Baseball passings 2026

[Frayed Knot]

The intent is to keep owners, who may have various incentives at a particular time to Not want to win, from being the one calling the shots on the field. Not that they can't do so remotely but at least there it's a level or two removed from the dugout rather than in it.

Of course the number of teams in the NBA openly and purposely tanking may have been in double digits this season and few of their fans seem to mind. I mean, why there were more than 10 fans at any given Washington Wizards game over the last three seasons is a mystery to me, but I don't seem to get basketball culture in general.

[Edgy MD]

Let 'em lose.  If they want to disgrace themselves, they can go crazy.

The natural order of things makes life increasingly difficult when you lose.  The problem is that we have a foolish system that un-naturally protects organizations from those consequences.

Trying to re-engineer in artificial consequences, after engineering out natural ones, is goofy.

[Cowtipper]

Dick Hughes died.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/richard-hughes-obituary?id=61431231

Who was Dick Hughes?

Dick Hughes was an American right-handed pitcher who played briefly in Major League Baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals from 1966 to 1968. Born in 1938 in Stephens, Arkansas, he grew up in Louisiana, where he developed as a standout high school pitcher before playing college baseball at the University of Arkansas and beginning his professional career in 1958.

Hughes reached the majors late, debuting in 1966, but broke out in 1967 when he became a key member of the Cardinals’ pitching staff. That season, he went 16–6 with a strong 2.67 ERA, led the National League in WHIP, and finished second in Rookie of the Year voting behind Tom Seaver. He also helped the Cardinals win the 1967 World Series and even started two games in the Fall Classic against the Boston Red Sox.

His career peaked quickly and ended just as fast. In spring training of 1968, he suffered a torn rotator cuff—an injury that could not be surgically repaired at the time. Although he attempted to continue pitching that season, his effectiveness declined, and he threw his final major league innings in 1968. After a brief stint in the minors, he retired from professional baseball.

Hughes died in 2026 at the age of 88, remembered as a late-blooming pitcher whose career was highlighted by a standout rookie season and a World Series championship before injury cut it short.

Also, who was Bobby Cox?

Bobby Cox was a Hall of Fame Major League Baseball player, coach, general manager, and one of the most successful managers in baseball history. Born in 1941 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, he played briefly as a third baseman for the New York Yankees from 1968 to 1969 before transitioning into coaching and front-office roles.

His managerial career began in the Yankees’ minor league system in the early 1970s, followed by his first MLB managerial job with the Atlanta Braves from 1978 to 1981. He then managed the Toronto Blue Jays from 1982 to 1985, helping turn them into a competitive team and leading them to their first division title in 1985.

Cox returned to the Braves in the mid-1980s, initially as general manager, where he helped build the foundation of a dominant roster featuring players like Tom Glavine, John Smoltz, and Chipper Jones. He returned to the dugout as manager in 1990 and led one of the most successful eras in modern baseball history.

Under Cox, the Braves became perennial contenders, winning 14 straight division titles from 1991 to 2005 (excluding the strike-shortened 1994 season). They won the World Series in 1995 and reached the postseason repeatedly throughout the 1990s and 2000s, though they often fell short in later playoff rounds. Cox became known for his leadership style, consistent success, and record-setting 162 career ejections.

He retired after the 2010 season with over 2,500 managerial wins, one of the highest totals in MLB history. Cox was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014. He died in 2026 at age 84, widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential managers in baseball history.

And who was John Sterling? 

John Sterling was a longtime American sportscaster best known for being the radio play-by-play voice of the New York Yankees from 1989 to 2024. Born in 1938 in New York City, he had a long and varied broadcasting career before joining the Yankees, including work covering NBA, NHL, and other MLB teams such as the Atlanta Braves.

Sterling became one of the most recognizable voices in baseball due to his highly distinctive announcing style, including signature home run calls tailored to individual players and his famous postgame line, “Theeeee Yankees win!” He also became known for his strong identification with the Yankees, often celebrating their successes in an enthusiastic, unmistakable style.

During his Yankees tenure, he called over 5,000 consecutive games for decades, only briefly stepping away once in 2019 before continuing his streak. He worked alongside several partners over the years, most notably Suzyn Waldman, with whom he formed a long-running radio duo starting in 2005.

