Baseball passings 2026

[Cowtipper]

Bob Duliba died.

https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/sports/2026/04/former-red-sox-cardinals-pitcher-pa-native-dead-at-91.html

Who was Bob Duliba?

Bob Duliba was an American Major League Baseball relief pitcher who played from 1959 to 1967 for the St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Angels, Boston Red Sox, and Kansas City Athletics. A right-hander, he made his MLB debut in 1959 and worked exclusively out of the bullpen, finishing his career with a 17–12 record, a 3.47 earned run average, and 14 saves across 176 appearances.

Duliba’s most productive stretch came in the early 1960s, including a strong 1962 season with St. Louis and a busy 1964 campaign with the Angels, when he ranked among the American League leaders in games pitched and games finished. After a trade to Boston, he led the Red Sox pitching staff in ERA in 1965, demonstrating consistent effectiveness as a reliever before closing out his major league career with Kansas City in 1967.

Originally signed by the Cardinals organization as a teenager, Duliba spent several years developing in the minor leagues and also served three years in the military before reaching the majors. Following his playing career, he remained involved in baseball as a coach and educator, including serving as a college head coach, and lived a long life after the game, passing away in 2026 at the age of 91.

Tom Nieto died.

https://www.pennlive.com/sports/2026/04/former-phillies-catcher-world-series-champion-dies-suddenly-at-65.html

Who was Tom Nieto?

Tom Nieto was an American professional baseball catcher who played in Major League Baseball from 1984 to 1990 for the St. Louis Cardinals, Montreal Expos, Minnesota Twins, and Philadelphia Phillies. A right-handed hitter and thrower, he compiled a .205 batting average with 5 home runs and 69 RBIs over his career, and was part of the Cardinals team that reached the 1985 World Series.

After his playing days, Nieto built a lengthy career in baseball as a coach and manager, including working with the New York Yankees and New York Mets in various roles such as catching instructor and first base coach. He was part of the Mets’ coaching staff until 2008, when he was dismissed alongside manager Willie Randolph during the season.

Nieto later managed in the minor leagues, notably leading the New Britain Rock Cats to a playoff berth and serving as manager of the Rochester Red Wings, the Triple-A affiliate of the Twins. Over a long post-playing career, he remained active in player development and coaching before his death in 2026 at the age of 65.

[MFS62]

I remember him being called ,”Ach Duliba”

rip

later

[Cowtipper]

Danny Miranda died.

https://www.acn.cu/deportes/silencio-en-los-diamantes-cuba-despide-a-danny-miranda

Who was Danny Miranda?

Danny Miranda Agramonte (1978–2026) was a Cuban first baseman and left fielder who spent his entire career with Ciego de Ávila in the Cuban National Series, earning recognition as a consistent power hitter and key contributor to his team’s offense. He represented Cuba internationally, most notably winning a gold medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics, and enjoyed several strong seasons, including a standout 2005–06 campaign with 18 home runs and a .310 batting average, before retiring after the 2007–08 season.

[Frayed Knot]

Davey Lopes - 80, Complications of Parkinson's

Most known for his 557 career stolen bases including 47 in his age 40 season (overall 83% success rate) and being the 2B representative in the quartet of long-running 1970s era Dodger infield. But was also an above average hitter (career 107 OPS+) coming up in an era where quick middle infielders weren't expected to be so.

Rhode Island born with African/Portuguese heritage via the Cape Verde islands, the family went with an Americanized pronunciation of Lopes rather than the more common Lo-PES

The remaining three forming the rest of that all 6-foot-and-under infield: 1B Steve Garvey, SS Bill Russel, 3B Ron Cey, all survive him.

[Cowtipper]

He'd been sick for a while and I think there were rumors he was on death's doorstep in 2025. 

Who was Davey Lopes?

