Cowtipper

Andinson Ferrer, who didn't even have a face in this thread, actually found a new home, being signed by Sacramento after being released by the Mets in April. Also, Jankowski elected free agency.

You appreciate the effort but you're just looking for something dumb to gripe about. As I've cited before, I pull them from CBS/ESPN/Rotowire.

Joe Coleman died. https://www.newsweek.com/sports/mlb/tigers-all-star-first-draft-pick-appear-mlb-game-passes-away-2097007 Who was Joe Coleman? Joseph Howard Coleman was a Major League Baseball pitcher whose 15-year career (1965–1979) spanned seven teams, most notably the Detroit Tigers. A right-handed fireballer known for his fast pace and live arm, Coleman was a two-time 20-game winner and an American League All-Star in 1972. He was originally the third overall pick in MLB's inaugural amateur draft in 1965 and became the first drafted player to reach the majors. Coleman broke in with the Washington Senators at just 18 years old, later becoming a core part of Detroit’s rotation following the blockbuster 1970 trade for Denny McLain. Between 1971 and 1973, he won 62 games, struck out over 200 batters each season, and helped Detroit to the ALCS in 1972, throwing a record-setting 14-strikeout shutout in Game 3. His career included stints with the Cubs, Athletics, Blue Jays, Giants, and Pirates, finishing with a 142–135 record, 1,728 strikeouts, and a 3.70 ERA. Though he didn’t pitch in the postseason, he was part of the 1979 World Series champion Pirates. After retiring, Coleman had a long coaching career at both minor and major league levels, including roles with the Angels, Cardinals, Rays, Tigers, and Marlins organizations. He also made baseball history as part of MLB's first three-generation pitching family, following in the footsteps of his father, Joe Sr., and fathering Casey Coleman, who pitched in the majors in the 2010s. Coleman passed away at age 78 in Jamestown, Tennessee, on July 9, 2025. Lee Elia died. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/45711822/lee-elia-manager-cubs-phillies-dies-87 Who was Lee Elia? Lee Constantine Elia (1937–2025) was a lifelong baseball man whose career spanned over five decades as a player, manager, coach, and executive in Major League Baseball (MLB). Born in Philadelphia to Albanian immigrant parents, Elia was a multi-sport athlete who chose baseball after a football injury in college. As a player, Elia had brief stints in the MLB with the Chicago White Sox (1966) and Chicago Cubs (1968), compiling a modest career batting average of .203 over 95 games. After retiring as a player, he found his true calling in coaching and management. He began managing in the minors in 1975 and rose through the Philadelphia Phillies' farm system, ultimately managing the Phillies (1987–88) and the Cubs (1982–83) at the major league level. His MLB managerial record stood at 238–300 (.442). Elia also served as a coach for several major league teams, including the Phillies, Yankees, Mariners, Blue Jays, Devil Rays, and Orioles. He earned a World Series ring with the 1980 Phillies. Elia is perhaps most famously remembered for a profanity-laced tirade against Cubs fans in 1983, a moment that cemented his reputation for passionate defense of his players. Beyond the dugout, Elia held scouting and executive roles later in life, serving as a special assistant with both the Dodgers and Braves. Known for his loyalty, intensity, and baseball mind, he mentored players and contributed to player development well into his seventies. He passed away in Odessa, Florida, on July 9, 2025, just shy of his 88th birthday, leaving behind a legacy as a fiery and deeply committed figure in American baseball.

