Necrology

Larry Arndt was born on Feb. 25, 1963, in Fremont, Ohio. He was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the 26th round of the 1985 Amateur Draft and made his career debut with the Athletics on June 6, 1989, as a first baseman. Arndt passed away on Jan. 3, 2014, in Toledo Ohio.

Dave Bakenhaster was born on March 5, 1945, in Columbus, Ohio. He made his career debut on June 20, 1964, as a right-handed pitcher with the St. Louis Cardinals. Bakenhaster passed away on July 30, 2014, in Galena, Ohio.

Mark Ballinger was born on Jan. 31, 1949, in Glendale, Calif. He was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the second round of the 1967 First-Year Player Draft. Ballinger made his Major League Baseball debut on Aug. 6, 1971, as a relief pitcher. Ballinger passed away on June 13, 2014, in Okeechobee, Fla.

Bruce Barmes was born on Oct. 23, 1919, in Vincennes, Ind. He was signed by the Washington Senators as an amateur free agent in 1950. He made his career debut with the Washington Senators on Sept. 13, 1953, playing for one season as an outfielder. He also spent 11 seasons playing in the Minors from 1950-1960. Barmes passed away on Jan. 25, 2014, in Garner, N.C. 

Vern Benson was born on Sept. 19, 1924, in Granite Quarry, N.C. He was signed in 1943 as an amateur free agent by the Philadelphia Athletics. He made his career debut with the Athletics on July 31, 1943. He spent his playing career with them and the St. Louis Cardinals between 1943-1953. Following his playing career in the Majors, he managed and coached in both the Major and Minor Leagues for 24 years with the Cardinals, Yankees, Reds, Braves and Giants. Benson passed away on Jan. 20, 2014, in Granite Quarry.

Jim Brosnan was born on Oct. 24, 1929, in Cincinnati. Brosnan made his pitching debut with the Chicago Cubs on April 15, 1954. Brosnan pitched nine years in the Majors with the Cubs, Cardinals, Reds and White Sox. Before making it to the big leagues, he served in the military during the Korean War. Brosnan passed away on June 28, 2014, in Morton Grove, Ill.

Jophrey Brown was born on Jan. 22, 1945 in Grambling, La. He was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the second round of the 1966 Amateur Draft. He made his career debut with the Cubs on Sept. 21, 1968, against the Pittsburgh Pirates as a right-handed pitcher. After his career in baseball, he went on to a long career in Hollywood as a bit-part actor and stuntman. Brown passed away on Jan. 11, 2014 in Newhall, Calif.

Terry "Bud" Bulling was born on Dec. 15, 1952, in Lynwood, Calif. He was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 14th round of the 1974 Amateur Draft and made his career debut as a catcher with the Twins on July 3, 1977. During his four-year career, he also played for the Seattle Mariners. On May 6, 1982, he caught Gaylor Perry's 300th win, going 2-for-3 with two runs scored and an RBI in the game. Bulling passed away on March 8, 2014, in Salem, Ore.

Bobby Castillo was born on April 18, 1955, in Los Angeles. He was drafted as a pitcher in the sixth round of the 1974 First-Year Player Draft by the Kansas City Royals. He made his debut on Sept. 10, 1977, with the Dodgers at the age of 22, winning a World Series with them in 1981. Castillo passed away on June 30, 2014, in Los Angeles.

Al Cihocki was born on May 7, 1924, in Naticoke, Pa. He was a utility player for the Cleveland Indians during the 1945 season. Following his season with the Indians, he was the head baseball coach at Luzerne County Community College. Cihocki passed away on March 27, 2014, in Nanticoke.

Mel Clark was born July 1, 1926, in Letart, W. Va. Before playing Major League Baseball, Clark served in the United States Navy during World War II. After his service, he attended Ohio University and was signed by the Philadelphia Phillies in 1947. His Major League debut came on Sept. 11, 1951, as a right fielder. He played with the Phillies until 1955, then with the Detroit Tigers in 1957, his last season. Clark passed away on May 1, 2014, in West Columbia, W. Va.

