Paul Blair, 69

Sad news out of the baseball world tonight; former Baltimore Oriole and New York Yankee Paul Blair has passed away at the age of 69. Orioles beat writer Roch Kubatko reported the news a short time ago.

Blair had suffered a heart attack at age 66, which led to the discovery that his main artery was 98% blocked. He had a stent installed and went through months of physical therapy. He apparently collapsed at a bowling alley prior to his passing.

Until Ken Griffey Jr. came along, I never saw anyone play center field with the defensive prowess that Paul Blair displayed. He would turn his back to the infield, race back towards the center field wall, turn around and be at the exact spot the ball came down and landed softly in his glove.

He was a seven time Gold Glove winner with the Orioles, a two-time World Series champion, and a member of four AL pennant winning teams. Blair was dealt to the Yankees in January of 1977 for Elliott Maddox and Rick Bladt and earned two more World Series rings.

The California native could hit too, but after being beaned in the head he was never the same player at the plate. He spent the 1979 season with the Cincinnati Reds before a return to the Yankees in 1980 for his 17th and final season in the Major Leagues. The two time All-Star's career came to an end when the Yankees released him in July, 1980.

After his professional playing career concluded, Blair held head coaching positions at Fordham University and Coppin St. College, worked as an outfielder instructor and a minor league coach in the Orioles organization

My condolences go out to his family and friends.


Paul Blair with the game winning hit in Game 1 of the 1977 World Series

Remembering The Killer | Baseball Digest

Remembering The Killer | Baseball Digest

No nickname was probably more misleading than that of Harmon “The Killer” Killebrew. The gentle giant (actually he was listed as just 6′, 195 lbs) was one of baseball’s greats, both on and off the field. Sadly, he succumbed to esophageal cancer on Tuesday at age 74, just four days after he ended his cancer treatment and entered hospice care.

Killebrew was born in Payette, ID on June 29, 1936 and became a 17-yr old star in Idaho’s semi-pro baseball. He became the Washington Nationals first “bonus baby” after being recommonded to the club by Idaho senator Herman Welker and the Senators’ farm director Ossie Bluege.

“Killebrew swings a bat better than any youngster I’ve ever seen”, Bluege told the team’s owners. He added that “Perhaps the only player who is faster in the American League is Mickey Mantle of the Yankees.” Killebrew was given a whopping $50K to sign with the club in 1954.

Though he made nine appearances and made a good impression for the Senators in 1954, Killebrew spent most of the new few years in the minor leagues. But in 1958, Killebrew unleashed his bat on the American League and there was to be no going back to the long bus rides in the minors. Though he was never one to hit for average, he was a .256 lifetime hitter, Killebrew’s first full season in the Majors saw him hit 42 home runs and drove home 105 runs. It was the first of six home runs titles he won and the first of eight seasons in which he hit 40 or more home runs.

Bob Addie of the Washington Post profiled Harmon Killebrew during his final season in baseball in 1975. Click here to read this Baseball Digest Classic.

Killebrew was a member of 11 All-Star teams, won the AL MVP Award in 1969 when he hit .276-49-140 and walked 140 times, and was a member of the 1965 World ChampionTwins. He was also a member of a pair of division winners in 1969-1970. People forget just how versatile Killebrew was; in addition to a combined 1,760 games played between first and third base, he also played 470 games in the outfield.

Killebrew was released by the Twins after the 1975 season and played one more year with the Kansas City Royals before he retired from baseball. His 573 career home runs, most of them tape-measure shots, and his 1,584 RBI earned him induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1984. The street that fronted old Metropolitan Stadium (now site of the Mall of America) was named “Killebrew Drive” in his honor, his number three was retired, and Gate 3 of the new Target Field was named in tribute to him. Among his many charitables efforts was the start of the Danny Thompson Memorial Golf Tournament in honor of his former teammate who died of leukemia in 1976 at age 29. Killebrew helped to raise more than $8MM for leukemia and cancer research.

After retirement, Killebrew worked as a broadcaster and hitting instructor, and later was involved in the securities industry. He first suffered esophogeal issues in the early 1990′s and was diagnosed with cancer last December. He is survived by his second wife, Nita, nine children, 23 grand-children and two great grand-children.

Marty Marion, Cardinals Legend, Passes at 94 | Baseball Digest

Marty Marion, Cardinals Legend, Passes at 94 | Baseball Digest

Marty Marion was one of the best shortstops in the game during his 13 year career, one that included three World Series titles. According to SI’s Jon Heyman, Marion passed away earlier today at age 94.

Marion played in an era when shortstops were known for their gloves and not their bats, unlike the last decade’s breed of power hitting middle men. In a time before Gold Glove Awards, Marion topped shortstops in fielding percentage four times. But Marion was a decent hitter too. He captured the 1944 NL MVP award after batting .267-6-63 with 43 walks. He was one of the catalysts of a Cardinals team that won the World Series in 1942, 1943, and 1946 (also won the 1944 NL pennant).

