.

Thayer died on December 12, 2025, at age 76, in St. Cloud, Minnesota.

Mike Campbell died.

https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/mariners/former-mariners-pitcher-seattle-native-mike-campbell-dies-at-61/

Who was Mike Campbell?

Michael Thomas Campbell (February 17, 1964 – December 15, 2025) was an American professional baseball pitcher who played in Major League Baseball between 1987 and 1996. A right-handed pitcher from Seattle, Washington, Campbell appeared with four MLB teams: the Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers, San Diego Padres, and Chicago Cubs. Over his major-league career, he compiled a 12–19 record, a 5.86 ERA, and 135 strikeouts.

Campbell was a standout amateur and minor leaguer. After attending West Seattle and Newport High Schools, he starred at the University of Hawaiʻi, earning MVP honors as the team’s top pitcher in 1984 and 1985. He was selected seventh overall by the Mariners in the 1985 MLB Draft. In 1987, he was named Pacific Coast League MVP with the Calgary Cannons, leading the league in wins and earning his MLB debut that same season.

Despite early promise, Campbell’s major-league career was hindered by chronic shoulder injuries. His best MLB outing came in 1988, when he threw a complete-game shutout against Cleveland. He was later involved in the notable trade that sent Mark Langston to Montreal and brought Randy Johnson to Seattle, though Campbell never pitched for the Expos. He later played for Texas, San Diego, and Chicago, with his final MLB season coming in 1996.

After leaving MLB, Campbell pitched briefly in Japan and independent leagues before retiring in 1999. Following his playing career, he co-ran a concession business at ballparks and events. Campbell died of a heart attack on December 15, 2025, at the age of 61.

Albert Hall died.

https://www.al.com/sports/2025/12/former-alabama-prep-star-atlanta-braves-outfielder-dead-at-age-67.html

Who was Albert Hall?

Albert Hall (March 7, 1958 – December 16, 2025) was an American professional baseball outfielder best known for his speed and his long tenure with the Atlanta Braves. He played in Major League Baseball from 1981 to 1989, appearing in 375 National League games—355 of them with Atlanta—before finishing his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

A switch hitter who threw right-handed, Hall was drafted by the Braves in the sixth round of the 1977 MLB Draft out of Jones Valley High School in Birmingham, Alabama. He quickly gained a reputation in the minor leagues as an elite base stealer, swiping hundreds of bases and regularly posting stolen-base totals of 60 or more at multiple levels. Overall, he stole 455 bases in the minors and 67 in the majors.

Hall’s best major-league season came in 1987, when he set career highs across the board, including a .284 batting average, 33 stolen bases, and 92 games played. That season, on September 23, 1987, he made history by becoming the first Atlanta Brave to hit for the cycle, the franchise’s first such feat since 1910.

Primarily used as a reserve outfielder and pinch-runner, Hall was valued more for speed and defense than power, finishing his MLB career with five home runs and 53 RBIs. He died on December 16, 2025, at the age of 67.

[MFS62]

Former Major League Baseball pitcher Mike Campbell, who was the No. 7 overall pick in the 1985 MLB Draft, has died. He was 61 years old.

Later

[Cowtipper]

Bob Heffner died.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/wfmz/name/robert-heffner-obituary?id=58730144

Who was Bob Heffner?

Robert Frederic “Butch” Heffner (1938–2025) was an American Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher who played in the American League during the 1960s. Born and raised in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Heffner signed with the Boston Red Sox out of high school in 1957 and made his MLB debut in 1963. Over a five-season major league career, he pitched for the Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, and California Angels, serving as both a starter and reliever. His most productive season came in 1964 with Boston, when he set career highs in wins, strikeouts, innings pitched, and saves. Heffner finished his MLB career with an 11–21 record, a 4.51 ERA, and 241 strikeouts across 114 appearances. After retiring from baseball, he returned to Allentown, where he worked for a beverage distributor for more than three decades. Heffner died in his hometown on June 25, 2025, at the age of 86.

Andy Kosco died.

https://www.foxfuneralhome.org/obituary/Andy-Kosco

Who was Andy Kosco?

Andy Kosco (1941–2025) was an American professional baseball outfielder who played ten Major League Baseball seasons between 1965 and 1974, appearing with seven teams including the Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Cincinnati Reds. Born in Youngstown, Ohio, and a standout multi-sport athlete at Struthers High School, Kosco was signed by the Detroit Tigers before reaching the majors with the Twins during their 1965 pennant-winning season. Though left off the World Series roster, he went on to become a regular player, most notably with the Yankees in 1968 and the Dodgers in 1969, where he led the team in home runs and RBIs.

Over his career, Kosco was known as a solid power hitter during the pitching-dominated “second dead-ball era,” compiling 73 home runs and 267 RBIs. He later played for the Brewers, Angels, Red Sox, and Reds, contributing to Cincinnati’s 1973 division title and recording key hits in the National League Championship Series. After retiring, Kosco worked in insurance and remained connected to baseball through his sons, Bryn and Dru, both professional players. He died in December 2025 at age 84.