Paul Blackburn: Blackburn (shoulder) will throw a bullpen session Sunday before beginning a rehab assignment at Single-A Port St. Lucie after the All-Star break, MLB.com reports. With Kodai Senga rejoining the rotation Friday and Sean Manaea (elbow/oblique) expected back Sunday, the Mets don't need to rush Blackburn back to patch over holes in the rotation. The 31-year-old right-hander should still be ready to come off the IL in late July, but it will likely be in a long-relief role. Injury Shoulder. Est. Return 7/25/2025. Sean Manaea: Manaea (elbow/oblique) was reinstated from the 60-day injured list and is expected to work as a bulk reliever Sunday against the Royals. The left-hander is making his 2025 MLB debut in the final game of the first half, and he is poised to pitch behind Clay Holmes in Kansas City. Manaea threw 73 pitches over 3.2 innings during his final rehab outing and shouldn't face significant workload restrictions, though he could have a suppressed pitch count Sunday as a result of his role. The 33-year-old had a 3.47 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 184:63 K:BB over 181.2 regular-season innings for the Mets last year and should work as a traditional starter after the All-Star break. Starling Marte: Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Friday that the results of Marte's (knee) MRI were "very encouraging," and the Mets expect Marte to return after the All-Star break, Laura Albanese of Newsday reports. Marte was placed on the injured list July 7 due to a bruised right knee, but he may not miss more than the required 10 days. The outfielder is slashing .270/.353/.387 in 188 plate appearances this season. Injury Knee. Est. Return 7/18/2025. Tylor Megill: The Mets transferred Megill (elbow) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Tuesday. Megill resumed a throwing program last week as he works his way back from a right elbow sprain, but the Mets' decision to move him to the 60-day IL means he won't be eligible to return until mid-August. The transaction clears a spot for the return of outfielder Jesse Winker (oblique) from the 60-day IL. Injury Elbow. Est. Return 8/14/2025. Dedniel Nunez: Nunez (elbow) is scheduled to undergo Tommy John surgery next week, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports. Nunez landed on the injured list July 3 with a sprained right elbow, and he's now slated to undergo Tommy John surgery for the second time in his career. The 29-year-old will wrap up 2025 with five earned runs allowed in 9.2 innings, and because his procedure will happen so far into the season, he's likely to remain on the shelf for the entire 2026 campaign as well. Injury Elbow. Est. Return 2/1/2027. Jesse Winker: The Mets placed Winker on the 10-day injured list Friday due to back inflammation. Winker exited Thursday's game with back tightness and headed to New York to undergo further testing, which revealed inflammation severe enough to warrant an IL stint. Winker has been serving as the Mets' primary DH, a role that could be handed to Mark Vientos in the short term. Jared Young was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse in a corresponding move. Injury Back. Est. Return 7/21/2025.

It's Manaea day, he's been activated from the IL. Warren was sent down to accommodate.

You won't see him any time soon, Stearns prefers signing trash heap pitchers like Zach Pop and Colin Poche and instantly putting them on the roster instead of calling up the actual prospects.

I hope Goldschmidt doesn't retire anytime soon. He's on the precipice of being a Hall of Famer and I want him to become a shoo-in (I think he's already done enough, but the voters might not).

Paul Blackburn: Blackburn (shoulder) played catch out to 75 feet Sunday, MLB.com reports. After being placed on the injured list Thursday due to a right shoulder impingement, Blackburn was cleared to initiate a throwing program just three days later. Blackburn should have a chance at returning from the IL when first eligible shortly after the All-Star break, but he could be in store for a bullpen role upon his activation. The Mets currently have just three healthy rotation members, but Kodai Senga (hamstring) and Sean Manaea (elbow) both appear poised to return from the IL next weekend in Kansas City. Injury Shoulder. Est. Return 7/21/2025. Starling Marte: Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said after Sunday's 6-4 loss to the Yankees that Marte will get evaluated after his knee "flared up" in the ninth inning, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports. Marte was in the lineup for the fourth time in the last five games but was making just his fifth start of the season in the outfield while Brandon Nimmo served as the Mets' designated hitter. The 36-year-old provided a spark from the top of the order over his five plate appearances with three base hits and his fifth stolen base of the season, but the flareup of his chronic knee issue now clouds his availability heading into the All-Star break. Even if Marte is able to quickly bounce back from the knee problem, his playing time could soon trend downward with Jesse Winker (oblique) expected to return from the injured list at some point during the upcoming week. Injury Knee. Day-to-day. Kodai Senga: Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said that Senga (hamstring) is likely to return from the 15-day injured list next weekend and is expected to start either Friday or Saturday in Kansas City, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports. "When he went down [with a right hamstring strain], in my head it was more like after the All-Star break," Mendoza said. "For him to be in play for us now before we go into the All-Star break, it's huge for us." Before confirming which day Senga will return from the IL, the Mets will wait and see how he bounces back from the rehab start he made Saturday for Double-A Binghamton. The right-hander was charged with four runs (three earned) on six hits and two walks while striking out four over 3.2 innings, but the fact that he covered 68 pitches and experienced no complications with his hamstring is of greater importance than his results. Assuming he's given the green light to pitch this weekend, Senga shouldn't be operating with any significant restrictions in what would be his first start with the big club since June 12, though the Mets probably won't overextend him with the All-Star break looming. Injury Hamstring. Est. Return 7/11/2025. Jesse Winker: Manager Carlos Mendoza said that Winker (oblique) could return from the 60-day injured list when the Mets open their three-game series in Baltimore on Tuesday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports. Winker has been on the shelf since May 4 due to a right oblique strain, but he looks ready to rejoin the big club after he went 4-for-12 with two home runs, one double and three walks across five rehab games with High-A Brooklyn, Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Syracuse. The 31-year-old didn't get any exposure to the corner outfield during his rehab assignment, and while DiComo relays that the Mets have no imminent plans to use him on defense upon his return, the left-handed-hitting Winker should see regular starts against right-handed pitching as the strong side of a platoon at designated hitter. Injury Oblique. Est. Return 7/8/2025.