Sterling announced his retirement in 2024 after more than three decades with the team but briefly returned later that year for select postseason broadcasts. He fully retired afterward.

Outside of baseball, he also hosted television and radio programs, including Yankees-related features and occasional sports broadcasts. He was widely recognized in the industry, winning multiple Sports Emmy Awards.

Sterling died in 2026 at the age of 87 from heart failure in New Jersey. He is remembered as one of the most distinctive and enduring voices in baseball broadcasting history, closely associated with the Yankees for an entire generation of fans.

Also...

Pat Caputo was a Detroit-based sportswriter and talk radio personality best known for his long tenure at WXYT-FM, where he hosted sports talk programs and contributed to coverage of local teams like the Tigers, Lions, Pistons, and Red Wings. After decades as a columnist for The Oakland Press and various radio and TV sports roles, he continued broadcasting into the 2020s before being diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer and dying in 2026 at age 67.

[Cowtipper]

René Cárdenas was a pioneering Nicaraguan sports broadcaster who became the first Spanish-language announcer in Major League Baseball when he began calling games for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1958. Over his long career, he also worked for the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers, helped create the first international Spanish-language baseball radio network, and died in 2026 at the age of 96.

Gene Hooks was an American baseball player who starred as a third baseman for Wake Forest University, earning multiple All-American honors and helping lead the team to the 1949 College World Series championship game. He later became Wake Forest’s long-serving athletic director from 1964 to 1992, overseeing major athletic success before dying in 2026 at the age of 98.

Steve Jongewaard was a multi-position minor league player drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 1982, moving through shortstop, outfield, and later pitching while struggling to establish consistent offensive success across five seasons in the minors. After his playing career, he became a scout and national crosschecker for organizations including the Atlanta Braves and Seattle Mariners, helping evaluate talent such as Adam Jones, Brandon Morrow, and Rob Johnson.

Hank Nichols was an American college basketball referee and later supervisor of officials who had a long career officiating major NCAA games, including 10 Final Fours and six national championship games, and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012. After retiring from officiating and his role as NCAA coordinator of officials, he also worked in education and as an umpire observer for Major League Baseball before dying in 2026 at age 89.

Jeff Pyburn was a standout two-sport athlete and the son of former major leaguer Jim Pyburn, drafted in the first round by the San Diego Padres in 1980 but ultimately never reaching the majors due to a knee injury. He also played quarterback at the University of Georgia and was selected in the fifth round of the 1980 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills before passing away on March 29, 2026.

Len Rivers was a long-time high school and college football coach who spent over 40 years in the profession and also served as head baseball coach at Princeton University from 1976 to 1980. During his tenure with the Princeton baseball program, he worked alongside players such as Bob Tufts and compiled a 74–82 record before his death on March 16, 2026.

[Cowtipper]

Rick Kreuger died.

https://www.thebiglead.com/pitcher-for-red-sox-world-series-team-dies-at-76/

Who was Rick Kreuger? 

Rick Kreuger was an American left-handed pitcher who played in Major League Baseball from 1975 to 1978 with the Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Indians, and later in Japan for the Yomiuri Giants. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Kreuger first gained attention as an All-American at Grand Rapids Junior College before transferring to Michigan State University, where he pitched for the Spartans in 1970. He signed with Boston in 1971 and spent several years in the minor leagues, including missing the entire 1972 season with back problems.

Kreuger made his MLB debut with Boston in September 1975. Over the next few seasons he moved between the majors and minors, highlighted by a strong outing against the Milwaukee Brewers in 1976 when he carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning. In 1978 he was traded to Cleveland, where he appeared in six games before returning to the minors. Across his major league career, he posted a 2–2 record with a 4.47 ERA and 20 strikeouts in 17 games.

After leaving Major League Baseball, Kreuger continued playing internationally, including a season in Japan and winter ball in Puerto Rico with the Criollos de Caguas. Following retirement, he worked in real estate and later became a baseball coach and instructor, serving as head coach at Cornerstone College and operating Kreuger’s Baseball School in Hudsonville, Michigan. He died on May 7, 2026, at age 77.