[Cowtipper]

Other notable 2025 deaths:

Bernardo Calvo died.

https://www.milb.com/news/lmb-en-memoria-de-bernardo-calvo

Who was Bernardo Calvo?

Bernardo Calvo (1945–2025) was a Mexican professional baseball player and manager. Born in Tlacotalpan, Veracruz, he played as an infielder and outfielder, batting and throwing right-handed. Calvo began his career in the Houston Astros minor league system (1965–1967) before spending the remainder of his playing career (1968–1979) in the Mexican League, where he compiled a career batting average of .288 with 1,306 hits and 23 home runs. He was known as a reliable contact hitter with solid defensive skills and minimal speed.

Calvo represented Mexico internationally, earning a silver medal at the 1965 Amateur World Series. After retiring as a player, he managed several Mexican League teams between 1991 and 2005, including Cafeteros de Córdoba, Pericos de Puebla, and Piratas de Campeche. He passed away on January 2, 2025, in his hometown.

Bob Hannah died.

https://bluehens.com/news/2025/12/15/university-of-delaware-mourns-the-passing-of-baseball-coaching-icon-bob-hannah

Who was Bob Hannah?

Bob Hannah (c. 1931 – 2025) was an American college baseball coach best known for leading the University of Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens from 1965 to 2000. A former multi-sport athlete at Wesley College, Hannah became one of the most successful intercollegiate baseball coaches in the U.S., amassing over 1,000 wins and securing 22 conference titles. His teams included multiple College World Series appearances, and he coached future Major League players such as Steve Taylor, Kevin Mench, and Tommy Herr.

Hannah earned five America East Coach of the Year honors, was inducted into the Delaware Sports Hall of Fame in 1998, and had the Delaware Baseball Stadium renamed Bob Hannah Stadium in his honor. He passed away on December 14, 2025, in Newark, Delaware, at the age of 93.

Tom Hicks died.

https://apnews.com/article/tom-hicks-17b3260087ced4c710e11697b865544b

Who was Tom Hicks?

Tom Hicks (1946–2025) was an American businessman, private equity investor, and sports team owner from Dallas, Texas. He co-founded the investment firm Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst, which became one of the largest private equity firms in the U.S., overseeing over $50 billion in acquisitions. Hicks made much of his fortune in media, leveraged buyouts, and later through sports and real estate ventures.

Hicks owned the Texas Rangers (1998–2010), signing baseball’s then-largest contract to Alex Rodriguez, though his teams struggled to achieve consistent success. Financial pressures from the 2008 economic crisis led him to sell the Rangers after a complex bankruptcy and auction process. He also owned the Dallas Stars (NHL), who won the 1999 Stanley Cup under his ownership, but the franchise later filed for bankruptcy.

In 2007, Hicks entered English soccer, acquiring Liverpool F.C. with George Gillett. His tenure was marked by controversy, fan protests, and heavy debt, and he eventually lost the club in 2010 to New England Sports Ventures, after legal disputes and criticism for failing to deliver promised stadiums and investments.

Hicks was involved in politics, philanthropy, and education, donating land for a school in Frisco, Texas, and supporting humanitarian projects in Dallas. He was married to Cinda Cree Hicks and had six children. Hicks passed away in Dallas on December 6, 2025, at age 79.

Bob Hiegert died.

https://gomatadors.com/news/2025/6/27/baseball-csun-athletics-announces-the-passing-of-bob-hiegert

Who was Bob Hiegert?

Robert J. Hiegert (1942–2025) was a prominent American college baseball coach and athletics administrator, best known for his long tenure at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). A standout shortstop at San Fernando Valley State College (now CSUN) from 1960–1963, he briefly played professionally in the Los Angeles Angels organization before returning to CSUN as head baseball coach in 1967.

Over 18 seasons, Hiegert became CSUN’s winningest coach, leading the Matadors to two NCAA Division II national championships (1970, 1984), 11 NCAA tournament berths, six conference titles, and producing numerous All-Americans and professional players. In 1984, he was named National Coach of the Year.

Following his coaching career, Hiegert served as CSUN’s athletic director and later as commissioner of the California Collegiate Athletic Association (1997–2013). In 1992, he faced allegations of racial insensitivity in the athletics department, which were ultimately unsubstantiated by an independent report.

Hiegert received numerous honors, including induction into the CSUN Athletics Hall of Fame, the CCAA Hall of Fame, and the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. In January 2025, CSUN renamed its home baseball facility Robert J. Hiegert Field in his honor. He passed away on June 19, 2025, at age 83.

Yoshinori Hirose died.

https://www.chugoku-np.co.jp/articles/-/739126

Who was Yoshinori Hirose?

