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.

Both Alonso and Diaz have opted out. Mets decline option on Drew Smith, potentially ending the Mets career of (surprisingly) one of the team's longest-tenured players. Mets bring aboard pitcher Joey Gerber.

Mets acquire pitcher Joey Gerber in a trade. He's done well in limited MLB duty. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/11/mets-acquire-joey-gerber.html https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gerbejo01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-11-04_br

Yes, that's why I said "so far," which makes me technically correct, and technically correct is the best correct to be.

There seems to be a trend toward electing at least one guy per committee lately (last shutout was 2016) and two seems the most common number electees in this most recent run of elections (2017-today) so I expect two will be elected. If more modern guys are on the committee, I could see more lenience toward the steroid guys.

I've been following Wyatt Hee-Wah Asami Young, a Honolulu native, for a few years. His .370/.426/.478 slash line for the FCL Mets his first pro year (2021) enticed me and his .352/.446/.437 line in 19 games for Triple-A Syracuse in just his second year (2022) enticed me even more. He has been a bit inconsistent since then (BAs of .220, 287 and .244 from 2023 to 2025, respectively), but his career OBP is still .359, and he had a .365 mark for Binghamton in 2025. He'll be 26 years old in 2026, so hopefully he goes beyond Double-A, but I have hope for this guy.

Did you forget about him? Christian Scott: Scott (elbow) expects to be a full participant during spring training, Will Sammon of The Athletic reports. Recovering from a hybrid Tommy John and internal brace procedure on his right elbow, Scott was scheduled to throw a live bullpen session Tuesday. It was the fourth time he's faced hitters since the September 2024 surgery and the second time he's done so on a five-day schedule. The righty said he's been sitting around 94 mph and touching 96 mph during his bullpen sessions. Scott will now go through a de-loading period before ramping his throwing back up in January. While Scott could be slow-played at the start of spring training following a long layoff, he should be ready to go for the start of the regular season. A spot in the Opening Day rotation is unlikely, but the 26-year-old could be part of the Mets' rotation at some point in 2026. Injury Elbow. Est. Return 2/1/2026.

With the 2025 World Series now in the rearview, all-time great Clayton Kershaw is officially retired. Very few players truly awe me, but Kershaw was one of them.

It begins: Jesse Winker Ryan Helsley Griffin Canning Ryne Stanek Starling Marte Cedric Mullins Gregory Soto Tyler Rogers all elected free agency. Only one I truly want back is Rogers. Canning might be worth a shot. Marte should be brought back if he's willing to take a reserve role. Mullins is young enough that he still has upside, but he'd need to be in a reserve role (though I think they'd try to shoehorn him in too much, like they did with Tyrone Taylor). No truly major losses so far bodes well for next year.

Since there's so few players left, I think I'll call this project done for now. If anyone catches any stragglers, let me know.

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.

She was still alive?

I like the black ones, because that's what I grew up with. Don't get the City Connect colors. Not seeing the allure of brutalist, bleak grey.

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.

Mets sign some fella named Roberto Pena.

I thought debriding is when a man gets divorced.

John Morris died. https://www.newsweek.com/sports/mlb/former-phillies-orioles-pitcher-dies-10908554 Who was John Morris? John Wallace Morris was an American Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher, born on August 23, 1941, in Lewes, Delaware, and passed away on October 15, 2025, in Scottsdale, Arizona, at the age of 84. A right-handed batter and left-handed pitcher, Morris played professionally from 1966 to 1974, appearing primarily as a relief pitcher in 132 MLB games. After signing with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1960, Morris spent over five years in the minors before making his MLB debut in July 1966. His career included stints with the Phillies, Baltimore Orioles, Seattle Pilots (later the Milwaukee Brewers), and San Francisco Giants. Notably, he threw his only two complete games in May 1970 for the Brewers, including a three-hit win over the New York Yankees. Over his MLB career, Morris compiled an 11–7 win–loss record, a 3.95 earned run average (ERA), and 137 strikeouts across 232⅓ innings. He was inducted into the Delaware Sports Hall of Fame in 1987, honoring his contributions to the sport. Morris also played winter ball in Venezuela and was recognized for his impact on and off the field throughout his baseball journey. --- Jesus Montero was supposed to be a wunderkind. A Baseball America Top-40 prospect four years in a row, and a top-10 the last three of those four years (ranked # 4, 3 and 6, respectively). Who was Jesus Montero? Jesús Alejandro Montero López (November 28, 1989 – October 19, 2025) was a Venezuelan professional baseball catcher and first baseman who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Yankees (2011) and Seattle Mariners (2012–2015). Signed by the Yankees in 2006 as a top international prospect with a $1.6 million bonus, Montero quickly rose through the minor leagues, earning accolades as one of baseball’s premier prospects, including rankings as high as third overall by Baseball America. Known for his powerful bat, he debuted with the Yankees in September 2011, hitting .328 with four home runs in 18 games. Traded to the Mariners in 2012 for pitcher Michael Pineda, Montero’s rookie season saw him play 135 games, batting .260 with 15 home runs and 62 RBIs. However, his performance declined in 2013, leading to a demotion to Triple-A and a 50-game suspension for involvement in the Biogenesis scandal. Struggles continued in 2014 and 2015, exacerbated by weight issues and a notable altercation involving an ice cream sandwich thrown at a scout. Montero spent his final MLB season in 2015 with the Mariners, finishing with a .223 average. After being claimed by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2016, Montero played in their minor league system, earning International League All-Star honors, but received another 50-game suspension for a banned substance. In 2017, he signed with the Baltimore Orioles’ minor league team but was released after a poor performance. Montero later played briefly for the Sultanes de Monterrey and Generales de Durango in the Mexican League in 2017 and 2018, respectively, before being released by both. Montero died on October 19, 2025, at age 35, following a motorcycle collision in Valencia, Venezuela, on October 4, 2025, which caused severe injuries, including six broken ribs, a punctured lung, and other complications. He left behind two children with Venezuelan fitness model Taneth Giménez.