Also, who was Buzz Capra?

Buzz Capra was an American Major League Baseball pitcher who played from 1971 to 1977 for the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves. Born in Chicago, Capra was originally a shortstop before becoming a standout pitcher at Illinois State University, where he helped lead the school to the 1969 NCAA Division II championship. Drafted by the Mets in 1969, he developed into a strong minor league pitcher and reached the majors in September 1971.

Capra spent parts of three seasons with the Mets, working mainly as a reliever and contributing to the club that won the 1973 National League pennant. Though he did not pitch in the postseason, he became loosely connected to one of baseball’s memorable moments during the 1973 NLCS brawl involving Pete Rose and Bud Harrelson, when Reds pitcher Pedro Borbón accidentally grabbed and destroyed Capra’s Mets cap during the chaos.

After being sold to Atlanta before the 1974 season, Capra enjoyed a dramatic breakout year. Inserted into the Braves’ rotation after an injury to Ron Reed, he quickly became one of the National League’s best pitchers, winning nine straight games and earning All-Star honors. He finished the season with a 16–8 record and a league-leading 2.28 ERA, while helping draw major crowds during the same season Hank Aaron broke baseball’s career home run record. Arm trouble soon followed, however, and Capra struggled with injuries and inconsistency over the remainder of his career before retiring after the 1977 season.

Following his playing days, Capra spent decades coaching baseball at both the college and minor league levels. He worked as a pitching coach in several organizations, including the Braves, Mets, Chicago White Sox, Montreal Expos, and Philadelphia Phillies systems, and also taught ceramics during his playing career after earning a teaching degree. Illinois State later retired his No. 9 and inducted him into its athletics hall of fame. Capra died in Joliet, Illinois, on May 11, 2026, at age 78.

[Cowtipper]

Charlie Moore died.

https://www.tmj4.com/sports/former-milwaukee-brewers-player-charlie-butch-moore-passed-away

Who was Charlie Moore?

Charlie Moore was an American Major League Baseball player who spent most of his career with the Milwaukee Brewers during the 1970s and 1980s. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Moore originally planned to attend Auburn University on a football scholarship before being drafted by Milwaukee in 1971. Choosing baseball instead, he rose quickly through the Brewers’ minor league system and made his major league debut in 1973.

Although primarily a catcher early in his career, Moore became known for his versatility, also playing extensively in the outfield. He steadily developed into a reliable contributor for Milwaukee, batting over .300 in both 1980 and the strike-shortened 1981 season. One of his most memorable achievements came in 1980 when he hit for the cycle against the California Angels while also stealing two bases, a rare accomplishment. Moore was also the final player ever driven in by Hank Aaron during Aaron’s last MLB season in 1976.

Moore played a key role in the Brewers’ 1982 postseason run, particularly during the American League Championship Series against the Angels, where he batted .462 and made a crucial throw from right field to retire Reggie Jackson at third base. He continued his strong performance in the World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals, batting .346 despite Milwaukee losing the series in seven games. He remained with the Brewers through 1986 before finishing his career with the Toronto Blue Jays in 1987.

Over 15 major league seasons, Moore compiled a .261 batting average with 36 home runs and 408 RBIs. After retiring from baseball, he returned to Birmingham and worked as a sales representative for many years. In 2014, he was inducted into the Brewers Wall of Honor and named to the All-Time Alabama Baseball Team. Moore died on May 23, 2026, at the age of 72.

[Cowtipper]

Scott Douglas (1968-2026) was a minor league baseball infielder and manager who played for the Regina Cyclones and Moose Jaw Diamond Dogs in the 1990s before transitioning into coaching. He later built a successful career as a college baseball coach, most notably leading Trinidad State Junior College to a 246-171-1 record from 2000 to 2012.

James Riley (1939-2026) was a respected baseball historian and researcher best known for his extensive work documenting the history of the Negro Leagues. After a long career in Florida public education, he became research director for the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and authored several influential books, including The Biographical Encyclopedia of the Negro Baseball Leagues.

[Cowtipper]

Bob Horner died.

https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/braves-face-third-major-loss-173929149.html

Who was Bob Horner?