Yoshinori Hirose (1936–2025) was a legendary Japanese professional baseball outfielder who spent his entire 22-year playing career with the Nankai Hawks in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). Known for his exceptional speed, he ranks second all-time in NPB stolen bases with 596 and was a nine-time All-Star. Hirose won the 1964 NPB batting title, led the league in multiple offensive categories during his prime, and helped the Hawks secure two Japan Series titles.

After retiring as a player, Hirose managed the Nankai Hawks (1978–1980), worked as a broadcaster for NHK, and coached the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks (1991–1992). He was elected to the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999 and was a member of the Meikyukai. Over his career, he amassed 2,157 hits, 131 home runs, 705 RBIs, and maintained an impressive 82.9% stolen base success rate. Hirose passed away on November 2, 2025, at the age of 89.

Hiroaki Inoue died.

https://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/1176427

Who was Hiroaki Inoue?

Hiroaki Inoue (1944–2025) was a Japanese professional baseball outfielder who played in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) over three decades. Originally a first-round pick of the Hiroshima Carp in 1967, Inoue struggled early in his career but revived his performance after being traded to the Chunichi Dragons in 1973 under manager Wally Yonamine. He became a Central League All-Star twice and made the Best Nine in 1975 after batting .318 with 18 home runs and leading the league with 149 hits.

Inoue later played for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters (1981–1984), earning the Fighting Spirit Award in the 1981 Japan Series. Over his 1,531-game career, he batted .259/.343/.414 with 155 home runs, 517 RBIs, 522 runs, 74 stolen bases, and was hit by pitches 137 times—ranking fourth all-time in NPB history. After retiring, he served as a coach for the Seibu Lions and became a baseball commentator on TV Aichi. Inoue passed away on December 8, 2025, at the age of 81.

Yoshihiro Ito died.

https://news.ntv.co.jp/n/fbs/category/society/fsab6801e5d04e47bcbbe5211a07dac20a

Who was Yoshihiro Ito?

Yoshihiro Ito (1982–2025) was a Japanese professional baseball pitcher who played in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Chiba Lotte Marines from 2008 to 2015. A right-handed pitcher, Ito debuted in 2008 after being drafted in the fourth round from Japan Rail Tokai and posted a 3.05 ERA in 51 games as a rookie. Over his career, he recorded a 6–13 win–loss record, a 3.83 ERA, and 249 strikeouts, contributing to the Marines’ 2010 Japan Series championship. Known for a fastball reaching 95 mph, Ito primarily worked out of the bullpen.

Ito tragically died on October 6, 2025, at age 43, after a motorcycle accident in Fukuoka, Japan.

[Cowtipper]

More notable 2025 deaths.

Jumbo Ozaki died.

https://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/47403888/golf-hall-famer-jumbo-ozaki-japan-dies-78

Who was Jumbo Ozaki?

Masashi Ozaki (1947–2025), widely known as Jumbo Ozaki, was one of the most influential and successful athletes in Japanese sports history, best remembered as the dominant figure of the Japan Golf Tour. Before golf, Ozaki was a professional baseball player with the Nishitetsu Lions from 1965 to 1967, pitching and later converting to the outfield, though with limited success.

Turning to golf at age 23, Ozaki rapidly rose to prominence. He became the most accomplished golfer in Japan Golf Tour history, winning a record 94 tour events and leading the tour’s money list 12 times between 1973 and 1998. Known for his power off the tee and imposing physical presence, he earned the nickname “Jumbo.” Internationally, he competed in major championships and PGA Tour events, highlighted by a T8 finish at the 1973 Masters and 6th place at the 1989 U.S. Open, and spent nearly 200 weeks inside the world’s top ten rankings.

Ozaki was a central figure in Japanese golf’s golden era, alongside rivals Isao Aoki and Tsuneyuki Nakajima, and represented Japan in global team competitions including the Presidents Cup. Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2011, his legacy extends beyond titles to shaping modern professional golf in Japan.

Ozaki died of colorectal cancer in December 2025 at age 78, leaving behind a record-setting career and an enduring impact on Japanese sport.

Nobuhiro Takashiro died.

https://www.jiji.com/jc/article?k=2025121000999&g=spo

Who was Nobuhiro Takashiro?

Nobuhiro Takashiro (1954–2025) was a respected Japanese professional baseball infielder and longtime coach in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). Born in Nara Prefecture, he starred at Hosei University, winning a Tokyo Big Six University League batting title in 1975, and was selected first overall by the Nippon-Ham Fighters in the 1978 NPB Draft.

Takashiro played eleven NPB seasons from 1979 to 1989, primarily with Nippon-Ham before finishing his playing career with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp. A versatile infielder, he earned three All-Star selections (1979, 1980, 1983), the Diamond Glove Award at shortstop in 1979, and the Best Nine Award in 1980. He was known more for steady defense and contact hitting than power, finishing his career with a .256 batting average, 57 home runs, and 772 hits across 917 games.