Davey Lopes was an American Major League Baseball second baseman, coach, and manager best known for his speed, leadership, and long tenure with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Debuting in 1972 at age 27, he became a key member of a historic Dodgers infield alongside Steve Garvey, Bill Russell, and Ron Cey, earning four All-Star selections, a Gold Glove, and a reputation as one of the most efficient base stealers in MLB history with 557 career steals and an elite success rate. Lopes combined speed with surprising power, highlighted by a 28-home run season in 1979, and played a major role in the Dodgers’ 1981 World Series championship.

After his playing career (1972–1987), Lopes spent nearly three decades as a coach and manager, including managing the Milwaukee Brewers from 2000 to 2002 and serving as a respected base-running coach for several teams. He was especially influential with the Philadelphia Phillies, helping them achieve historically high stolen-base efficiency during his tenure. Known for his intensity and leadership, Lopes remained active in baseball until retiring from coaching in 2017.

Off the field, Lopes was a Rhode Island native of Cape Verdean descent and battled prostate cancer later in life. He died on April 8, 2026, at age 80 from complications related to Parkinson’s disease, leaving behind a legacy as one of baseball’s most effective leadoff hitters and base stealers, as well as a respected teacher of the game.

Also, Chuck Nieson died. 

https://www.mundwilerfuneralhome.net/obituaries/charles-chuck-nieson

Who was Chuck Nieson? 

Chuck Nieson was an American Major League Baseball pitcher whose brief but unusual big-league career came in a two-game stint with the Minnesota Twins in 1964. Born in Hanford, California, he played college baseball at Fresno State and spent several years developing in the minor leagues before earning a late-season call-up at age 21.

Nieson made his MLB debut on September 18, 1964, and appeared in just two games, pitching a total of two innings. Despite the extremely small sample size, he delivered a remarkable statistical anomaly—striking out 5 of the 8 batters he faced (62.5%), which stands as the highest career strikeout percentage in MLB history among pitchers with at least two batters faced. The only hit he allowed was a home run to Frank Malzone.

Though his major league career was fleeting, Nieson continued pitching in the minors through 1969, compiling solid strikeout numbers and several productive seasons across multiple levels. He later lived in Minnesota and remained largely out of the spotlight. Nieson died on April 7, 2026, at the age of 83, remembered for his brief but statistically unique place in baseball history.

[stevejrogers]

Davey Lopes

https://www.mlb.com/amp/news/davey-lopes-dies.html

[seawolf17]

Lopes was the starting second baseman on the All-Mustache Team during the Heyday of Baseball Mustaches. That's saying something.

[Cowtipper]

Browning Nagle died.

https://www.cardchronicle.com/football/101839/louisville-football-legend-browning-nagle-dies

Who was Browning Nagle?

Browning Nagle (1968–2026) was an American quarterback who played in the NFL for the New York Jets, Indianapolis Colts, and Atlanta Falcons after being selected in the second round of the 1991 draft. A standout college player at the University of Louisville, he gained national attention with a record-setting performance in the 1991 Fiesta Bowl, but struggled to translate that success to the NFL, finishing with modest career statistics and a 53.5 passer rating. He later revitalized his career in the Arena Football League, excelling with the Orlando Predators and Buffalo Destroyers. Notably, Nagle had also been a promising baseball pitcher in his youth and was drafted by the California Angels despite focusing on football instead of pursuing a baseball career. He died on April 10, 2026, at age 57 from colon cancer.

[Cowtipper]

Billy Bryan died.

https://www.jeffcoattrant.com/obituary/Billy-Bryan

Who was Billy Bryan?

William Ronald “Billy” Bryan (1938–2026) was an American Major League Baseball catcher who played eight seasons in the big leagues between 1961 and 1968. A left-handed hitter and right-handed thrower, he spent most of his career with the Kansas City Athletics, with later stints for the New York Yankees and Washington Senators. Though he showed occasional power—hitting 41 home runs—Bryan compiled a modest .216 batting average over 374 career games.

Bryan found early success in the minor leagues and was a regular or semi-regular catcher for the Athletics in the mid-1960s. He is notably remembered for catching Hall of Fame pitcher Satchel Paige during Paige’s final major league appearance in 1965. Bryan retired from professional baseball in 1970 after 11 seasons and passed away at the age of 87 in 2026.