Bob Horner was an American professional baseball player best known for his powerful hitting during the late 1970s and 1980s, primarily with the Atlanta Braves. Born in Junction City, Kansas, and raised in Glendale, Arizona, Horner became one of the most decorated college baseball players in history at Arizona State University. He helped lead the Sun Devils to the 1977 College World Series championship, won the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player award, and became the first recipient of the Golden Spikes Award in 1978. His extraordinary college career included 56 home runs and 229 RBIs, records that stood among the best in school history for decades.

Selected first overall by the Braves in the 1978 MLB Draft, Horner bypassed the minor leagues entirely and immediately joined Atlanta’s major league roster. He made an instant impact, hitting a home run in his debut and earning National League Rookie of the Year honors after blasting 23 home runs in only 89 games. Alongside fellow slugger Dale Murphy, Horner became a centerpiece of the Braves’ offense during the early 1980s. Despite frequent injuries, he consistently produced power numbers, including three 30-home-run seasons and an All-Star appearance in 1982.

Horner’s most famous moment came on July 6, 1986, when he became just the 11th player in MLB history to hit four home runs in a single game. Following that season, he became entangled in the Major League Baseball collusion scandal, as owners secretly cooperated to suppress free-agent salaries. Unable to secure a satisfactory contract in the United States, Horner signed with Japan’s Yakult Swallows for the 1987 season, where he hit .327 with 31 home runs. He returned to MLB with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1988, but ongoing injuries soon forced his retirement.

Over ten major league seasons, Horner compiled a .277 batting average, 218 home runs, and 685 RBIs while earning a reputation as one of baseball’s premier right-handed power hitters of his era. He never played a single minor league game, a rare achievement for a first overall draft pick. In retirement, Horner received numerous honors, including induction into the College Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006 and the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 2022. He died on May 26, 2026, at the age of 68.

George Riley died in 2023, but news of his passing was not uncovered until recently.

 

https://www.stolfofuneralhome.com/obituaries/riley-10/

 

Who was George Riley?

George Riley was an American professional baseball pitcher who appeared in parts of four Major League Baseball seasons between 1979 and 1986. A native of Philadelphia, Riley starred at South Philadelphia High School, where he became a local legend thanks to his dominant pitching performances. During his high school career, he compiled an undefeated 18–0 record, threw six no-hitters — including four in a row — and once struck out 21 batters in a single game while helping lead his school to a Philadelphia city championship.

The Chicago Cubs selected Riley in the fourth round of the 1974 amateur draft when he was just 17 years old. After spending several seasons developing in the minor leagues, he made his major league debut with the Cubs in September 1979. Riley pitched in 26 games over two seasons with Chicago before continuing his career in the minors with organizations connected to the Chicago White Sox and Philadelphia Phillies.

In 1984, Riley joined the San Francisco Giants as part of a trade involving veteran slugger Al Oliver. That season he earned the only major league victory of his career, defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in a strong outing on September 23, 1984. Riley later spent time with the Montreal Expos during the 1986 season before ending his professional baseball career in the minors in 1987.

Over his MLB career, Riley posted a 1–5 record with a 4.97 earned run average and 40 strikeouts. After retiring from baseball, he worked as an electrician and lived a quieter life away from the spotlight. Riley died on January 29, 2023, at the age of 66.

[Cowtipper]

Mark Bailey died.

https://www.ky3.com/video/2026/05/27/former-mlb-catcher-missouri-state-star-mark-bailey-dies-64/

Who was Mark Bailey?

Mark Bailey was an American professional baseball catcher and longtime coach who spent parts of seven seasons in Major League Baseball with the Houston Astros and San Francisco Giants between 1984 and 1992. A native of Springfield, Missouri, Bailey excelled as both a baseball and basketball player at Southwest Missouri State University, earning NCAA Division II All-American honors while helping lead the school to the Division II College World Series. Drafted by Houston in the sixth round of the 1982 MLB Draft, he quickly advanced through the minors after converting from infielder to catcher.