After retiring as a player, Takashiro built an extensive coaching career, serving with multiple NPB clubs including the Carp, Chunichi Dragons, Nippon-Ham Fighters, Chiba Lotte Marines, Orix Buffaloes, and Hanshin Tigers, as well as Korea’s Hanwha Eagles. He also coached Japan’s national team and was part of the 2009 World Baseball Classic championship staff.

Takashiro died of esophageal cancer in Osaka on December 9, 2025, at age 71, remembered as a dependable infielder and influential coach who contributed to Japanese baseball for more than four decades.

[Cowtipper]

One last batch of baseball deaths in 2025; they were notable enough for the BR Bullpen, at least. Part 1.

Mark Allen (1975–2025) was an American baseball coach and scout who worked at multiple colleges, the Cleveland Indians, and the San Francisco Giants before returning to college coaching.

Nick Avants (1943–2025) was an American professional baseball umpire who worked in the minor leagues and briefly in the American League during the early 1970s.

Tony Barbone (1953–2025) was an American baseball coach and administrator who led programs at Azusa Pacific University and Concordia University, and managed in the minor leagues.

Jon Bible (1949–2025) was an American baseball and football official, NCAA umpire coordinator, and law professor, inducted into the College Baseball Hall of Fame in 2019.

Joe Brockhoff (1936–2025) was an American baseball player and highly successful coach, leading East Jefferson High School and Tulane University to multiple championships and mentoring future major leaguers.

Ibrahim Brull (c.1929–2025) was a Cuban baseball player who helped the national team win multiple Amateur World Series medals in the early 1950s, including gold in 1952 and 1953.

Armando Capiró (1948–2025) was a Cuban baseball player, considered one of the most colorful hitters of the 1960s–70s, who led the national team to multiple gold medals and set Cuban league records.

Kuo-Liang Chen (1969–2025) was a Taiwanese baseball player who competed in the Taiwan Major League and represented his country internationally, earning an All-Star selection and a Best Ten award during his career.

Yong-hoon Cho (1987–2025) was a South Korean pitcher in the Korea Baseball Organization, played internationally for his national team, and later became a YouTuber before his untimely death.

John Edward Cunningham (1937–2025) was an American athlete and longtime University of San Diego baseball coach who led teams to multiple Division II College World Series and was hall-of-fame inducted.

Bob Fisher (d. 2025) was an American college baseball coach at Baldwin-Wallace College for over 40 years, winning four Ohio Athletic Conference Coach of the Year awards.

Tom Geestman (1955–2025) was a Dutch pitcher and coach in the Hoofdklasse who also led the Netherlands junior national team to a European Championship and coached in the Holland Series.

Juan Germosén (1951–2025) was a Dominican baseball player who starred on the national team in multiple international tournaments, including the Amateur World Series and Pan American Games.

Luis Guevara (2006–2025) was a Venezuelan minor league infielder in the Baltimore Orioles system who played multiple infield positions before dying in a tragic jetski accident at age 19.

Hidetoshi Hakamada (1955–2025) was a Japanese catcher who played 13 seasons in Nippon Pro Baseball and later coached the Lotte Orions and Seibu Lions.

[Cowtipper]

Part 2:

Dick Jackson (1946–2025) was a minor-league baseball umpire who briefly served as a replacement umpire for seven National League games during the 1995 MLB umpires’ strike.

Seong-ro Joo (1952–2025) was a South Korean baseball manager and coach who led and coached national teams to multiple international medals, including Olympic silver and Asian Games gold, and guided several prominent high school and university programs.

Kwang-hwan Lee (1948–2025) was a South Korean baseball manager who won over 600 games in the Korea Baseball Organization while leading multiple teams, most notably the LG Twins, across two decades.

Yukihiko Machida (1934–2025) was a Japanese professional baseball outfielder and later coach who starred in Nippon Pro Baseball during the 1950s as a home run champion and Best Nine selection before a long post-playing coaching career in Japan and Taiwan.

Ángel Macías Barba (1944–2025) was a Mexican baseball player best known for pitching a perfect game at the 1957 Little League World Series, leading Monterrey to the first foreign championship and becoming a symbol of international youth baseball.

Roberto Mansur Galán (1948–2025) was a Mexican baseball executive inducted into the Salón de la Fama in 2002, continuing a prominent baseball family legacy established by his father, executive Chara Mansur.

Pedro Medina Ayón (1952–2025) was a standout Cuban catcher and later manager who starred for nearly a decade with the national team, excelled in international tournaments, and later won championships managing in Cuba and Italy.

Jitsuo Mizutani (1947–2025) was a Japanese professional baseball slugger and later coach who starred for the Hiroshima Carp and Hankyu Braves, leading the Central League in batting average and RBI during a distinguished 19-year Nippon Pro Baseball career.

Kazuomi Nakamura (1935–2025) was a Japanese right-handed pitcher who spent four seasons with the Hanshin Tigers in Nippon Pro Baseball, posting a strong 2.36 ERA before retiring in 1961.