Trevor Cahill, who pitched briefly in the Mets system in 2022, and Dan Straily have also retired.

Former Met Kevin Pillar and Freddy Galvis of the terrible Phillies has retired. Arturo Lopez, who pitched briefly in 2009, announced his retirement earlier this year after spending years in Mexico.

Paul Blackburn: Blackburn (shoulder) will be shut down from throwing until early next week, Jorge Castillo of ESPN.com reports. The veteran right-hander landed on the injured list Thursday due to a shoulder impingement, but the Mets don't seem concerned about the severity of the issue. Blackburn could be ready to rejoin the roster in late July, but he may not have a rotation spot waiting for him if Kodai Senga (hamstring) and Sean Manaea (elbow/oblique) beat him back from the IL. Injury Shoulder. Est. Return 7/21/2025. Jose Butto: Butto was placed on the 15-day injured list Tuesday due to an unspecified illness, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports. The organization isn't releasing the specifics of the ailment, but he's expected to be back shortly after the All-Star break. Chris Devenski was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse to fill the open bullpen spot. Injury Illness. Est. Return 7/21/2025. Sean Manaea: Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Thursday that Manaea (elbow/oblique) will make one more rehab start Tuesday, Manny Gomez of NJ.com reports. If all goes well Tuesday, the Mets will likely bring Manaea back from the 60-day injured list to make his season debut July 13 against the Royals in the final game of the first half. The left-hander went three innings and threw 60 pitches Wednesday with Double-A Binghamton in his most recent outing. Manaea initially went on the injured list due to a right oblique strain, but more recently he's dealt with a loose body in his pitching elbow. Injury Elbow. Est. Return 7/13/2025. Tylor Megill: Megill (elbow) has been cleared to restart a throwing program, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports. The right-hander has been shut down since landing on the injured list in mid-June due to an elbow sprain, but he recently underwent an MRI that showed reduced inflammation and has been cleared to start throwing on flat ground. Megill will need some time to ramp up his arm strength and may not be ready to come off the IL until early August, but he's hoping for a quick buildup. Injury Elbow. Est. Return 8/1/2025. Dedniel Nunez: Nunez (elbow) may require Tommy john surgery, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports. While the Mets initially labeled Nunez's injury as a right elbow sprain when he was placed on the 15-day injured list Thursday, an MRI revealed more significant issues with his ligament. If he does end up needing Tommy John surgery, it would be the second such procedure in the 29-year-old right-hander's career. Given his history of arm trouble, expect the Mets to be cautious with Nunez's recovery, even if he avoids a worst-case scenario. Injury Elbow. Est. Return 8/1/2025. Kodai Senga: Senga (hamstring) gave up four runs (three earned) on six hits and two walks while striking out four over 3.2 innings Saturday for Double-A Binghamton, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports. Senga was expected to throw around 60 pitches Saturday before potentially rejoining the big-league rotation next week, and he threw 68 pitches Saturday, although the results weren't great. DiComo says it remains to be seen whether this performance will affect the plan to have Senga return next week in Kansas City. Injury Hamstring. Est. Return 7/12/2025. Jesse Winker: Winker (oblique) has gone 2-for-6 with a home run and a 2:1 BB:K in two games since his rehab assignment was shifted to Double-A Binghamton. The veteran outfielder played nine innings as the DH both Wednesday (in the first game of a doubleheader) and Thursday, and while the Mets will likely want to get him some defensive reps before activating him, Winker's bat appears to be just about ready to face big-league pitching. He's been sidelined since May 4, and Winker should slot into the strong side of a platoon at DH once he comes off the IL while seeing occasional action in an outfield corner. Injury Oblique. Est. Return 7/8/2025. Calvin Ziegler: Status—day-to-day. Injury Elbow. Est. Return 7/9/2025.