Bailey made his major league debut in 1984 and soon became Houston’s primary catcher. Known for his size, versatility as a switch-hitter, and defensive work behind the plate, he enjoyed his best offensive season in 1985, batting .265 with 10 home runs in 114 games. During his time with the Astros, he also caught historic moments, including Nolan Ryan’s 4,000th career strikeout. Though injuries and inconsistency affected later seasons, Bailey remained a valuable organizational player and spent time in the Astros, Montreal Expos, Mets, and Giants systems before ending his playing career in the mid-1990s.

Over 340 major league games, Bailey compiled a .220 batting average with 24 home runs and 101 RBIs. After retiring as a player, he transitioned into coaching and spent decades working throughout the Astros organization in roles ranging from bullpen coach to hitting instructor and catching coordinator. His long tenure reflected his reputation as a respected teacher and mentor for developing players, especially catchers.

Bailey’s contributions to sports in Missouri and professional baseball were recognized with inductions into the Springfield Area Sports Hall of Fame in 2016 and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2017. He died on May 26, 2026, at the age of 64, leaving behind a legacy that stretched from standout collegiate athlete to major league player and influential baseball instructor.

[Cowtipper]

Eddie Haas died.

https://www.wpsdlocal6.com/news/former-mlb-manager-paducah-native-eddie-haas-dies-at-91/article_6ce0af6a-4c3d-4f9d-ba6f-3051d3a70215.html

Who was Eddie Haas?

Eddie Haas (1935–2026) was an American baseball outfielder, coach, manager, and scout whose career spanned several decades in professional baseball, primarily within the Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves organizations. Though his Major League playing career was brief, he remained a long-term figure in the sport through coaching, player development, and scouting roles.

As a player, Haas appeared in parts of three MLB seasons between 1957 and 1960 with the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Braves. In 55 major league games, he hit .243 with one home run and 17 hits. His playing time was limited, including a missed 1959 season due to a broken ankle, but he spent much of his career in the minor leagues, where he was a productive hitter with several strong seasons.

After retiring as a player, Haas became heavily involved in coaching and managing in the Braves’ farm system, spending many years developing minor league talent and later serving as a major league coach. He eventually became the Atlanta Braves’ manager in 1985 after Joe Torre, but his tenure was short, as the team struggled and he was replaced midseason.

Following his managerial career, Haas continued working in baseball as a scout for the Montreal Expos and Boston Red Sox. Coming from a family with deep baseball ties, he remained active in the professional game for decades until his death in 2026 at age 91, remembered more for his long developmental and scouting career than his brief time as a major league player.

 

[Cowtipper]

Mike Johnson died.

https://www.parkerkohlfuneralhome.com/obituaries/michael-johnson

Who was Mike Johnson?

Michael Norton Johnson (March 2, 1951 – May 20, 2026) was an American professional baseball pitcher who played briefly in Major League Baseball with the San Diego Padres during the 1974 season. Born in Slayton, Minnesota, he was a right-handed pitcher who attended Faribault High School before beginning a professional baseball career.

Johnson made his major league debut on July 25, 1974, and appeared in 18 games for the Padres before his final MLB appearance on October 2, 1974. He finished his big-league career with a 0–2 record, a 4.64 earned run average, and 15 strikeouts. Although his time in the majors was brief, he spent several years in professional baseball and enjoyed considerable success in the minor leagues, where he often posted ERAs below 2.50.

Throughout his career, Johnson played for numerous minor league clubs in the United States and Canada. While he is best remembered for his stint with the Padres, his professional journey reflected the dedication and perseverance of many players who spent most of their careers in the minor leagues. He died in Carefree, Arizona, at the age of 75.

Bob Lacey died.

https://www.si.com/mlb/angels/onsi/former-angels-pitcher-7-year-mlb-veteran-dies-at-72-01ktcajcsa6g

Who was Bob Lacey?

Robert Joseph Lacey Jr. (August 25, 1953 – June 4, 2026) was an American professional baseball pitcher who played seven seasons in Major League Baseball between 1977 and 1984. A left-handed pitcher, he appeared for the Oakland Athletics, Cleveland Indians, Texas Rangers, California Angels, and San Francisco Giants. He finished his major league career with a 20–29 record, a 3.67 ERA, and 251 strikeouts.