Jerry Coleman was born on Sept. 14, 1924, in San Jose, Calif. He was signed as an amateur free agent in 1942 by the New York Yankees, with whom he would spend the entirety of his playing career. He made his career debut with the Yankees on April 20, 1949, and continued to play for nine seasons. Colemand appeared in six World Series, winning four, and was also an American League All-Star in 1950. Following his playing career, he began broadcasting for CBS, as well as the Yankees, California Angels and San Diego Padres. Coleman became the lead radio announcer in 1972 for the Padres and continued his career in broadcasting up until the 2014 season. In 2005, he was given the Ford C. Frick Award from the National Baseball Hall of Fame for broadcasting excellence and was inducted to the National Radio Hall of Fame as a sports broadcaster for his years as the play-by-play voice of the Padres. Coleman spent a total of 71 years in baseball overall. He passed away on Jan. 5, 2014, in San Diego.

Jim Command was born on Oct. 15, 1928, in Grand Rapids, Mich. After attending Ferris State University, he signed with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1947 and made his debut on June 20, 1954. Following his retirement, Command was a scout for the Detroit Tigers from 1960 to 1994. Command passed away on Aug. 10, 2014, in Grand Rapids.

Alvin Dark was born on Jan. 7, 1922, in Comanche, Okla. Dark spent time at both Louisiana State University and University of Louisiana Lafayette as a five-sport student athlete before serving in World War II. He was signed by the Boston Braves in 1946 and made his debut on July 14 of that same year. Dark received Rookie of the Year honors in 1948, exceeding rookie limits that year. In his 14-year career, Dark spent time with the New York Giants, Boston and Milwaukee Braves, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies. A three-time All-Star and two-time National League at-bats leader, Dark won a World Series with the New York Giants in 1954. Following his playing career, he managed the San Francisco Giants, Kansas City Athletics, Cleveland Indians, Oakland Athletics and San Diego Padres, leading Oakland to a World Series Championship in 1974. Dark passed away on Nov. 13, 2014, in Easley, S.C.

Drew Denson was born on Nov. 16, 1965, in Cincinnati. Drafted as a first-round pick by the Atlanta Braves in 1984, Denson made his Major League debut on Sept. 13, 1989, as a first baseman. During his Major League career, he played with both the Braves and Chicago White Sox. Following his playing career, Denson was a Cincinnati police officer. Denson passed away on Feb. 13, 2014, in Cincinnati.

Jack Dittmer was born on Jan. 10, 1928, in Elkader, Iowa. He was signed by the Boston Braves as an amateur free agent in 1950. Dittmer made his career debut on June 17, 1957, as a second baseman, spending one season with the Braves. During his six-year career he also played for the Milwaukee Braves and Detroit Tigers. Dittmer passed away on May 31, 2014, in Strawberry Point, Iowa.

Charles "Whammy" Douglas was born on Feb. 17, 1935, in Carrboro, N.C. Douglas signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1953 and made his career debut on July 29, 1957, as a right-handed pitcher. He passed away on Nov. 16, 2014, in Richlands, N.C.

Jim Dunegan was born on Aug. 6, 1947, in Burlington, Iowa. After attending Bacone College and Iowa State University, Dunegan was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the second round of the 1967 First-Year Player Draft. Drafted as an outfielder, Dunegan transitioned to a pitching role and made his debut on May 28, 1970, as a right-handed pitcher. Dunegan passed away on Oct. 20, 2014, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Grant Dunlap was born on Dec. 20, 1923, in Stockton, Calif. Dunlap was signed by the Cincinnati Reds in 1941 and played two seasons in the Minors before joining the United States Marine Corps to serve in World War II. Upon returning from service, Dunlap made his Major League debut on April 21, 1953, for the St. Louis Cardinals. After his playing career, Dunlap went on to graduate from the University of the Pacific and became a professor of physical education, as well as head baseball coach and athletic director at Occidental College. Dunlap passed away on Sept. 10, 2014, in Vista, Calif.

George Freese was born on Sept. 12, 1926, in Wheeling, W. Va. Freese attended both the University of Pittsburgh and West Virginia University, then was signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1948. He made his Major League debut on April 29, 1953, as a third baseman with the Detroit Tigers. Freese spent the 1955 season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, splitting the starting third base position with his brother, Gene Freese. Following his retirement from the big leagues in 1961, Freese became a Minor League manager and scout within the Cubs organization. He passed away on July 27, 2014, in Portland, Ore.