Who was Billy Hunter? Billy Hunter was a Major League shortstop, coach, and manager who played six seasons from 1953 to 1958. He debuted with the St. Louis Browns and was their starting shortstop in their final season before they became the Baltimore Orioles. That year, he made the All-Star team and hit the Browns' final home run. After one season with the Orioles, he was traded to the Yankees in a blockbuster deal. Though mostly a reserve the rest of his career, he was part of the Yankees' 1956 World Series-winning roster. He also played for the Kansas City Athletics and the Cleveland Indians, finishing with a .219 batting average. After retiring as a player, Hunter coached for the Orioles from 1964 to 1977, including their championship seasons in 1966 and 1970. In 1977, he became manager of the Texas Rangers and led them to a strong finish that year, though he was fired in 1978 after internal conflict. He later served as head baseball coach and athletic director at Towson State University, helping elevate their athletic programs. At the time of his death in July 2025 at age 97, Hunter was the last living player from both the St. Louis Browns and the inaugural 1954 Orioles. He was inducted into the Orioles Hall of Fame in 1996 and the Towson Hall of Fame in 1998. Who was Bobby Jenks? Bobby Jenks (1981–2025) was a hard-throwing MLB relief pitcher best known for closing games during the Chicago White Sox’s 2005 World Series championship run. A two-time All-Star, Jenks also set a then-record by retiring 41 consecutive batters in 2007. Originally drafted by the Anaheim Angels in 2000, Jenks struggled with injuries, control problems, and personal issues, including alcohol use, leading the Angels to cut ties with him. The White Sox claimed him in 2004, and he debuted in 2005, quickly becoming a key bullpen arm. He made the final out in Game 4 of the World Series, securing the White Sox’s first title since 1917. After several productive seasons in Chicago, Jenks signed with the Boston Red Sox in 2011, but his career was derailed by serious spinal problems. A botched back surgery led to life-threatening complications, multiple additional procedures, and forced retirement. He later sued and won a malpractice case related to the surgery. Post-retirement, Jenks became a successful minor league coach and manager. He also opened up about his battles with addiction, mental health, and redemption—maintaining long-term sobriety and mentoring young players. In 2025, while managing in the Frontier League, Jenks revealed he was battling stage 4 stomach cancer. He died on July 4, 2025, at age 44 in Portugal. The White Sox planned to honor him during the 20th anniversary celebration of their 2005 title. Jenks is remembered as a flawed but fierce competitor whose life was marked by turbulence, triumph, and transformation.

Raley was sent on rehab to Syracuse. So was Winker. Colin Poche is back! They signed him to a minor league deal.

Well, the Mets do have a history of fabricating injuries.

There are two teams available now: #1: Hello! I currently run a prize award fantasy league on Yahoo and am looking for people to adopt three teams. It's a points-only league with prizes going the top three finishers. These past few years I've been spending $200+ on prizes, so you're not getting junk. Team 1: Fernando Tatis Jr. Cody Bellinger Rafael Devers Jose Altuve Dansby Swanson Jo Adell Lourdes Gurriel Jr. Lars Nootbaar Ryan Jeffers Mickey Moniak Mike Yastrzemski Andrew Benintendi Lenyn Sosa Josh Lowe Ryan Mountcastle Matthew Boyd Taj Bradley Dean Kremer Jeff Hoffman Tomoyuki Sugano Luis Severino Miles Mikolas Sean Burke Edwin Uceta Mason Miller Carlos Estévez Shelby Miller Bryce Miller #2: Pete Crow-Armstrong Matt Olson Corbin Carroll Oneil Cruz Xavier Edwards Cedric Mullins Wilmer Flores Jonathan India Ke'Bryan Hayes Pavin Smith Daniel Schneemann Pedro Pagés Chase Meidroth Patrick Bailey Luis Rengifo Gabriel Arias Connor Norby Mike Tauchman Sonny Gray Nathan Eovaldi Jack Flaherty Will Warren Alex Vesia Pablo López Reese Olson Tony Santillan Andrés Muñoz Kyle Finnegan More: League Settings Summary Auto-Renew League: Yes Invite Permissions: All Managers Can Invite Maximum Teams: 20 Scoring Type: Points Only Player Universe: All Baseball New Player Availability: As soon as Yahoo adds them Player Acquisitions Limit: No maximum Trade Limit: No maximum Trade Deadline: August 7, 2025 Draft Pick Trading: Not Allowed Waivers & Roster Management Waiver Time: No waivers Waiver Priority: Continual Rolling List Waiver Mode: Standard Can't Cut List: None Trade Review Process: None Post-Draft Free Agents: Follow Waiver Rules Injured Player Slots: Can be filled directly Benched Player Lock: No (players not locked after game starts) Public League: No Email Reminders for Unjoined Players: Yes Scoring & Roster Rules Max Games (Non-Pitchers): 162 Max Innings Pitched: 1,450 Roster Changes: Daily (Today) Scoring Starts: Tuesday, March 18 Scoring Ends: Week 25 (Sunday, September 28) Let me know if you are interested!