You can read more about the Cardinals great shortstop in this classic Baseball Digest piece. Click here to read all about it.

Marion retired after the 1950 season as a seven time All-Star and took over as the Cardinals manager, but was let go at the end of the season. He then came out of retirement as player-manager of the St. Louis Browns for two seasons, before calling it quits as a player. Marion took over the White Sox for nine games in 1954 and managed Chicago for two more seasons before retiring from baseball.

It’s a widely held notion that Marion has been overlooked by first the BBWAA and then the Veteran’s Committtee for the Baseball Hall of Fame. Though he played a portion of his career when some of the best players were at war, Marion was still one of the best in the game at his position and should be enshrined. It’s just too bad he won’t be around to see that day come.

Baseball Loses One Of Its Greats, Bob Feller | Baseball Digest

Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Feller succumbed to Leukemia Wednesday night at age 92.

Baseball Loses One Of Its Greats, Bob Feller | Baseball Digest

RIP Dock Ellis

Former Yankees pitcher Dock Ellis has passed away at the age of 63. Ellis made his mark as a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates and was a member of the 1976 Yankees, helping them return to the post-season for what was the first time since 1964. Ellis had been suffering from liver disease and was in failing health for the past year. He died at the UCLA medical center on Friday.

Dock was one of baseball's most colorful characters. He claimed to have been under the influence of LSD when he pitched an 8-walk, no-hitter for the Pirates at San Diego in 1970. His best season came a year later when he set career marks in wins (19), innings (226.1), and complete games (11). He was a member of the Pirates from 1968-1975, helping to lead Pittsburgh to 4 NL East titles and one World Series championship.

Prior to the 1976 season, he was part of a deal that helped shape the Yankees for years to come, being sent along with Willie Randolph and Ken Brett to the Yankees for Doc Medich. He went 17-8, 3.19 in 32 starts as the Yankees captured the AL East. Ellis picked up one victory over the Royals as the Yankees took the pennant and he was the losing pitcher in game 3 of the World Series.

After just 3 starts the following season, the outspoken, hard-living Ellis was dealt to the A's for Mike Torrez, who would become a World Series hero that season for the Yankees.

In 1986, the Yankees hired Ellis to speak to their minor leaguers about the evils of alcohol and drug addiction. He continued his advocacy work through the rest of life. He is survived by his wife, Hjordis.

RIP Dock.

Source: AP

RIP Dock Ellis

Former Yankees pitcher Dock Ellis has passed away at the age of 63. Ellis made his mark as a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates and was a member of the 1976 Yankees, helping them return to the post-season for what was the first time since 1964. Ellis had been suffering from liver disease and was in failing health for the past year. He died at the UCLA medical center on Friday.

Dock was one of baseball's most colorful characters. He claimed to have been under the influence of LSD when he pitched an 8-walk, no-hitter for the Pirates at San Diego in 1970. His best season came a year later when he set career marks in wins (19), innings (226.1), and complete games (11). He was a member of the Pirates from 1968-1975, helping to lead Pittsburgh to 4 NL East titles and one World Series championship.

Prior to the 1976 season, he was part of a deal that helped shape the Yankees for years to come, being sent along with Willie Randolph and Ken Brett to the Yankees for Doc Medich. He went 17-8, 3.19 in 32 starts as the Yankees captured the AL East. Ellis picked up one victory over the Royals as the Yankees took the pennant and he was the losing pitcher in game 3 of the World Series.

After just 3 starts the following season, the outspoken, hard-living Ellis was dealt to the A's for Mike Torrez, who would become a World Series hero that season for the Yankees.

In 1986, the Yankees hired Ellis to speak to their minor leaguers about the evils of alcohol and drug addiction. He continued his advocacy work through the rest of life. He is survived by his wife, Hjordis.

RIP Dock.

Source: AP

Tom Tresh, Gone at 71

Former Yankee and AL Rookie of the Year Tom Tresh died on Wednesday of an apparent heart attack. Tresh, who garnered the rookie honors in 1962, was 71 years old.

Tresh grabbed the Yankees starting shortstop position in '62 when incumbent Tony Kubek went into the army. He hit .286-20-93 and helped lead the Yankees to their final World Series title until 1977. He was also a member of the '63-'64 teams that reached the World Series.

“Tommy was a great teammate,” Yankees great Yogi Berra said in a statement. “He did everything well as a ballplayer and was an easy guy to manage.”

“This hurts. He was my roommate for six years of my life, my hitting instructor and my best friend. He let me be me, but he was also the guy who kept me in at night,” longtime teammate Joe Pepitone said.

“Tommy was a constant in my life and a calming influence. He was always there for me and stuck up for me. He was like my brother. When I had personal issues, he was always the person on the team I would turn to. During some rain delays, he would take out his guitar and we’d sing and dance,” he said.