Jim Fregosi was born on April 4, 1942, in San Francisco. He was signed by the Boston Red Sox as an amateur free agent in 1960. Fregosi made his career debut on Sept. 14, 1961, with the Los Angeles Angles at shortstop. Throughout his 18 seasons in the Majors, he played with the Angels, Texas Rangers, New York Mets and Pittsburgh Pirates. He finished his career having made six All-Star appearances and winning the Gold Glove in 1967. Following his playing career, Fregosi spent 18 years managing in both the Major and Minor Leagues for the Angels, Chicago White Sox, Philadelphia Phillies and Toronto Blue Jays. Fregosi passed away on Feb. 14, 2014, in Miami.

William "Gabe" Gabler was born on Aug. 4, 1930, in St. Louis. He was signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers as an amateur free agent in 1950. He made his career debut with the Chicago Cubs on Sept. 16, 1958, as a pinch hitter and continued playing with them for one season. After his career in the Majors, he spent three more years in the Minors, totaling 11 seasons in professional baseball. Gabler passed away on Jan. 4, 2014, in St. Louis.

Michael Gordon was born Sept. 11, 1953, in Leominster, Mass. He was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the third round of the 1972 First-Year Player Draft and made his career debut as a catcher on April 7, 1977. Gordon passed away on May 26, 2014, in Boston.

Don Grate was born Aug. 27, 1923, in Greenfield, Ohio. He made his Major League debut on July 6, 1945, after attending Ohio State University. Grate spent two years in the Majors with the Philadelphia Phillies, before moving on to play in the NBA with the Sheboygan Red Skins. He passed away on Nov. 22, 2014, in Miami Gardens, Fla.

John Gray was born Dec. 11, 1926, in West Palm Beach, Fla. He attended Rollins College in Winter Park, Fla., and was signed by the New York Yankees in 1950. He made his Major League debut on July 18, 1954, for the Philadelphia Athletics as a pitcher. During his time in the Majors from 1954-1958, Gray also played with the Kansas City Athletics, Cleveland Indians and Philadelphia Phillies. Gray passed away on May 21, 2014, in Boca Raton, Fla.

Al Greene was born on Nov. 9, 1954, in Detroit. He was signed by the Detroit Tigers as an amateur free agent in 1976 and made his Major League debut with them on July 23, 1979, playing one season. Greene passed away on Feb. 18, 2014, in Detroit.

Anthony "Tony" Gwynn was born on May 9, 1960, in Los Angeles. He was drafted in the third round in 1981 and made his pro debut that same summer as a right fielder. A lifetime .338 hitter, Gwynn once hit .394 in a season. He was a 15-time All-Star, five-time Gold Glove winner, seven-time Silver Slugger, eight-time batting champion and a seven-time National League hits leader. Gwynn was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007. After his playing years, Gwynn was a broadcaster for ESPN as well as the head coach for the San Diego State baseball team. Gwynn passed away on June 16, 2014, in Poway, Calif.

Brad Halsey was born on Feb. 14, 1981, in Houston. Halsey spent time at both Hill College and the University of Texas at Austin before being drafted in the eighth round of the 2002 First-Year Player Draft. He made his debut on June 19, 2004, as a left-handed pitcher with the Yankees. Halsey spent three years in the Majors, with the Yankees, Diamondbacks and Athletics. He passed away on Oct. 31, 2014, in New Braunfels, Texas.

William "Billy" Harrell was born July 18, 1928, in Norristown, Pa. He was signed in 1955 by the Cleveland Indians out of Sienna College. His Major League debut came on Sept. 2, 1955, as an infielder. After playing with the Indians until 1958, Harrell played for the Boston Red Sox. He continued playing in the Minors until 1966. Harrell passed away on May 6, 2014, in Albany, N.Y.

Bill Henry was born on Oct. 15, 1927, in Alice, Texas. He made his Major League debut with the Boston Red Sox on April 17, 1952. Over his 16-year MLB career, he pitched for the Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants, Pittsburgh Pirates and Houston Astros. Henry was named to the 1960 All-Star team and also appeared in the 1961 World Series. Henry passed away on April 11, 2014, in Round Rock, Texas.