[Frayed Knot]

Seems like an odd spot to make notice of Browning Nagle's death, but OK.

[Cowtipper]

It was his being drafted by the Angels that was interesting to me. 

Phil Garner died.

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/04/phil-garner-passes-away.html

Who was Phil Garner?

Phil Garner, nicknamed “Scrap Iron,” was a gritty and versatile infielder who enjoyed a 16-year Major League Baseball career from 1973 to 1988, followed by a lengthy tenure as a coach and manager. A Tennessee native and University of Tennessee standout, Garner overcame early draft confusion and a slow path through the minors to become a reliable second and third baseman, earning three All-Star selections and helping the Pittsburgh Pirates win the 1979 World Series, where he starred with a .500 batting average.

Known for his hustle, toughness, and blue-collar style, Garner became a fan favorite in Pittsburgh and later played key roles with the Houston Astros and other clubs, finishing with a .260 career average and over 200 stolen bases. After retiring, he transitioned into managing, leading the Milwaukee Brewers, Detroit Tigers, and Astros, most notably guiding Houston to its first World Series appearance in 2005. Despite mixed long-term results as a manager, Garner remained respected for his leadership and competitive intensity, and he later served as a special advisor in baseball operations.

[Frayed Knot]

On 4/9/2026 at 8:27 AM, seawolf17 said:

Lopes was the starting second baseman on the All-Mustache Team during the Heyday of Baseball Mustaches. That's saying something.

And, as noted at the top of the broadcast, All-Mushtache All-Star infielder Phil Garner has passed on. He, like Lopes, is also a former manager and a member of the 200+ SB club.

[Edgy MD]

Lopes and Garner in a weekend is tough.

Sheesh, keep a real close eye on Felix Millan, wouldya?

[Edgy MD]

[cal sharpie]

I was working at a law firm in San  Francisco in the early ‘80’s. I remember a young woman who worked there was having an affair with Phil Garner and how she was excited the Pirates were coming to SF.  They would go off on his motorcycle.

[Edgy MD]

Damn, Phil. 

Did he take his bike on the plane, or did he have one in every port?

[metirish]

Angels announce that Garret Anderson has died ,hell of a player 

[Cowtipper]

They say deaths happen in three, and Lopes + Garner + Anderson are three pretty big baseball deaths in a row. 

[Frayed Knot]

Sometimes it's tough to get a good read on a player, even a good and long lasting one, when he spends (virtually) his whole career one league, two divisions, and three time zones away from us National League guys here on the east coast. And, aside from their WS year in 2002, the Angels post-season history during Garret Anderson's time consisted of just five series [2004, 2005, 2007, 2008] in which they lost four and had a combined W/L record of 5-15. So much for national exposure.

What I remember most from him was that he hit doubles by the bushel, He led the league twice (49 & 56) while racking up 522 for his career [50th best]. His biggest flaw that he rarely drew walks so his excellent .293 lifetime BA was part of a comparatively paltry .324 OBA due to a walk rate that was less than half that of an average batter.

For the California/Los Angeles/Anaheim/Orange County Angels he holds the career franchise mark for Games played, ABs/PAs, Runs Scored, Hits, Total Bases, Doubles, and XBHs, and is 3rd in career BA behind only Vlad Sr. and Rod Carew.

 

[Johnny Lunchbucket]

If you told me Garret Anderson was still playing I might have believed you. 

[Cowtipper]

Who was Garret Anderson?

Garret Anderson was an American Major League Baseball left fielder who played 17 seasons from 1994 to 2010, most notably with the California/Anaheim/Los Angeles Angels franchise. Born in 1972 in Los Angeles, he was a multi-sport standout in high school before choosing professional baseball after being drafted by the Angels.