I can't imagine there's too many Mets-linked individuals left to cover outside of random signees (from the DR, indy ball, etc.) but those are too plentiful to cover and it would be too time-consuming to cover them all. I'll keep plugging along, however. Arturo Lopez, who played in the Mets system in 2009, pitched an inning for the Diablos Rojos del Mexico in 2025, allowing 2 hits but no runs.

Ted Wills died in March. https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=willste01 Who was Ted Wills? Ted Wills (1934–2025) was an American left-handed pitcher who appeared in parts of five Major League Baseball seasons between 1959 and 1965 with the Boston Red Sox, Cincinnati Reds, and Chicago White Sox. Born in Fresno, California, and a graduate of Fresno State University, Wills was signed by the Red Sox in 1955 and spent four years in the minors before debuting in 1959. Over his MLB career, he compiled an 8–11 record with a 5.46 ERA, pitching in 83 games (13 starts) and striking out 133 batters across 186⅓ innings. Though primarily a reliever, he achieved his best season in 1965, posting a 2.84 ERA in 15 appearances for the White Sox. A capable hitter for a pitcher, he batted .250 in 44 at-bats, though fielding was considered his weakest skill. Before and after his major-league stints, Wills pitched successfully in the minors for teams such as the San Jose Red Sox, Chattanooga Lookouts, and San Diego Padres (PCL). Following his retirement from baseball in 1965, he worked in the insurance business and lived in Clovis, California. His father, Ted C. Wills Sr., served as mayor of Fresno from 1969 to 1977. Ted Wills Jr. died on March 7, 2025, at the age of 91. Who was Sandy Alomar Sr.? Sandy Alomar Sr. (Santos Alomar Conde) (October 19, 1943 – October 13, 2025) was a Puerto Rican Major League Baseball second baseman, coach, and manager whose career spanned nearly five decades. A versatile switch-hitter and skilled defensive infielder, Alomar played 14 MLB seasons from 1964 to 1978 for six teams, most notably the California Angels, where he earned All-Star honors in 1970 and became known as the “Iron Pony” for his streak of 648 consecutive games played. Born and raised in Salinas, Puerto Rico, Alomar signed with the Milwaukee Braves at 17 and worked his way up through the minors before debuting in 1964. Over his career, he played for the Braves, Mets, White Sox, Angels, Yankees, and Rangers, appearing in 1,481 games with a .245 batting average, 13 home runs, 282 RBIs, and 227 stolen bases. While his offense was modest, his defensive reliability and base-running skill made him a respected and steady presence on the field. After retiring as a player, Alomar became a long-time coach and manager, working with the San Diego Padres (1986–1990), Chicago Cubs (2000–2002), Colorado Rockies (2003–2004), and New York Mets (2005–2009). He also managed in the Puerto Rican Winter League and in the minor leagues, including the Gulf Coast League Cubs and Mets. Alomar was the patriarch of one of baseball’s most accomplished families. His sons Sandy Alomar Jr., a six-time All-Star and 1990 AL Rookie of the Year, and Roberto Alomar, a 12-time All-Star and Hall of Fame second baseman, both followed in his footsteps. Sandy Alomar Sr. died in his hometown of Salinas at age 81, leaving a legacy as both a cornerstone of Puerto Rican baseball and the father of two of the game’s greats. Who was Larry Burright? Larry Burright (1937–2025) was an American professional baseball player who served as a second baseman and shortstop for the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets between 1962 and 1964. Born in Roseville, Illinois, and raised in Alhambra, California, Burright attended Mark Keppel High School and Fullerton College before signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers organization in 1957. A right-handed batter and thrower, Burright made his Major League debut in 1962, starting 69 games at second base for the Dodgers during their 105-win season. Though regarded as a solid fielder, he struggled offensively with a .205 batting average and is remembered for a critical error in the 1962 National League tie-breaker game against the Giants. Traded to the Mets that offseason, he played parts of two more seasons in New York, where he earned the nickname “Possum” for his quiet demeanor and constant smile. Over his brief MLB career, Burright appeared in 159 games, tallying 73 hits, eight doubles, six triples, and four home runs. After retiring from baseball in 1965, he lived a private life away from the game. Burright died on October 14, 2025, at the age of 88.