Tresh played with the Yankees until 1969 when he was dealt to the Detroit Tigers for Ronnie Woods. He was a three time All-Star and won a gold glove playing outfield in 1965. He also hit .321 in the '62 World Series. We send out our thoughts and prayers to his family.

Tom Tresh, Gone at 71

Former Yankee and AL Rookie of the Year Tom Tresh died on Wednesday of an apparent heart attack. Tresh, who garnered the rookie honors in 1962, was 71 years old.

Tresh grabbed the Yankees starting shortstop position in '62 when incumbent Tony Kubek went into the army. He hit .286-20-93 and helped lead the Yankees to their final World Series title until 1977. He was also a member of the '63-'64 teams that reached the World Series.

“Tommy was a great teammate,” Yankees great Yogi Berra said in a statement. “He did everything well as a ballplayer and was an easy guy to manage.”

“This hurts. He was my roommate for six years of my life, my hitting instructor and my best friend. He let me be me, but he was also the guy who kept me in at night,” longtime teammate Joe Pepitone said.

“Tommy was a constant in my life and a calming influence. He was always there for me and stuck up for me. He was like my brother. When I had personal issues, he was always the person on the team I would turn to. During some rain delays, he would take out his guitar and we’d sing and dance,” he said.

Tresh played with the Yankees until 1969 when he was dealt to the Detroit Tigers for Ronnie Woods. He was a three time All-Star and won a gold glove playing outfield in 1965. He also hit .321 in the '62 World Series. We send out our thoughts and prayers to his family.

RIP Jim McKay

Hands down, Jim McKay was the best in the business. Professional, steady, da man. Mr. McKay passed away this weekend at age 86. He was a fixture on ABC Sports back in the day. And unlike idiots like Chris Berman, you wanted Jim McKay to be covering everything.

McKay's handling of the terrorist siege at the '72 Olympics was as professional, yet personal as it gets. We were just kids at the time, but the situation scared us and we didn't understand it. Yet McKay had a way of explaining everything and he felt the pain we all felt. His eyes and speech said it all. "They're all gone" still resonates.

Rest well Mr. McKay, you've earned it.

RIP Jim McKay

Hands down, Jim McKay was the best in the business. Professional, steady, da man. Mr. McKay passed away this weekend at age 86. He was a fixture on ABC Sports back in the day. And unlike idiots like Chris Berman, you wanted Jim McKay to be covering everything.

McKay's handling of the terrorist siege at the '72 Olympics was as professional, yet personal as it gets. We were just kids at the time, but the situation scared us and we didn't understand it. Yet McKay had a way of explaining everything and he felt the pain we all felt. His eyes and speech said it all. "They're all gone" still resonates.

Rest well Mr. McKay, you've earned it.

This Bo Knew Diddley

Sad news from the music world. Rock pioneer Bo Diddley has died at the age of 79 due to heart failure. This Yahoo write up does a great job of summing up the blues/rock man's life.

And of coure there was this great Nike commercial back in the day with no one, but two Bo's...Diddley and Jackson.

This Bo Knew Diddley

Sad news from the music world. Rock pioneer Bo Diddley has died at the age of 79 due to heart failure. This Yahoo write up does a great job of summing up the blues/rock man's life.

And of coure there was this great Nike commercial back in the day with no one, but two Bo's...Diddley and Jackson.

Tommy Byrne, Gone at 87

Former Yankees' pitcher Tommy Byrne died at his home in Wake Forest, N.C. on Thursday. Byrne, 87, suffered from congestive heart failure. The comeback player of the year in 1955, Byrne was a Yankee from 19431-1951 and again from 1954-1957. In between he played for the St. Louis Browns, Chicago White Sox and Washington Senators.

Byrne had an 85-69, 4.11 career record with 12 shutouts. His best winning season was when he went 16-5 in 1955, with a 3.11 ERA. But Byrne was plagued by control trouble, leading the league in walks three times, and hit batters, 5 straight seasons. He was 1-1 in 4 World Series, all with the Yankees (1949, 1955, 1956, 1957).

Byrne is survived by 3 sons, 1 daughter, and 10 grand-children. His wife, Mary Sue, predeceased him in 2002.

Click here to read his full obit.

Tommy Byrne, Gone at 87

Former Yankees' pitcher Tommy Byrne died at his home in Wake Forest, N.C. on Thursday. Byrne, 87, suffered from congestive heart failure. The comeback player of the year in 1955, Byrne was a Yankee from 19431-1951 and again from 1954-1957. In between he played for the St. Louis Browns, Chicago White Sox and Washington Senators.

Byrne had an 85-69, 4.11 career record with 12 shutouts. His best winning season was when he went 16-5 in 1955, with a 3.11 ERA. But Byrne was plagued by control trouble, leading the league in walks three times, and hit batters, 5 straight seasons. He was 1-1 in 4 World Series, all with the Yankees (1949, 1955, 1956, 1957).

Byrne is survived by 3 sons, 1 daughter, and 10 grand-children. His wife, Mary Sue, predeceased him in 2002.

Click here to read his full obit.