Colin Poche elected free agency. That was one of the quickest Mets ever. Instead of trying one of their promising prospects, they're throwing another washed-up Quadruple-A nobody at the wall, having called up Rico Garcia. Blade Tidwell was optioned, having proven he doesn't quite have what it takes for the big leagues yet. Austin Warren is listed as being recalled on the 2nd, optioned on the 3rd (today) then recalled again on the 3rd (today). This is the worst pitching carousel since the late 2010s. This Just in, Hagenman is back up. Mets signed some youth named Sebastian Lantigua. Manaea to Binghamton for rehab. Jesse Winker, too. Mets traded Donovan Walton to the Phillies for cash. Travis Swaggerty was released. Lots of moves these past three days, yet none of them seem like they'll make the team any better.

Tucker Barnhart has retired.

Looking for someone to adopt a team in this league. Top players: Rafael Devers Fernando Tatis Jr. Dansby Swanson Cody Bellinger Matthew Boyd Any takers?

Griffin Canning: The Mets placed Canning on the 60-day injured list with a ruptured left Achilles tendon Friday. Canning struck out three and gave up just one hit in 2.2 innings Thursday against Atlanta before he had to be removed from the game and helped off the field. To those that saw the injury, this was the expected outcome. Canning will miss the remainder of the 2025 season and possibly even the start of the 2026 campaign, as he has a lengthy rehab ahead of him. Canning was enjoying a career season with the Mets, but it's now over with a 7-3 record, 3.77 ERA and 70:35 K:BB across 76.1 innings and 16 starts. Blade Tidwell has been recalled from Triple-A Syracuse in a corresponding move. Injury Achilles. Est. Return 2/1/2026. Sean Manaea: Manaea (oblique/elbow) played catch Thursday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports. It's the first time he's thrown since he was given a cortisone shot after being diagnosed with a loose body in his left elbow. Manaea had to pause his rehab assignment briefly after the elbow issue popped up, but he's on track to make what is expected to be his final rehab start next week. The left-hander initially went on the injured list prior to Opening Day with an oblique strain and could make his 2025 Mets debut prior to the All-Star break. Injury Elbow. Est. Return 7/8/2025. Brooks Raley: Raley (elbow) is slated to move his rehab assignment from Single-A St. Lucie to Double-A Binghamton on Saturday, Laura Albanese of Newsday reports. Raley continues to progress in his recovery from May 2024 Tommy John surgery. He made three rehab outings in Single-A, allowing three hits and no walks while striking out six across three scoreless innings. Given how good he's looked in limited action, Raley appears to be on track to rejoin the Mets' bullpen sometime in July. Injury Elbow. Est. Return 7/8/2025. Jesse Winker: Winker (oblique) will begin a rehab assignment with High-A Brooklyn on Sunday, Andrew Tredinnick of The Bergen Record reports. Winker was officially cleared for rehab games after taking batting practice at Citi Field on Thursday. The 31-year-old is eligible for activation from the 60-day injured list July 4 and has a good shot to return on that date. Winker has been shelved since early May with a Grade 2 oblique strain. Upon his return, Winker should see plenty of action at designated hitter versus right-handed pitching. Injury Oblique. Est. Return 7/4/2025. Other injuries: Ty Adcock - 7-day IL Matt Allan - 7-day IL Trey McLoughlin - 7-day IL

Cesar Puello was a top prospect who flunked out of the Mets system, looked done, then eventually signed elsewhere and reached the majors. I wouldn't be surprised if Ramirez follows the same path. I also saw that Jesse Winker was sent on a rehab assignment to Brooklyn. Also, Connor Overton, released in March, was eventually signed by the Blue Jays. Eldridge Armstrong, released in March, signed with the Glacier Range Riders (indy). Andrew Carson, released in March, was signed by the Mariners. Jeremy Peguero, released in March, was signed by the Mississippi Mud Monsters (indy).