John Hoover was born on Dec. 22, 1962, in Fresno, Calif. He was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles as the 25th overall pick of the 1984 First-Year Player Draft. He made his Major League debut on May 23, 1990, as a pitcher for the Texas Rangers. In 1984, Hoover was the starting pitcher for the United States Olympic Baseball team and helped lead the U.S. to a silver medal in the Olympic Games. Hoover passed away on July 8, 2014, in Fresno, Calif.

Tim Hosley was born on May 10, 1947, in Spartanburg, S.C. He was signed by the Detroit Tigers in 1966 as an amateur free agent and made his career debut on Sept. 8 1970. Throughout his 10-year career he also played for the Oakland Athletics and Chicago Cubs as a catcher and pinch hitter. Hosley passed away on Jan. 21, 2014, in Moore, S.C. 

Ed Keegan was born on July 8, 1939, in Camden, N.J. Keegan was signed by the Philadelphia Phillies in 1957 and made his debut on Aug. 24, 1959. He spent three years in the Majors, with the Phillies and Kansas City Athletics. Keegan passed away on Oct. 19, 2014, in Franklinville, N.J.

Russ Kemmerer was born on Nov. 1, 1930, in Pittsburgh. Kemmerer was signed by the Boston Red Sox as an amateur free agent in 1951 after attending both Glenville State College and the University of Pittsburgh. He made his debut on June 27, 1954, with the Red Sox, and also went on to play with the Washington Senators, Chicago White Sox and Houston Colt .45s. Kemmerer passed away on Dec. 8, 2014, in Indianapolis.

Art Kenney was born on April 29, 1916, in Milford, Mass. In 1938 he was signed by the Boston Bees as an amateur free agent. He made his Major League debut as a left-handed pitcher with the Bees against the Philadelphia Phillies on July 1, 1938. After his season with the Bees, he spent time serving in the Army Air Force and as a teacher and principal. Kenney passed away on March 12, 2014, in Littleton, N.H.

Ralph Kiner was born on Oct. 27, 1922, in Santa Rita, N.M. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates as an amateur free agent in 1941, making his career debut on April 16, 1946, with the Pirates. During his 10-year career, he played for the Pirates, Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians, totaling 369 runs, hitting more than 50 runs in a season twice and driving in 1,015 runs. During his first seven seasons with the Pirates from 1946 to 1953, Kiner led the National League in home runs every year, still a record streak for either league. He finished his playing career having made six National League All-Star appearances from 1948 to 1953, as well as holding multiple home run records including being the quickest player in MLB history to hit 300 home runs. Following his playing career, Kiner made his way into the broadcasting world with the Chicago White Sox and the New York Mets. He spent more than 50 years broadcasting and is well-known for his post-game show "Kiner's Korner". He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1975 and the Mets Hall of Fame in 1984. The Pirates retired his uniform number, 4, in 1987. Kiner passed away on Feb. 6, 2014, in Rancho Mirage, Calif.

Bill Koski was born on Feb. 6, 1932, in Madera, Calif. Koski was signed as an amateur free agent in 1950 and made his debut the following year, on April 28, 1951, for the Pirates. After his 1951 season as a relief pitcher, Koski served in the Korean War as a member of the United States Armed Services. Following his professional baseball career, Koski was the pitching coach at California State University, Stanislaus. Koski passed away on July 9, 2014, in Modesto, Calif.

Chuck Kress was born on Dec. 9, 1921, in Philadelphia. In 1940 he was signed by the Cincinnati Reds as an amateur free agent. He made his career debut with the Reds on April 16, 1947, at first base. During his four seasons in the Majors he played with the Chicago White Sox, Reds, Detroit Tigers and Brooklyn Dodgers. Kress passed away on March 4, 2014, in Colville, Wash.

Les Layton was born on Nov. 18, 1921, in Nardin, Okla. He made his career debut with the New York Giants on April 24, 1948, as a pinch runner against the Boston Braves. The next season, he was sent back down to the Minors where he finished his professional playing career in 1953. Layton passed away on March 1, 2014, in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Don Lenhardt was born on Oct. 4, 1922, in Alton, Ill. He was signed by the St. Louis Browns in 1946. Lenhardt made his big league debut on April 18, 1950, as a left fielder. He played professionally for five years with the Baltimore Orioles, Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers. Lenhardt passed away on July 9, 2014, in Chesterfield, Mo.

