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.