This Team Is Not C̶l̶u̶t̶c̶h̶ Good Fixed it for you.

Let's catch up on some non-player mini-bios: Walt Jocketty died. https://www.mlb.com/news/walt-jocketty-former-cardinals-and-reds-gm-passes-away-at-74 Who was Walt Jocketty? Walt Jocketty was a highly respected Major League Baseball executive whose career spanned over four decades. Born on February 19, 1951, in Minneapolis, he began his baseball career with the Oakland Athletics in 1980, eventually becoming Director of Baseball Administration. He played a key role in developing the team's farm system and helped establish the Arizona Rookie League and the Dominican Summer League. After a brief stint as assistant GM of the Colorado Rockies in 1994, Jocketty became general manager of the St. Louis Cardinals later that year. Over 13 seasons with St. Louis, he helped build one of the league's most successful franchises, guiding the team to seven division titles, two National League pennants (2004, 2006), and a World Series championship in 2006. He was a three-time Sporting News Executive of the Year and brought manager Tony La Russa from Oakland to St. Louis, further strengthening the club's leadership. Jocketty was dismissed by the Cardinals in 2007 due to reported internal disagreements. He quickly joined the Cincinnati Reds as a special advisor in 2008 and became the team's general manager just months later. Under his leadership, the Reds returned to prominence, and he later served as President of Baseball Operations and executive advisor until his death. Walt Jocketty died on April 25, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona, at the age of 74. He was widely recognized for his eye for talent, front office leadership, and contributions to player development across multiple organizations, and was honored with induction into the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame. Roy Majtyka died. Facebook WWW.FACEBOOK.COM Who was Roy Majtyka? Roy Majtyka was an American baseball coach, infielder, and longtime minor league manager. Born on June 1, 1939, in Buffalo, New York, he played in the St. Louis Cardinals organization from 1959 to 1967, reaching Triple-A but never making the majors as a player. His most successful season was 1963, when he batted .281 with the Tulsa Oilers. Majtyka transitioned into managing in 1968, beginning a 27-year career in the minor leagues that included time with the Cardinals, Reds, Tigers, Braves, and Phillies organizations. His teams amassed a career record of 1,832 wins and 1,747 losses, and he earned several accolades, including a Florida State League championship in 1973 and Eastern League Manager of the Year honors in 1976. He led multiple teams to playoff berths and won another championship with the 1983 Birmingham Barons. From 1988 to 1990, Majtyka spent three seasons as a coach with the Atlanta Braves—the only break from his lengthy minor league managerial run. He later became a respected figure in the South Atlantic League, ranking among the top 20 all-time in minor league managerial wins. Roy Majtyka died on February 24, 2025, in Wagoner, Oklahoma, at age 85. John Shulock died. https://www.strunkfuneralhome.com/obituary/john-shulock Who was John Shulock? John Richard Shulock was a Major League Baseball umpire whose career spanned from 1979 to 2002. Born on April 29, 1949, in Lockport, New York, he died on June 5, 2025, in Vero Beach, Florida. Shulock began his baseball journey as a minor league infielder in the Minnesota Twins organization from 1967 to 1969 but never made it to the majors as a player. He transitioned into umpiring in 1974 and rose quickly through the ranks, reaching the major leagues in 1979 during the MLB umpire strike, when he crossed picket lines to become a replacement umpire. This decision earned him a permanent spot in the American League but also long-standing resentment from his peers, who labeled him a "scab" and excluded him from the umpires’ union. Despite the controversy, Shulock earned a reputation as a skilled umpire, working 3,050 major league games. His assignments included two World Series (1985, 1992), two All-Star Games (1983, 1994), four AL Championship Series, and two AL Division Series. He even reached the rank of crew chief. Notable moments in his career included being on the field for Nolan Ryan's sixth no-hitter and Rickey Henderson’s 3,000th hit, which also marked Tony Gwynn’s final game. However, his temper occasionally got the better of him. In 1999, he was suspended three games after charging the mound during a game, wrongly believing he had been intentionally targeted by a pitch. His remarks afterward, including a wish for harm to the pitcher, drew further criticism. Though his early entrance into MLB was fraught with controversy, Shulock lasted over two decades in the big leagues and was regarded by many players as one of the league's better umpires. Who was Fay Vincent? Fay Vincent was an American