George Lerchen was born on Dec. 1, 1922, in Detroit. He was signed by the Detroit Tigers as an amateur free agent in 1942 and made his Major League Baseball debut with them on April 15, 1952. He also played for the Cincinnati Reds in 1953. Lerchen served in the United States Navy during World War II, from 1943 to 1945, in the middle of his time spent playing professional baseball. Lerchen passed away on March 26, 2014, in Garden City, Mich.

Lou Lucier was born on March 23, 1918, in Northbridge, Mass. Lucier spent three years in the Majors with the Phillies and Red Sox after making his debut as a right-handed pitcher on April 23, 1943, with Boston. Lucier passed away on Oct. 18, 2014, in Millbury, Mass.

Jerry Lumpe was born June 2, 1933, in Lincoln, Mo. After attending Missouri State University, Lumpe was signed by the New York Yankees as a free agent in 1951. He made his debut as an infielder on April 17, 1956, with the Yankees before moving on to play with the Kansas City Athletics and Detroit Tigers during his 12-year career. Highlights of Lumpe's career include a World Series win in 1958 with the Yankees and an All-Star honor in 1964. Following the end of his playing career, Lumpe coached with the Oakland Athletics. Lumpe passed away on Aug. 15, 2014, in Springfield, Mo.

Gordon MacKenzie was born July 9, 1937, in St. Petersburg, Fla. He signed as a free agent with the Kansas City Athletics in 1956 and made his debut as a catcher six years later, on Aug. 13, 1961. MacKenzie only spent one year as a player in the Majors, but he went on to have a lengthy career as a Minor League manager and Major League coach with the Kansas City Royals, Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants and Cleveland Indians. MacKenzie passed away on Aug. 12, 2014, in St. Petersburg.

Hector Maestri was born on April 19, 1935, in La Habana, Cuba. He was signed by the Washington Senators as an amateur free agent in 1956 and made his career debut on Sept. 24, 1960, as a pitcher. He finished his career in the Majors in 1961 with a 1.12 ERA. Maestri passed away on Feb. 21, 2014, in Miami.

Leo Marentette was born on Feb. 18, 1941, in Detroit. Marentette was signed by the Detroit Tigers in 1960 and made his Major League debut with the Tigers on Sept. 26, 1965, as a pitcher. Marentette went on to play on Canada's first Major League team, the Montreal Expos, in 1969. Marentette passed away on May 8, 2014, in Lambertville, Mich.

Conrado Marrero was born on April 25, 1911, in Sagua La Grande, Villa Clara, Cuba. He was signed by the Washington Senators as an amateur free agent in 1947 and made his career debut on April 21, 1950. Marrero spent the entirety of his five-year career with the Senators and was named to the 1951 All-Star team. After celebrating his 102nd birthday on April 25, 2013, he became only the second former big leaguer to reach that age. Marrero passed away two days shy of his 103rd birthday on April 23, 2014, in Havana.

Jose Martinez was born July 26, 1942, in Cardenas, Cuba. A utility infielder, Martinez was signed by the Pirates in 1960 and made his debut as a pinch hitter on April 12, 1969. He spent two years with the Pirates before ending his Major League career. Following his playing days, Martinez was a coach with the Royals, Cubs and Braves, winning a World Series with Kansas City in 1985. Martinez passed away on Oct. 1, 2014, in Orlando, Fla.

Jackie Mayo was born July 26, 1925, in Litchfield, Ill. He attended the University of Notre Dame before signing with the Phillies in 1947. Mayo made his debut Sept. 19, 1948, as a left fielder and spent the entirety of his six-year career with Philadelphia. Mayo passed away on Aug. 19, 2014, in North Lima, Ohio.

Billy McCool was born on July 14, 1944, in Batesville, Ind. He was signed by the Cincinnati Reds as an amateur free agent in 1963. McCool made his career debut on April 24, 1964, with the Reds and went on to play with the Padres and Cardinals during his seven-year career. McCool passed away on June 8, 2014, in Summerfield, Fla.