[Cowtipper]

Victor Conte died.

https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/11/03/balco-architect-victor-conte-loses-battle-with-cancer-at-age-of-75/

Who was Victor Conte?

Victor Conte Jr. (1950–2025) was an American musician turned controversial sports entrepreneur best known as the founder of the Bay Area Laboratory Co-operative (BALCO), the center of one of the largest performance-enhancing drug scandals in modern sports. Born in Fresno, California, Conte initially pursued a career in music, playing bass guitar in funk and R&B circles during the 1970s. He performed with Tower of Power from 1977 to 1979 and collaborated with prominent musicians such as Herbie Hancock, earning the stage nickname “Walkin’ Fish.”

In 1984, Conte shifted paths and founded BALCO, a sports nutrition laboratory that later became infamous for supplying elite athletes with banned substances, including the designer steroid tetrahydrogestrinone (“The Clear”). The BALCO scandal implicated high-profile figures across professional sports and track and field, including Marion Jones and Barry Bonds, and exposed systemic doping at the highest levels of competition. Conte publicly admitted his role in orchestrating doping programs and criticized what he described as widespread corruption in international sports.

In 2005, Conte pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute steroids and money laundering, serving four months in federal prison followed by house arrest. Despite the scandal, he remained a visible and polarizing figure, appearing frequently in media discussions about doping and sports ethics. He later founded Scientific Nutrition for Advanced Conditioning (SNAC), a company providing legal supplements and training services to professional athletes, particularly in boxing.

Conte’s life was marked by stark contrasts—creative success as a respected musician, notoriety as the architect of a major sports scandal, and a later attempt at professional reinvention. He died from pancreatic cancer in November 2025 at the age of 75, leaving behind a legacy that continues to shape conversations about performance enhancement, accountability, and integrity in sports.

Also...

Jim Farris Baba (1956–2025) was a Canadian baseball executive, manager, and scout who played a central role in the development of Team Canada, managing multiple Baseball World Cup teams and serving for decades in senior national and international leadership positions. A member of the Order of Canada, he was posthumously elected to the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2026 in recognition of his lasting impact on baseball in Canada and worldwide.

Masaharu Obata (1934–2025) was a Japanese right-handed pitcher who spent seven seasons with the Nankai Hawks, posting a 35–14 record and a 3.12 ERA while playing key roles in multiple Nippon Series during the 1950s. He was at his best in 1955 and 1956, emerging as one of the Hawks’ top starters before injuries and decline led to his retirement in 1958.

Yutaka Ohashi (1946–2025) was a Japanese shortstop best known for his elite defense, winning seven consecutive Diamond Glove Awards despite modest offensive production over a 14-year Nippon Pro Baseball career. A key contributor to the Hankyu Braves’ dynasty of the 1970s, he later enjoyed a long post-playing career as a coach and manager in Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea.

Sue Parsons (1934–2025) was a versatile player for the Rockford Peaches in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, appearing as a pitcher, infielder, and outfielder in 1953 and 1954. After her baseball career, she excelled in tennis, achieving national rankings in the over-40 age category.

Wikelman Ramírez (2000–2025) was a Venezuelan right-handed pitcher who spent parts of several seasons in the Tampa Bay Rays’ minor-league system and later gained international notice by leading the 2021 U-23 Baseball World Cup in saves as Venezuela went undefeated. His career was cut short when he was murdered at age 25 in his hometown of Valencia, Venezuela.

Hiroshi Sato (1962–2025) was a Japanese infielder who spent his professional career in the Yomiuri Giants organization, appearing briefly in Nippon Professional Baseball between 1988 and 1992 primarily as a reserve second baseman. After retiring in 1994, he later returned to the game as a high school coach, leading Tohoku High School from 2022 until his death in 2025.

Larry Smith (1941–2025) was a longtime baseball coach and minor league manager, leading teams like the Welland Pirates and serving at colleges including Texas Wesleyan, Indiana, and Duke. He also worked as a scout and batting practice pitcher for MLB organizations such as the Rangers, Reds, and Pirates.

Hiroshi Takahashi (1951–2025) was a professional baseball player in Japan, drafted by the Yakult Swallows but appearing in only 12 at-bats before retiring in 1984. He later contributed to the sport as a coach within the Yakult organization from 1991–1993 and 2001–2010.

Jorge Trigoura (1936–2025) was a Cuban infielder who contributed to multiple international tournaments, helping Cuba win gold in the 1961 Amateur World Series and 1963 Pan American Games. He later became a successful manager in the Cuban National League, compiling a 287-170 regular-season record and leading several teams, including Industriales, to championships.

Brent Wellman Urcheck (1976–2025) was an American baseball scout for the Cleveland Indians whose territory spanned much of the Northeastern United States and parts of eastern Pennsylvania. During his career he signed several notable players including Casey Gaynor, Matt Meyer, Matt McBride, and Nellie Rodriguez before his death on October 8, 2025.