Anderson quickly became a core player for the Angels, debuting in 1994 and earning a full-time role by 1995, when he finished second in Rookie of the Year voting. Over the next decade, he was one of the most consistent hitters in the league, regularly producing high batting averages, strong RBI totals, and steady run production, though his relatively low walk rate limited his on-base percentage.

He was a key contributor to the Angels’ 2002 World Series championship team, including a pivotal three-run double in Game 7. Anderson was a three-time All-Star (2002, 2003, 2005), won the All-Star Game MVP in 2003, and earned two Silver Slugger Awards. He set numerous franchise records for the Angels, including hits, games played, RBIs, and total bases.

After leaving the Angels in 2008, he played briefly for the Atlanta Braves in 2009 and the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2010 before retiring in 2011. He later worked in broadcasting and was inducted into the Angels Hall of Fame in 2016.

Anderson died unexpectedly of a heart attack in 2026 at age 53. The Angels honored him with a tribute and a commemorative uniform patch following his death.

[MFS62]

On 4/19/2026 at 8:47 AM, Johnny Lunchbucket said:

If you told me Garret Anderson was still playing I might have believed you. 

Seems like he was always around, like Andrew mccutcheon. 
later

[Cowtipper]

Dennis Paepke died in 2021, but his death was not confirmed until recently.

https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=paepkde01

Who was Dennis Paepke?

Dennis Ray Paepke was an American professional baseball catcher who appeared in parts of four Major League Baseball seasons with the Kansas City Royals between 1969 and 1974. Born in 1945 in Long Beach, California, he was a standout high school hitter before beginning his professional career in the Los Angeles Angels organization, where he was also connected through his father, Jack Paepke, who worked as an MLB coach.

Paepke spent several years developing in the minor leagues before being traded to the expansion Royals in 1968 as part of a notable early franchise deal. He made his MLB debut in 1969 but saw limited action initially, struggling at the plate. His most active season came in 1971, when he played in 60 games and hit his only two major league home runs, though he continued to post a low batting average.

Over his brief MLB career, Paepke played in 80 games, collecting 36 hits, 2 home runs, and a .183 batting average. He spent much of his career alternating between the majors and the minors, primarily with Omaha. A severe arm injury in 1974—caused by a spike on the field—significantly impacted his career and contributed to his retirement after the 1975 minor league season.

Paepke is remembered as a light-hitting catcher who briefly contributed during the early years of the Kansas City Royals franchise before injuries ended his playing days. He died in 2021 at the age of 75 or 76.

Also...

Ken Salmon (1941-2026) was a right-handed pitcher who played in the Pittsburgh Pirates and Los Angeles Dodgers minor league systems, highlighted by strong seasons in 1963–64 including a 10–7 record and a league-leading four shutouts in the Northern League. After his baseball career, he earned a law degree, joined the FBI, and later became a Pittsburgh attorney and legal counsel for the Pirates’ ownership.

[Cowtipper]

Corky Withrow died.

https://obits.glennfuneralhome.com/raymond-withrow

Who was Corky Withrow?

Corky Withrow was a power-hitting minor league outfielder who slugged over 200 home runs during his career but saw only a brief stint in the majors, appearing in six games for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1963 without recording a hit. Originally a standout high school and college basketball player, he even drew interest from the Philadelphia 76ers, highlighting his rare dual-sport athleticism. Despite his short MLB career, Withrow spent a decade in the minors, where his consistent power made him a notable figure. His life and career were later chronicled in his 2016 biography Uncorked!.

[Cowtipper]

Ellie Rodriguez died.

https://espndeportes.espn.com/beisbol/nota/_/id/16615898/mlb-2026-fallece-ellie-rodriguez-receptor-no-hitter-nolan-ryan

Who was Ellie Rodriguez?

Ellie Rodríguez was a Puerto Rican catcher who played in Major League Baseball from 1968 to 1976, earning two All-Star selections and becoming the first representative for the Kansas City Royals in their inaugural 1969 season. Known more for his defense than his bat, he built a solid career across several teams, including the Milwaukee Brewers and California Angels, where he caught one of Nolan Ryan’s record seven no-hitters in 1975. One of the few Puerto Rican catchers in the majors during his era, Rodríguez was also highly regarded for his defensive skills, leading the league in multiple catching categories. After his playing career, he remained involved in baseball as a coach, manager, and developmental consultant, continuing to influence the game until his later years.