lawyer, film executive, and baseball commissioner who served as the 8th Commissioner of Major League Baseball from 1989 to 1992. A graduate of Williams College and Yale Law School, Vincent overcame a devastating spinal injury in college that left him partially disabled for life. Before entering baseball, he held leadership roles at Columbia Pictures and Coca-Cola. He became deputy commissioner under Bart Giamatti and ascended to commissioner after Giamatti's sudden death in 1989. Vincent's tenure as commissioner was marked by major events and bold decisions. He oversaw the 1989 World Series, which was famously interrupted by the Loma Prieta earthquake. He banned Yankees owner George Steinbrenner for life (later reinstated) for paying a gambler to find damaging information on player Dave Winfield. He also permanently suspended pitcher Steve Howe for repeated drug offenses (a decision later overturned). Vincent redefined what constitutes a no-hitter and formally recognized Roger Maris as the single-season home run record holder. He was deeply critical of owner collusion in the 1980s, helped end the 1990 lockout, and attempted to realign the National League geographically—an effort blocked by the Chicago Cubs, resulting in litigation. His relationship with owners soured over time due to his independent streak, his handling of disciplinary matters, and the financial fallout of a TV contract with CBS. He resigned in 1992 after a no-confidence vote by the owners, who replaced him with Bud Selig. Vincent later said his refusal to serve the owners' interests over the game's integrity cost him his job. After baseball, Vincent remained active in the sport as president of the New England Collegiate Baseball League and became a vocal critic of both the 1994 strike and the steroid era. He also authored a memoir, *The Last Commissioner*, and remained outspoken on baseball and public issues until his death. Vincent died of bladder cancer on February 1, 2025, at age 86. Who was John Feinstein? John Feinstein was a prolific American sportswriter, author, and commentator, best known for his deep and humanizing explorations of athletes, coaches, and the culture of sports. Born in New York City in 1955, he graduated from Duke University in 1977 and went on to write 44 books, blending investigative journalism with narrative storytelling. His most famous work, A Season on the Brink, followed coach Bobby Knight and the Indiana Hoosiers through the 1985–86 basketball season and helped establish Feinstein as a major figure in sports literature. His writing spanned a wide range of sports—golf (A Good Walk Spoiled), football (Next Man Up), baseball (Where Nobody Knows Your Name), and more—often highlighting lesser-known stories and personalities with a journalist’s eye and a novelist’s voice. He also authored a series of sports-themed young adult mysteries featuring teen reporters Stevie Thomas and Susan Carol Anderson covering major sporting events. Feinstein worked across many media platforms, including The Washington Post, Golf Digest, Sporting News, NPR, The Golf Channel, and various radio programs. He briefly hosted shows on SiriusXM and CBS Sports Radio. His book Caddy for Life, about Tom Watson’s longtime caddie Bruce Edwards, was turned into a Golf Channel documentary and drew attention for its emotional depth. Despite shifting media roles, Feinstein remained a dedicated columnist and published his final piece in The Washington Post the day he died. Known for his sharp insights and passionate defense of ethical journalism, he often challenged powerful sports institutions and figures. He died of a heart attack on March 13, 2025, at age 69, leaving behind a legacy as one of America's most respected and widely read sportswriters. Also, one straggler: Gary Boyd died. Who was Gary Boyd? Gary Lee Boyd, born August 22, 1946, in Pasadena, California, was a former right-handed pitcher who briefly played in Major League Baseball with the Cleveland Indians during the final two months of the 1969 season. He appeared in eight games, including three starts, finishing with an 0–2 record and a 9.00 earned run average over 11 innings. Control issues plagued his major league stint, as he walked 14 batters while striking out nine. Boyd was originally signed by the Indians as an amateur free agent out of Junipero Serra High School in Gardena, California, and spent several years in their minor league system from 1965 to 1971. Known as a power pitcher, he consistently struck out over 100 batters in each of his first three professional seasons. However, his minor league career featured moderate success, with a career record of 46–52 and a 4.26 ERA over eight seasons. His best minor league season came in 1970, when he went 9–8 for the Savannah Indians. After his major league experience, Boyd played one more season in the Chicago White Sox organization with the Tucson Toros before retiring in 1972.