Chris Owings and Martin Maldonado retired.

Doble publicación

Reed Garrett: Garrett underwent UCL reconstruction on his right elbow Wednesday, Jorge Castillo of ESPN.com reports. Garrett had hope to avoid UCL surgery and treat the injury with a platelet-rich plasma injection, but ultimately it was decided a reconstruction was the best course of action. The righty previously had an operation to move a nerve in his elbow, so he'll be recovering from dual surgeries on his pitching arm. Garrett will not be ready to pitch again until the 2027 season. Est. Return 2/1/2027.

Brett Phillips retired.

Joe Henderson died July 13, 2024. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/el-paso-tx/joseph-henderson-11895544 Who was Joe Henderson? Joseph Lee Henderson (July 4, 1946 – July 13, 2024) was an American professional baseball pitcher who played for the Chicago White Sox and Cincinnati Reds in the 1970s. Born in Lake Cormorant, Mississippi, and raised in Fresno, California, he was drafted by the California Angels in 1965 as a third baseman before converting to pitching. Over a pro career that spanned from 1965 to 1981, Henderson posted standout seasons in the minors, including a 17–4 record to lead the Southern League in wins in 1973 and a no-hitter for the Triple-A Iowa Oaks in 1974. In the majors, Henderson appeared in 16 games across three seasons, compiling a 3–2 record with a 6.69 ERA and 27 strikeouts in 35 innings. He was part of the 1976 World Series champion Cincinnati Reds, though he did not pitch in the postseason. After retiring, he worked for Circle K and helped other former players adjust to life after baseball. Henderson was the uncle of major leaguer Dave Henderson and passed away in 2024 at the age of 78. It's also worth mentioning the passing of Jimmy Carter. https://www.cartercenter.org/news/pr/2024/statement-on-president-jimmy-carter-122924.html Who was Jimmy Carter? James Earl “Jimmy” Carter, Jr. (1924–2024) served as the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981 and later became a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Born and raised in Plains, Georgia, Carter’s presidency and long post-White House life were marked by humanitarian work and an enduring public presence. Though not an avid attendee of Major League Baseball games while in office—he was the only president since William Howard Taft not to throw a regular season ceremonial first pitch—Carter was a passionate softball player. He often played with his Secret Service team, whose members reportedly felt pressure to perform well alongside their athletic boss. Carter’s limited MLB appearances included throwing the ceremonial first pitch before Game 7 of the 1979 World Series in Baltimore and Game 6 of the 1995 World Series. A former Navy officer who once pitched for his submarine’s baseball team, Carter’s athletic enthusiasm was well known and even inspired a 1979 Washington Post parody article joking that he insisted on pitching an entire MLB game. In later years, he became a devoted fan of the Atlanta Braves, frequently attending games with his wife Rosalynn and maintaining a friendship with Hank Aaron, whose record-breaking 715th home run Carter witnessed as Georgia’s governor in 1974. Carter made history again in 2024, becoming the first former U.S. president to reach the age of 100. He passed away later that year in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. More: James Earl Carter Jr., born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, rose from humble beginnings as a peanut farmer to become the 39th President of the United States, serving from 1977 to 1981. After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy and serving in the submarine service, including work on nuclear reactors, Carter returned to Georgia following his father's death, revitalizing the family farm amid economic challenges. He entered politics as a state senator in 1963, advocating for civil rights and education reform, and became Georgia's governor in 1971, where he focused on desegregation, government reorganization, and environmental protection. As a dark-horse candidate in the 1976 presidential election, Carter defeated incumbent Gerald Ford, emphasizing honesty and outsider status post-Watergate. His presidency featured significant foreign policy achievements like the Camp David Accords, Panama Canal Treaties, and normalized relations with China, but was marred by economic stagflation, the 1979 energy crisis, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, and the Iran hostage crisis, leading to his 1980 defeat by Ronald Reagan. After leaving office, Carter dedicated himself to humanitarian efforts, founding the Carter Center in 1982 to promote human rights, democracy, and disease eradication, notably nearly eliminating Guinea worm disease. He mediated global conflicts, monitored elections, and criticized U.S. policies when needed, earning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his post-presidential work. Married to Rosalynn Smith for 77 years until her 2023 death, Carter was a prolific author, Habitat for Humanity volunteer, and Sunday