Ezra "Pat" McGlothin was born on Oct. 20, 1920, in Coalfield, Tenn. Prior to making it to the big leagues, McGlothin attended the University of Tennessee and served his country in the Navy in World War II. McGlothin made his debut on April 25, 1949, as a relief pitcher on Opening Day for the Brooklyn Dodgers. He spent two years in the Majors with the Dodgers before finishing his career. McGlothin passed away on Oct. 24, 2014, in Knoxville, Tenn.

Rogers McKee was born Sept. 16, 1926, in Shelby, N.C. McKee made his debut with the Philadelphia Phillies on Aug. 18, 1943, at just 16 years old. A left-handed pitcher, McKee spent two seasons with the Phillies before enlisting in the Navy to serve in World War II. After returning from war, McKee spent 11 seasons in the Minors but never made it back up to the big leagues. McKee passed away on Sept. 1, 2014, in Shelby.

Charlie Mead was born on April 9, 1921, in Vermilion, Canada. Mead made his debut at right field with the New York Giants on Aug. 28, 1943, spending three years with the Giants before ending his Major League career. Mead passed away on May 8, 2014, in Victorville, Calif.

Kelvin Moore was born Sept. 26, 1957, in Leroy, Ala. After attending Jackson State University, Moore was selected in the sixth round of the 1978 First-Year Player Draft by the Athletics. Moore made his debut on Aug. 28, 1981, and by 1983 had earned the Athletics' starting first baseman slot. He also spent time in the Mets, Brewers and White Sox organizations at the Minor League level. Moore passed away on Nov. 9, 2014, in Covington, Ga.

Guy "Moose" Morton was born on Nov. 4, 1930, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. He attended the University of Alabama and was signed by the Boston Red Sox in 1949. His Major League debut came on Sept. 17, 1954, as a pitcher for the Red Sox. His father was Guy Morton Sr., who pitched for the Cleveland Indians. Morton passed away on May 11, 2014, in Lorain, Ohio.

Edward O'Brien was born on Dec. 11, 1930, in South Amboy, N.J. In 1953 he signed as an amateur free agent with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He made his career debut with the Pirates as an infielder on April 25, 1953. At the end of O'Brien's five years in the Majors, he became the athletic director at Seattle University and also coached the Seattle Pilots. O'Brien passed away on Feb. 21, 2014, in Seattle.

Charlie Osgood was born on Nov. 23, 1926, in Somerville, Mass. He was signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers and made his Major League debut on June 18, 1944. He also spent two seasons playing in the Minor Leagues. Osgood passed away on Jan. 23, 2014, in Tweksbury, Mass.

Joe Pittman was born on Jan. 1, 1953, in Houston. He was drafted by the Houston Astros in the fifth round of the 1975 First-Year Player Draft. He also played for the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants. He later served as a scout for the Houston Astros from 1988-2003 and as a Minor League instructor in 1996. Pittman passed away on June 12, 2014, in Lake Jackson, Texas.

Herb Plews was born June 14, 1928, in Helena, Mont. He was signed in 1950 by the New York Yankees out of the University of Illinois, but he put his baseball career on hold to serve in the military. Plews returned to baseball and made his Major League debut on April 18, 1956, as a pinch hitter with the Washington Senators. During his four-year career, he spent time with both the Senators and the Boston Red Sox. Plews passed away on Dec. 12, 2014, in Boulder, Colo.

Bob Powell was born on Oct. 17, 1933, in Flint, Mich. He was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in 1955 and made his debut as a pinch runner on Sept. 16, 1955. He played for the White Sox until 1957. After playing in the Majors, Powell spent his days as a civil engineer and worked on the construction of the United States Air Force Academy. Powell passed away on April 26, 2014, in Muscle Shoals, Ala.

Art Quirk was born April 11, 1938, in Providence, R.I. Before signing with the Baltimore Orioles in 1959, Quirk led his South Kingstown High School team to two Rhode Island state baseball championships and attended Dartmouth College on an academic scholarship. He made his debut as a left-handed pitcher on April 17, 1962, with the Orioles and spent 1962 with them before playing the 1963 season with the Washington Senators. Quirk passed away on Nov. 22, 2014, in Stonington, Conn.