The evidence is fairly circumstantial, but one is about 95% sure he's actually deceased, so I'll post this here. Footer Johnson died. The evidence extends beyond the link below, however I'll use that as my source: https://www.azbar.org/news-publications/in-memoriam/ Who was Footer Johnson? Footer Johnson, born Richard Allan Johnson on February 15, 1932, in Dayton, Ohio, was a left-handed outfielder and pinch hitter who played briefly in Major League Baseball for the Chicago Cubs in 1958. A former student at Duke University and the University of Arizona, he signed with the Cubs in 1952 and began his pro baseball career in the minor leagues. After early stints with Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, his playing career was interrupted by military service during the Korean War. He returned in 1956 and steadily improved, hitting a career-high .298 in 1957 across two teams. In 1958, after batting .297 for Fort Worth, Johnson was called up to the Cubs and appeared in eight games—five as a pinch hitter and three as a pinch runner. Though he went hitless in five at-bats, he did score one run, which proved to be the go-ahead score in a Cubs win on June 22. His MLB stint lasted just 45 days. He returned to the minors that year and played through 1960, finishing his minor league career with a .274 average over 662 games. Johnson left baseball to attend law school and later practiced law in Arizona. He reportedly passed away in March 2024.

I barely even knew he was a Met when he was a Met.

Hosken Powell died. https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-twins-detroit-tigers-byron-buxton-rocco-baldelli/601383465 Who was Hosken Powell? Hosken Powell was an American professional baseball outfielder who played in Major League Baseball from 1978 to 1983, primarily with the Minnesota Twins and later with the Toronto Blue Jays. Born on May 14, 1955, in Selma, Alabama, Powell batted and threw left-handed, stood 6-foot-1, and attended Chipola College. Drafted by the Twins in the first round of the secondary phase of the 1975 draft, he hit over .300 in each of his first three minor league seasons and was a California League All-Star in 1976. Powell debuted on Opening Day in 1978 as the Twins’ starting right fielder and leadoff hitter. His rookie season saw him hit .247 in 99 starts. He enjoyed his best major league season in 1979, batting .293, and followed that with a career-high 127 hits in 1980, though his average dipped to .262. That year he also led AL right-fielders in errors. His production declined in 1981, and he was traded to Toronto, where he rebounded in 1982 with a .275 average in 112 games, mostly as a reserve. However, a poor start to 1983 led to his release. After leaving the majors, Powell played in the minors for the Vancouver Canadians and ended his pro career in the Mexican League in 1985. Over six MLB seasons, he appeared in 594 games, collecting 470 hits, including 78 doubles, 17 triples, and 17 home runs, with a .259 career batting average. Notably, he hit his first big-league homer off Hall of Famer Jim Palmer and had strong career numbers against both Palmer and Fergie Jenkins. Powell was named to the 1978 Topps All-Star Rookie Team. He died on June 28, 2025, at age 70. Bill Dailey died. https://www.lotzfuneralhomevinton.com/tributes/William-Dailey Who was Bill Dailey? Bill Dailey was a right-handed relief pitcher who played in the major leagues from 1961 to 1964, appearing with the Cleveland Indians and the Minnesota Twins. Born on May 13, 1935, in Arlington, Virginia, he stood 6-foot-3 and weighed 185 pounds. After nearly nine years in the minor leagues, where he showed early promise—leading the 1955 Three-I League in ERA—Dailey debuted with the Indians in 1961. His best season came in 1963 with the Twins, when he posted a 6–3 record, a 1.99 ERA, and 21 saves in 66 games, ranking among the league leaders in both appearances and saves. However, a rotator cuff injury in 1964 cut his career short. Over 119 major league games, all in relief, Dailey compiled a 10–7 record, a 2.76 ERA, and 22 saves while striking out 109 batters in 185 2/3 innings. He died on January 11, 2025, at the age of 89.