Today's offering. Who was Ed Ott? Nathan Edward Ott (July 11, 1951 – March 3, 2024), nicknamed "Otter," was an American professional baseball player, coach, and manager. A catcher in Major League Baseball, Ott played for the Pittsburgh Pirates and California Angels from 1974 to 1981. He was a key member of the 1979 World Series champion Pirates, contributing both defensively and offensively. Known for his tough, no-nonsense playing style, Ott was involved in a notable altercation in 1977 that ended the career of Mets' second baseman Felix Millán. After his playing days, Ott transitioned to coaching, working for teams such as the Houston Astros and Detroit Tigers. He also managed several independent league teams, including the Allentown Ambassadors and Sussex Skyhawks. Ott was recognized for his leadership both on and off the field, particularly during the Pirates’ championship run. He died in 2024 at the age of 72 in his home state of Pennsylvania. Who was Bill Plummer? William Francis Plummer (March 21, 1947 – March 12, 2024) was an American professional baseball player and manager, best known for his role as a backup catcher to Johnny Bench during the Cincinnati Reds' "Big Red Machine" era, when the team won two World Series championships. Plummer played for the Reds, Chicago Cubs, and Seattle Mariners, spending most of his career as a defensive catcher. Although not a regular starter, he was praised for his work ethic and fitness. After retiring as a player, Plummer transitioned into coaching and managing, working in the minor leagues and with various MLB organizations, including a brief stint as the Seattle Mariners' manager in 1992. His managerial career spanned over two decades, with notable success in winter leagues and independent baseball, earning several accolades. Plummer's contributions to baseball extended beyond his playing days, with a lasting impact as a coach and mentor. He passed away in 2024 at the age of 76, leaving a legacy in both major and minor league baseball. Who was John Pregenzer? John Arthur Pregenzer (August 2, 1932 – January 31, 2024) was an American professional baseball pitcher who played parts of two Major League Baseball seasons with the San Francisco Giants in 1963 and 1964. Standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 220 pounds, Pregenzer hailed from Burlington, Wisconsin, and attended Illinois Wesleyan University. After being signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates, he was traded to the Giants, a transaction that caught the attention of Novella O'Hara, a San Francisco Chronicle columnist. Amused by the modest $100 fee paid for Pregenzer, O'Hara humorously founded the John Pregenzer Fan Club, which attracted 3,000 members at its peak. During his brief MLB career, Pregenzer appeared in 19 games, going 2-0 with 13 strikeouts and one save over 27⅔ innings. Despite his short stint in the majors, he found success in the minor leagues, where he played for eight seasons, compiling a 66-49 record with a 3.67 ERA. In the offseason, Pregenzer was a school teacher in Fresno, California, and later taught and coached in Washington state after retiring from baseball. He spent his later years in Puyallup, Washington, and passed away in Paris, Missouri, at the age of 91.