school teacher. Despite health challenges, including cancer in 2015 and falls in 2019, he became the longest-lived U.S. president, reaching 100 in 2024, and entered hospice care in 2023. Carter died on December 29, 2024, leaving a legacy of moral leadership and global peace activism, though his presidency is often ranked below average by historians. Tony Guzzo died. https://odusports.com/news/2024/10/10/former-odu-head-baseball-coach-tony-guzzo-passes-away-at-age-75 Who was Tony Guzzo? Tony Guzzo (January 7, 1949 – October 10, 2024) was an American baseball coach renowned for his decades-long impact on college and high school baseball. A native of Elm City, North Carolina, Guzzo played catcher for East Carolina University, where he also participated in football. He began his coaching career at Norfolk Catholic High School before serving as a graduate assistant at East Carolina. Guzzo became head baseball coach at North Carolina Wesleyan College (1979–1982), leading the team to the NCAA Division III College World Series twice. He then helmed Virginia Commonwealth University’s program (1983–1994), achieving multiple NCAA Regional appearances, and later led Old Dominion University (1995–2004), where he won over 700 games, secured two CAA regular-season titles, and coached future MLB star Justin Verlander. After brief stints as an assistant coach at NC State and Louisburg College, and as a Boston Red Sox area scout, Guzzo returned to Old Dominion in 2017 as an assistant coach, a role he held until his passing in Norfolk, Virginia, in 2024 at age 75. He is remembered for his enduring dedication to the game and the development of players at every level. Over his career, Guzzo amassed more than 700 wins as a head coach, led North Carolina Wesleyan to two NCAA Division III College World Series appearances in 1981 and 1982, and guided teams at VCU and Old Dominion to multiple NCAA Regional appearances. He also coached notable players, including MLB pitcher Justin Verlander, leaving a lasting mark on the programs he led and the athletes he mentored. Eiji Kiyokawa died. https://www.daily.co.jp/baseball/2024/05/13/0017646719.shtml Who was Eiji Kiyokawa? Eiji Kiyokawa (清川 栄治; September 21, 1961 – May 5, 2024) was a Japanese professional baseball pitcher and coach who played 15 seasons in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). A left-handed thrower and batter from Kyoto, Kiyokawa attended Kyoto Commercial High School and Osaka University of Commerce, where he posted a 24–8 record with a 2.91 ERA in college. He signed with the Hiroshima Carp in 1983, gradually establishing himself as a reliable relief pitcher. Kiyokawa became the Carp’s primary left-handed specialist (LOOGY) by 1986, ranking fourth in Central League appearances and pitching effectively in the 1986 Nippon Series. Over his career, he set NPB records for 114 consecutive games without a loss and 438 consecutive relief appearances without a start. He also played for the Kintetsu Buffaloes from 1991 to 1997 before returning to the Carp to finish his playing career. In 15 NPB seasons, Kiyokawa appeared in 438 games, posting a 13–10 record with a 2.94 ERA, 12 saves, and 375 strikeouts across 364 innings. After retiring, he became a respected pitching coach, serving with the Carp, Orix Buffaloes, and Seibu Lions at both first-team and minor-league levels. Kiyokawa passed away from cancer at age 62 in Tokyo Prefecture. His legacy remains as one of Japan’s most durable and consistent relief pitchers. Lai-Fa Lee died. https://sports.ltn.com.tw/news/breakingnews/4834704 Who was Lai-Fa Lee? Lee Lai-fa (李來發; June 28, 1956 – October 16, 2024) was a Taiwanese baseball outfielder and influential manager, best known for leading the Chinese Taipei national team to a silver medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, the first year baseball awarded Olympic medals. Born in Chiayi County, Taiwan, Lee represented his country in multiple international amateur tournaments in the 1970s, including the Amateur World Series, Asian Baseball Championship, and Intercontinental Cup. With no professional league in Taiwan at the time, he played in Japan for the Nankai Hawks from 1980 to 1983, appearing in 25 Pacific League games and recording 16 hits, three home runs, and two doubles. After returning to Taiwan, Lee embarked on a long coaching and managerial career. He coached Chinese Taipei through the 1984 Olympics and multiple international competitions, eventually becoming the national team manager in 1989. His leadership culminated in the 1992 Olympic silver medal, highlighted by a semifinal win over Japan before a loss to Cuba in the final. In domestic professional baseball, Lee managed the Chinatrust Whales of the CPBL from 1997 to 2001 and again in 2004–2008, compiling a 281–274–16 record and guiding the team to its first Taiwan Series appearance in 1999. He also coached Taiwan and professional teams at various international tournaments and in the minors. Lee passed away at age 68 from liver cancer, leaving a legacy as one of Taiwan’s most accomplished figures in baseball, both as a player and a manager.