John Edelman died.

https://www.stretchfuneralhome.com/obituaries/obituary-listings?obId=48104984

Who was John Edelman?

John Edelman was a brief major league pitcher who debuted as a 19-year-old “bonus baby” with the Milwaukee Braves in 1955, appearing in five games without recording a decision. His professional career was short-lived, ending by age 21 after minor league stints with the New York Giants organization. After leaving baseball, Edelman returned to school, became a teacher and coach, and later led his former high school team to a championship, marking a successful second career beyond the game.

Also...

Brian Kirby was a versatile minor league player who competed from 2001 to 2005, reaching Triple-A briefly after stints in the Cleveland Indians and Colorado Rockies organizations, primarily contributing as a multi-position hitter with occasional power. After retiring from baseball, he became an HVAC business owner in Arkansas, and his life was cut short in 2026 at age 46 in a tragic workplace accident.

Brian Edgerly (1943-2026) was an accomplished amateur athlete who starred at Colgate University, leading the nation in batting average in 1964 and earning All-American honors before representing the United States at the 1964 Summer Olympics. He later played briefly in the Boston Red Sox minor league system and was inducted into Colgate’s Hall of Honor, capping a distinguished multi-sport collegiate career.

Isami Okamoto, who died in 2026, was a standout second baseman in Nippon Professional Baseball who played 13 seasons, highlighted by a 1953 MVP-caliber year in which he won the batting title and multiple Best Nine awards. A key member of the Nankai Hawks, he later transitioned into coaching and managing, remaining influential in Japanese baseball for decades after his playing career.

[Cowtipper]

Luis Isaac died.

https://www.cleveland.com/guardians/2026/04/guardians-announce-former-longtime-bullpen-coach-has-passed-away-at-79.html 

Who was Luis Isaac?

Luis Isaac was a Puerto Rican catcher who spent nearly two decades in the minor leagues before transitioning into a long career as a coach, manager, and scout, primarily within the Cleveland Indians organization. Best known for his 44-year tenure with the club, he served multiple stints as bullpen coach and remained a steady presence in player development until his dismissal in 2008, leaving behind a legacy as a deeply embedded and respected baseball lifer.

[Cowtipper]

Conrad "Randy" Cardinal died.

https://www.metcalfbonzomortuary.com/obituaries/conrad-cardinal

Who was Conrad Cardinal?

Conrad Cardinal, also known as Randy Cardinal, was an American professional baseball pitcher who had a brief Major League Baseball career with the Houston Colt .45s in 1963. Born in Brooklyn, New York, he began his professional career in 1962 in the Detroit Tigers’ minor league system, where he showed promise with a strong debut season.

Selected by Houston in the Rule V Draft, Cardinal made the major league roster and appeared in six games early in the 1963 season. His most notable moment came in his debut, when he struck out Hall of Famer Willie Mays. However, his overall MLB performance was modest, finishing with a 0–1 record and a 6.08 ERA. After a short stint in the majors, he was sent back to the minor leagues, where he continued playing until 1965 but never returned to the big leagues.

Cardinal’s professional career spanned four years, mostly in the minors, and he remained a relatively obscure figure in baseball history. He passed away in 2026 at the age of 84.

Also...

Billy Cork (1954–2026) was an American high school and college baseball coach, serving as head coach at Birch Run High School and later at Delta College, where he progressed from assistant coach in 2021 to head coach from 2022 to 2025. Beyond baseball, he was active in youth sports coaching for basketball and football, bowled regularly, and remained involved in his church throughout his life.

[Cowtipper]

Bob Skinner died.

https://nypost.com/2026/05/05/sports/bob-skinner-three-time-world-series-champion-dead-at-94/

Who was Bob Skinner?