Timothy Wallace was a professional baseball player who reached AAA in the minors and excelled in Italy’s Serie A before retiring. He later became a highly successful junior college coach at Spartanburg Methodist College, compiling over 1,350 wins and leading his team to multiple NJCAA Division I World Series appearances before stepping down in 2025 due to health issues.

Hidekazu Yoshizawa was a left-handed pitcher who signed with the Yomiuri Giants in 1963 but appeared in only five games for the top team before retiring in 1968. His professional career in Nippon Pro Baseball was brief, and he passed away in his hometown of Saku, Nagano in 2025.

[Cowtipper]

Dick Groch (1940–2025) was an American longtime baseball scout and former college basketball standout who coached at St. Clair County Community College and represented both Team USA and Team Canada in international competition. As a scout for the New York Yankees and Milwaukee Brewers, he signed numerous future major leaguers, most notably Hall of Famer Derek Jeter.

[Cowtipper]

Lee Elder (Roy Lee Elder) was an American baseball scout who worked for the New York Yankees from 1991 to 2000 and then for the San Francisco Giants beginning in 2000. He signed players including Matt Cain, Brian Buscher, Matt Downs, and Antoan Richardson, and died on August 19, 2025, in Biloxi, Mississippi, at age 76.

Scott Littlefield was an American baseball scout who spent more than 25 years in professional baseball, serving with the Atlanta Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Diego Padres, and Texas Rangers in a variety of scouting roles. The brother of former general manager Dave Littlefield, he was named the Padres’ Scout of the Year in 2007 and died on September 19, 2025, in Houston, Texas, at age 59.

Claude Pelletier was a Canadian baseball scout for the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Mets who helped identify and sign future professional talent. He signed players including Shawn Bowman, Eric Gagné, Emmanuel Garcia, and Jonathan Malo, and died on December 14, 2025.

[Cowtipper]

Takayuki Hata, a left-handed pitcher from Hita, Oita, played nine seasons in Nippon Pro Baseball with the Nishitetsu Lions and Chunichi Dragons, appearing in multiple Nippon Series and an All-Star Game. He passed away in August 2025, finishing his career with a 56-50 record, a 3.06 ERA, 731 strikeouts, and 1,002 innings pitched.

Akira Kawahara, an Oita-born pitcher, played eight seasons in Nippon Pro Baseball for the Nishitetsu Lions and Taiyo Whales, logging 974⅓ innings with 597 strikeouts. He passed away on August 15, 2025, finishing his career with a 41-76 record and a 4.25 ERA.

Katsutoshi Miyadera, a Tokyo-born catcher, played 11 seasons in Nippon Pro Baseball, primarily with the Nishitetsu Lions, earning All-Star selections in 1967 and 1973. He passed away on May 20, 2025, leaving a career batting line of .215/.264/.333 with 42 home runs.

Keisuke Okamoto, a left-handed player from Minamiawaji, Hyogo, spent nine seasons in Nippon Pro Baseball, transitioning from pitcher to position player and finishing with 37 home runs. He passed away on December 7, 2025, leaving a career batting line of .244/.303/.389 with 288 hits.

Kazutoshi Yamada, a Nagoya-born infielder, played eight seasons in Nippon Pro Baseball with the Chunichi Dragons and Hiroshima Carp, later serving as a coach in both organizations. He passed away on August 16, 2025, finishing his playing career with a .262/.341/.388 batting line, 22 home runs, and 227 hits.

Fumio Yamamoto, a Hiroshima-born pitcher, briefly played for the Hiroshima Carp before retiring in 1957 and becoming a Central League umpire, officiating 3,564 games over 34 years. He passed away on August 7, 2025, leaving a legacy that included six All-Star Games and 13 Nippon Series appearances as an umpire.

Edited February 16 by Cowtipper

[Cowtipper]

Bill Slack died.

https://www.lewiscrematoryandfuneralservices.com/obituary/William-Slack

Who was Bill Slack?

Bill Slack (1933–2025) was a Canadian professional baseball pitcher, manager, and coach whose five-decade career was spent almost entirely in minor league baseball. Born in Petrolia, Ontario, he signed with the Boston Red Sox organization in 1952 after briefly playing minor professional hockey in the Montreal Canadiens system. Though he never reached Major League Baseball, Slack compiled a solid minor league pitching record (79–63, 3.45 ERA) and was also known as a strong-hitting pitcher in his early years. He later reached the highest minor league levels, including stints in the Pacific Coast League and American Association.

Slack made his greatest impact as a manager and pitching instructor. He managed for more than two decades in the Red Sox farm system—most notably with Winston-Salem, where he won multiple league titles—and later served as a pitching coach in the Atlanta Braves organization. Over his managerial career, he won more than 1,100 games and captured five league championships. Inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2002, Slack remained a respected figure in minor league baseball and in Winston-Salem, where a community service award is presented in his honor. He died in 2025 at age 92 in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina.