Lacey was drafted by Oakland in 1972 and quickly rose through the minor leagues. He became one of the Athletics' most dependable relief pitchers, leading the American League in appearances in 1978 while posting a 3.01 ERA. Known for his durability, he inherited a record 104 baserunners that season and was frequently called upon in high-pressure situations. He also gained attention early in his career by striking out future Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson twice in a key game and later becoming involved in a notable on-field altercation with Darrell Porter.

After leaving Oakland, Lacey spent time with several organizations, including stints in the minor leagues and the Mexican League, before ending his playing career in 1985. He later returned to baseball as a coach and manager, most notably managing the Greenville Bluesmen in the late 1990s. Lacey died on June 4, 2026, at the age of 72, leaving behind a professional baseball career remembered for his resilience, versatility, and success as a relief pitcher.

[Cowtipper]

Al Closter died.

https://www.thatericalper.com/2026/06/13/al-closter-olympic-gold-medalist-and-major-league-pitcher-dies-at-82/

Who was Al Closter?

Al Closter was an American left-handed pitcher whose career in professional baseball stretched from the mid-1960s to the early 1970s. Born in 1943 in Creighton, Nebraska, he played college baseball at Iowa State University and gained early international experience as a member of the United States team during baseball’s demonstration event at the 1964 Summer Olympics. He signed with the New York Yankees organization as an amateur free agent in 1965.

Closter’s early professional career involved frequent movement through the minor leagues and short-lived stints with multiple organizations. After being selected in the Rule 5 Draft by the Cleveland Indians, his contract was quickly purchased by the Washington Senators in 1966, where he made his Major League debut in a single appearance before returning to the Yankees. Most of his development years were spent in the minors, where he pitched extensively at Triple-A Syracuse and became a durable, frequently used arm.

His Major League career was brief and scattered. After not appearing in the big leagues again until 1971, Closter pitched intermittently for the New York Yankees as a reliever and occasional starter, before finishing his MLB career with the Atlanta Braves in 1973. Across four seasons in the majors, he appeared in 21 games and finished with a 2–2 record and a 6.62 ERA.

After retiring from baseball, Closter built a long career with Philip Morris International in product development work focused on Latin America and lived in Virginia. He remained connected to the sport through recognition from Syracuse baseball circles, including induction into its Wall of Fame in 2006. He died in 2026 at the age of 82.

Also, who was Wes Gardner?

Wes Gardner was an American Major League Baseball pitcher who played in the majors from 1984 to 1991 for the New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, San Diego Padres, and Kansas City Royals. Born in Benton, Arkansas in 1961, he was drafted by the Mets in 1982 out of the University of Central Arkansas and made his MLB debut in 1984, throwing a perfect ninth inning in a loss to the Cubs.

Gardner spent his early career as a swingman with the Mets before being traded to the Boston Red Sox in late 1985. In Boston, he had the most notable stretch of his career. He became the team’s closer in 1987, leading the club in saves, and in 1988 transitioned into the starting rotation, where he posted career-best numbers, including 8 wins, 106 strikeouts, and a 3.50 ERA. He also made his only postseason appearance that year in the American League Championship Series against Oakland.

After two more seasons in Boston, his performance declined. He was traded to the Padres in 1990 but struggled and was released in 1991. He briefly caught on with the Royals, spending most of his time in the minors and making only a short, effective relief stint in the majors before being released again, ending his MLB career.

Across eight seasons, Gardner finished with an 18–30 record, a 4.90 ERA, and 358 strikeouts in 189 games. He was inducted into the University of Central Arkansas Hall of Fame in 2001. Gardner died in 2026 at the age of 65 in his hometown of Benton, Arkansas.

Pedro Pacheco Figueroa was a Puerto Rican amateur baseball player born in 1933 who helped win a national title in 1957 and later represented Puerto Rico in international competitions, earning medals at the 1966 Central American and Caribbean Games and the 1967 Pan American Games. Beyond baseball, he was inducted into the Puerto Rican Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame in 1986 and served as a legislator in Ponce for 20 years before his death in 2026.

David Pierce was a minor league baseball player from North Carolina who played multiple positions from 1949 to 1954 for several teams, including the Lumberton Auctioneers and Erie Senators. After his playing career, he returned to Appalachian State Teachers College as a coach in 1959–1960 before his death in 2026.