Bob Skinner was an American professional baseball player, manager, coach, and scout whose career in the sport spanned more than five decades. Born in 1931 in La Jolla, California, he showed early promise as a hitter and signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates after a brief stint in junior college. His development was interrupted by service in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War, but he returned to baseball and reached the major leagues in 1954.

Skinner played 12 seasons in Major League Baseball, primarily with the Pirates, and later with the Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals. Originally a first baseman, he found greater success after transitioning to left field. Known for his smooth “pretty swing,” he became a consistent hitter, highlighted by a standout 1958 season when he batted .321 and earned All-Star honors. He was also an All-Star in 1960, the same year he helped the Pirates win the World Series. Later, he contributed to another championship with the Cardinals in 1964. Over his playing career, he compiled a .277 batting average with 103 home runs.

After retiring as a player in 1966, Skinner moved into managing and coaching. He found early success managing in the minor leagues, winning a championship and Manager of the Year honors in 1967. He then managed the Philadelphia Phillies from 1968 to 1969, though his tenure was marked by internal conflicts and inconsistent team performance, leading to his resignation. He later briefly managed the San Diego Padres and spent many years as a hitting coach and assistant with multiple teams, including long stints with the Pirates. He also managed in the minors again before transitioning into scouting.

Beyond the field, Skinner worked as a broadcaster and held various offseason jobs earlier in his life. He was part of a baseball family, with his son Joel also becoming a major league player and manager. Skinner was honored for his contributions to sports in San Diego and remained involved in baseball well into later life.

He died in 2026 at the age of 94, remembered as a respected figure in baseball for both his playing career and his long service to the game in many roles.

Ted Turner died.

https://apnews.com/article/ted-turner-cnn-death-obit-4ec07d2aecea43aa86f92b294d32e410

Who was Ted Turner?

Ted Turner (1938–2026) was an influential American media entrepreneur, businessman, and philanthropist best known for transforming television and cable news. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and raised in the South, Turner took over his father’s struggling billboard business after his father’s death and expanded it into a successful media enterprise. His bold, risk-taking approach led him into broadcasting, where he built a communications empire.

Turner’s most significant achievement was founding CNN in 1980, the world’s first 24-hour cable news network, which revolutionized how news was delivered and consumed globally. He also launched WTBS, pioneering the “superstation” concept by broadcasting a local Atlanta station nationwide via satellite, and later created TNT and Cartoon Network. His ventures helped shape modern cable television and expanded the reach of sports and entertainment programming.

Beyond media, Turner owned several professional sports teams, including the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Hawks, using his networks to boost their national visibility. He also had a long-running rivalry with media mogul Rupert Murdoch. In 1996, Turner merged his company with Time Warner, marking a major turning point in the media industry and reducing his direct control over his empire.

Turner was also known for his outspoken personality and controversial remarks, particularly on politics, religion, and population control. At the same time, he became a major philanthropist, co-founding the Nuclear Threat Initiative and donating large portions of his wealth to global causes. He was also involved in environmental efforts and business ventures like Ted’s Montana Grill.

In his personal life, Turner was married three times, including to actress Jane Fonda, and had five children. He was also an accomplished sailor, winning major competitions including the America’s Cup.

Ted Turner died in 2026 at the age of 87. He is remembered as a pioneering figure who reshaped global media, introduced continuous news coverage, and combined business ambition with a strong commitment to philanthropy and environmental advocacy.

[MFS62]

Bob Skinner's nickname was dog, one of a number of colorful nicknames on the 1960 Pirates championship team.

RIP

Later

[Edgy MD]

If you're going to be Ted Turner and manage one game, have the good sense to do it with a Hall of Famer on the mound.  Unfortunately, Phil Niekro was off to as terrible a start as the rest of the team.  Phil would turn it around that season, but the rest of the Braves, not so much.

All that said, the arbitrary rule stopping him from managing was bullshit.  Plenty of owners have managed their teams in baseball history, and the world kept turning.