Gary Gray died. https://obituaries.nola.com/obituary/gary-gray-1093063509 Who was Gary Gray? Gary Gray (1952–2025) was an American Major League Baseball first baseman who played parts of six seasons from 1977 to 1982 with the Texas Rangers, Cleveland Indians, and Seattle Mariners. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, and a former standout at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Gray was drafted by the Rangers in 1974 and quickly established himself as a strong minor league hitter. He made his MLB debut in 1977 and later enjoyed his best season with the Mariners in 1981, hitting 13 home runs in just 208 at-bats while splitting time at first base. Known for his left-handed power and steady defense, Gray remained a respected presence in the clubhouse. After his major league career, he spent several productive seasons in the Mexican League before retiring from professional baseball. He passed away in LaPlace, Louisiana, in 2025 at the age of 72. Also, who was Mike Greenwell? Mike Greenwell (1963–2025) was an American Major League Baseball left fielder who spent his entire 12-year MLB career with the Boston Red Sox (1985–1996), earning the nickname “The Gator.” A career .303 hitter, Greenwell was a two-time All-Star, 1988 Silver Slugger Award winner, and runner-up for the 1988 American League MVP behind Jose Canseco. That season, he hit .325 with 22 home runs and 119 RBIs, and he later set an American League record by driving in all nine of Boston’s runs in a single game in 1996. After leaving MLB, Greenwell briefly played in Japan for the Hanshin Tigers in 1997 before retiring due to injuries. He later worked as a coach in the Cincinnati Reds organization and pursued a second career as a race car driver, competing in NASCAR’s Craftsman Truck Series in 2006. A longtime Florida resident, Greenwell owned “Mike Greenwell’s Bat-A-Ball & Family Fun Park” (later renamed Gator Mike’s) and served as a Lee County Commissioner after being appointed in 2022 and reelected in 2024. He was also a developer and business owner in the Fort Myers area. Greenwell and his wife, Tracy, had two sons—Bo, who played in the minor leagues, and Garrett, a college player. He was also the uncle of MLB player Joey Terdoslavich. In 2025, Greenwell announced he had been diagnosed with medullary thyroid cancer and passed away two months later, on October 9, 2025, at age 62. Also worth noting: Masaaki Koyama died. https://jen.jiji.com/jc/i?g=eco&k=2025042401183 Who was Masaaki Koyama? Masaaki Koyama (小山 正明; July 28, 1934 – April 18, 2025) was a legendary Japanese professional baseball pitcher who played 21 seasons in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), earning over 300 career wins. A right-handed thrower from Akashi, Hyogo, Koyama attended Takasago High School and joined the Osaka Tigers as a batting-practice pitcher in 1952, quickly proving his elite command and joining the roster in 1953. Known for his pinpoint control and devastating slider, he became one of NPB’s most dominant pitchers, winning 20 or more games in multiple seasons and recording seven consecutive 200-strikeout campaigns. Koyama won the prestigious Sawamura Award in 1962, posting a 27–11 record with 13 shutouts—a Central League record—and leading the league in strikeouts. Despite his individual dominance, he was on the losing end of three Japan Series and never captured a championship. After moving to the Tokyo/Lotte Orions in 1964, he continued his success, including a 30-win season and becoming the only pitcher in NPB history to achieve 100+ wins in both leagues. He concluded his playing career with the Taiyo Whales in 1973, finishing with a 320–232 record, a 2.45 ERA, 3,159 strikeouts, and 4,899 innings pitched. Following his retirement, Koyama became a respected pitching coach for multiple NPB teams, including the Hanshin Tigers, Seibu Lions, and Daiei Hawks. He was a founding member of Meikyukai in 1978 and was inducted into the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001. Koyama passed away at the age of 90, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the greatest pitchers in Japanese baseball history.