[Cowtipper]

Bob Milano died.

https://web.archive.org/web/20250917075134/https://calbears.com/news/2025/9/15/legendary-cal-baseball-coach-bob-milano-passes-away.aspx

Who was Bob Milano?

Bob Milano (1939 or 1940 – 2025) was an American college baseball coach who led the California Golden Bears from 1978 to 1999, compiling a 688–644–4 record and guiding the program to three College World Series appearances, including a third-place finish in 1980. A former catcher at Cal who later served as a varsity assistant and high school coach, Milano returned to Berkeley as head coach and became the winningest coach in school history, earning Pac-10 Coach of the Year honors twice and capturing a conference title in 1980.

Over more than two decades, Milano helped develop future major leaguers such as Jeff Kent, Darren Lewis, Xavier Nady, Bob Melvin, and Lance Blankenship, while also contributing internationally as a coach for Team USA in the 1985 Intercontinental Cup and 1988 Olympics and as manager in the 1997 Intercontinental Cup. His impact on the program was recognized with the retirement of his No. 7 jersey, induction into the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame and the Cal Athletics Hall of Fame, and later honors from the Humboldt Crabs organization; he died in Walnut Creek, California, at age 85 after battling Alzheimer’s disease.

Also...

Harold Allen (1965–2025): A left-handed starter drafted in the fifth round by the Houston Astros in 1987, Allen pitched eight seasons in professional baseball, going 44–61 with a 4.11 ERA across 166 minor league games while spending two years on the Astros’ 40-man roster. An Indiana State University standout and 2002 inductee into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame, he later returned for brief stints in independent ball after his affiliated career ended in 1992.

Roy Clark (1957–2025): A former minor league player in the Seattle Mariners system from 1979 to 1982, Clark hit .289 over 402 games but never reached the majors, spending two seasons at Triple-A. He later became a prominent executive, serving as scouting director for the Atlanta Braves from 2000 to 2009 and as assistant general manager and vice president of player personnel for the Washington Nationals.

John Counsell (1942–2025): An outfielder in the Minnesota Twins organization from 1964 to 1967, Counsell spent most of his career with the Wisconsin Rapids Twins, showing a solid glove with strong outfield assist totals but never reaching the major leagues. The father of big league infielder Craig Counsell, he later worked in the front office of the Milwaukee Brewers, remaining connected to professional baseball long after his playing days ended.

Mike Erb (1966–2025): A standout right-hander at San Diego State University who set the school’s career strikeout record, Erb was selected 43rd overall by the California Angels in the 1987 draft and quickly emerged as one of the Northwest League’s top prospects. He spent six seasons in professional baseball, reaching Triple-A and compiling a 33–19 record with a 3.71 ERA and 446 strikeouts in 502 innings, but never reached the major leagues.

Joe Etzel (1938–2025): A former standout pitcher at the University of Portland, Etzel became the school’s longtime head baseball coach from 1966 to 1986, winning 378 games and mentoring future major leaguers such as Ken Dayley, Bill Krueger, Tom Lampkin, and Steve Wilson. He also served as Portland’s athletic director for more than three decades, earned induction into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame, and had the university’s baseball field named in his honor.

Dale Ford (1943–2025): A standout athlete at Washington State University, Ford played both football and baseball, appearing in the 1965 College World Series and earning All-American honors as an outfielder in 1966 alongside Reggie Jackson. He spent two seasons in professional baseball with the Chicago Cubs and Angels organizations, hitting .260 with 15 home runs over stints with the Treasure Valley Cubs, Lodi Crushers, Quad Cities Angels, and San Jose Bees.

Bob Homolka (1942–2025): Homolka was a longtime math professor at Kansas State University Salina who also officiated baseball at a high level, umpiring two College World Series and serving as a replacement umpire in seven National League games during the 1995 umpire strike, including Hideo Nomo’s U.S. debut. Outside of baseball, he ran for state representative in 2004, blending his academic career with occasional public service and professional sports involvement.

Ron Kabbes (1938–2025): An infielder in professional baseball, Kabbes played seven seasons in the minors, beginning with the Albany Cardinals in 1957 and reaching Triple-A with the Rochester Red Wings in 1959. He was later traded to the Baltimore Orioles organization for Johnny Kucks and finished his career with two seasons back in Rochester before retiring from professional baseball.

Mike Maggart (1942–2025): A longtime scout for the Houston Astros, Maggart signed major leaguers including Wade Miller, Tim Redding, and Chris Salamida during his career in professional baseball. He also served as a college head coach at Rochester Institute of Technology in 1985–86 and at Hobart and William Smith Colleges in 1987.

Bob McKillop (1942–2025): A Canadian infielder, McKillop played four seasons in the Chicago White Sox minor league system from 1961 to 1964, showing strong plate discipline and defensive skill, including leading the Florida State League in walks and topping third basemen in assists and double plays. After returning to amateur status, he became a standout in the Intercounty Baseball League with the Kitchener Panthers, earning four MVP awards, eight All-Star selections, three home run titles, and also represented Team Canada in the 1967 Pan American Games before moving into coaching, including a national intercollegiate hockey title at the University of Waterloo.

[Cowtipper]

Frank Vieira died.

https://patch.com/connecticut/newhaven/legendary-college-baseball-coach-frank-vieira-dies-91

Who was Frank Vieira?

Florindo “Frank” Vieira (1933–April 25, 2025) was a legendary American college baseball coach best known for his 44-year tenure at the University of New Haven from 1963 to 2006. He retired as the most successful coach in NCAA Division II history, compiling a 1,127–323–6 record and leading his teams to 17 College World Series appearances (two NAIA and 15 Division II). Before coaching, Vieira starred in basketball at Quinnipiac College, setting school scoring records, and as a high school player he once outscored future NBA Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlain.

At New Haven (formerly New Haven College), Vieira built a powerhouse program that became a regular presence in NAIA and later NCAA Division II postseason play from the 1960s through the 1990s. In 1986, the university named its baseball facility Vieira Field in his honor, and his career came to symbolize sustained excellence and long-term program building in Division II college baseball.

Also...

Don DiChiara (1938–2025): Don DiChiara was a left-handed outfielder and first baseman who played briefly in the minor leagues in 1961–1962 after being signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates out of Colgate University. His career highlight came with the Batavia Pirates in 1961, when he hit four consecutive home runs in a single game, though he struggled overall and retired after the 1962 season.

Jerry Nelson (1934–2025): Jerry Nelson was a right-handed pitcher who spent nine seasons in the minor leagues from 1955 to 1964, reaching the AAA level in most years and compiling a 79–80 career record. He starred in the Puerto Rican Winter League in 1958 with a 1.51 ERA and an 18-inning scoreless performance in the Caribbean Series, and later finished his career with three strong seasons for the Oklahoma City 89ers.

[Cowtipper]

Yuji Otsuka was a Japanese baseball player born in Yonago, Tottori, who signed with the Hankyu Braves in 1959. His professional career was extremely brief—recording only three at-bats before retiring in 1962—and he died in his hometown in 2025.

[Cowtipper]

Ray Lamb died.

https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lambra01.shtml

Who was Ray Lamb?

Raymond Richard Lamb (December 28, 1944 – December 25, 2025) was an American Major League Baseball pitcher who played from 1969 to 1973 for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Cleveland Indians. A University of Southern California alum and teammate of Tom Seaver, Lamb debuted with the Dodgers in 1969 and impressed early with a 1.80 ERA in limited action; he later compiled a 20–23 career record with a 3.54 ERA before a shoulder injury ended his career. Notably, he briefly wore uniform number 42 for the Dodgers—the last player to do so after Jackie Robinson—before the team retired the number.

After retiring from baseball, Lamb built a second career as a highly respected sculptor of miniature figures, producing detailed fantasy and military miniatures for companies such as Perth Pewter. His “Wizards and Lizards” line became especially admired in the early fantasy role-playing game community, earning widespread praise for its craftsmanship and artistic detail.

[Edgy MD]

[FIMG=400]https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/1AgAAOSwa-ZhnFEN/s-l1600.webp[/FIMG] [FIMG=400]https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/PMgAAOSwadthnFEh/s-l1600.webp[/FIMG]

Could you have found someplace nastier to pose your players during Spring Training, Indians? Possibly out by the dumpster?

[FIMG=400]https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/ZpQAAeSwgY5pk7t3/s-l1600.webp[/FIMG]

[stevejrogers]

FYI, Lamb chose to wear it, honoring the Bruin legend.

He did not do well with it, and it promptly went back out of circulation!

[Cowtipper]

Bill Kern died. 

https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=kernbi01

Who was Bill Kern?

Bill Kern was an American Major League Baseball outfielder whose brief time in the majors came after a long and productive minor league career. Born in Coplay, Pennsylvania, and a graduate of Muhlenberg College, Kern spent nine seasons in the minors, where he proved to be a consistent hitter, batting over .300 four times and hitting 144 home runs.

Kern earned a late call-up to the Kansas City Athletics in September 1962 after a standout Triple-A season with the Portland Beavers, in which he hit .315 with 27 home runs and 97 RBIs. At age 29, he appeared in eight MLB games, collecting four hits in 16 at-bats (.250 average). His major league highlights included a pinch-hit single in his debut off Dick Donovan and his lone career home run, which came against future Hall of Famer and U.S. Senator Jim Bunning.

Although his time in the majors was brief, Kern’s career reflects the persistence of a player who excelled in the minors and reached the big leagues later than most. He died on October 19, 2025, at the age of 92 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

[stevejrogers]

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