Bill Renna was born on Oct. 14, 1924, in Hanford, Calif. He was signed by the New York Yankees as an amateur free agent in 1949 and made his Major League debut on April 14, 1953, as an outfielder. He continued his career with the Philadelphia Athletics, Kansas City Athletics, Boston Red Sox and San Francisco Seals. Before joining the Major Leagues, Renna attended the University of San Francisco and joined the Marine Corps, serving in the South Pacific. At the height of his baseball career in 1954 with the Philadelphia Athletics, he hit a career-high 13 home runs and scored 52 runs. Renna passed away on June 19, 2014, in San Jose, Calif.

Allen Ripley was born Oct. 18, 1952, in Northwood, Mass. The son of former Red Sox pitcher Walt Ripley, Allen was signed by the Red Sox in 1972 and made his debut on April 10, 1978. After two years with the Red Sox, Ripley went on to play with the Giants and Cubs for the rest of his five-year career. Ripley passed away on Nov. 7, 2014, in North Attleboro, Mass.

Earl Robinson was born on Nov. 3, 1936, in New Orleans. Robinson was a College World Series champion with the California Golden Bears in 1957. He signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1958 and made his debut on Sept. 10, 1958, at third base. Robinson played four seasons in the Majors with the Dodgers and Baltimore Orioles. Robinson passed away on July 4, 2014, in Fountain Valley, Calif.

Jeff Robinson was born on Dec. 14, 1961, in Ventura, Calif. Drafted in the third round of the 1983 First-Year Player Draft by the Detroit Tigers out of Azusa Pacific University, Robinson was a right-handed pitcher that led his college team to two NAIA College World Series appearances. He made his Major League debut on April 12, 1987, for the Tigers and went on to a 9-6 record in his rookie year. Robinson spent four seasons with Detroit before moving on to short stints with the Baltimore Orioles, Texas Rangers and Pittsburgh Pirates. Robinson passed away Oct. 26, 2014, in Overland Park, Mo.

Jean-Pierre Roy was born on June 26, 2014, in Montreal. Roy made his debut on May 5, 1946, with the Brooklyn Dodgers as a relief pitcher. Following his long career in the Minors, Roy became a broadcaster for the Montreal Expos. Roy passed away on Oct. 31, 2014, in Pompano Beach, Fla.

John "Sonny" Ruberto was born on Jan. 2, 1946, in Staten Island, N.Y. In 1964 he was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals as an amateur free agent and made his career debut with the San Diego Padres on May 25, 1969, as a catcher. Throught his career, from 1969 to 1972, he also played with the Cincinnati Reds. After two seasons in the Majors, he went on to become a big league coach for St. Louis Cardinals and a Minor League manager. Ruberto passed away on March 24, 2014, in Ave Maria, Fla.

Ray Sadecki was born on Dec. 26, 1940, in Kansas City, Kan. He signed as a left-handed pitcher with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1958 and made his debut on May 19, 1960. Sadecki spent 18 years in the Majors, compiling a record of 135-131 with a career ERA of 3.78. His best year came in 1964 when he pitched his only 20-win season and helped the Cardinals to a World Series championship. Following his eight years with St. Louis, Sadecki also played for the Mets, Giants, Royals, Braves and Brewers. Sadecki passed away Nov. 17, 2014, in Mesa, Ariz.

Art Schult was born June 20, 1928, in Brooklyn, N.Y. After attending Georgetown University, Schult was signed by the New York Yankees in 1948. He made his Major League debut on May 17, 1953, as an outfielder. Throughout his five-year career, Schult spent equal time as an outfielder and first baseman with the Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Redlegs and Washington Senators. Schult passed away on July 25, 2014, in Ocala, Fla.

George Shuba was born Dec. 13, 1924, in Youngstown, Ohio. Shuba signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1944 and spent the entirety of his seven-year career with the team as an outfielder. He made his debut on July 2, 1948, and ended his career with the Dodgers' World Series win in 1955. Shuba passed away on Sept. 29, 2014, in Youngstown.

Earl Smith was born March 14, 1928, in Sunnyside, Wash. Smith attended California State University, Fresno, before signing with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1949. Smith made his Major League debut on April 14, 1955, as an outfielder with the Pirates. He returned to California following his career and owned a grocery store until his retirement. Smith passed away Sept. 27, 2014, in Fresno, Calif.

Hal Smith was born on June 1, 1931, in Barling, Ark. He was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals as an amateur free agent in 1949. On May 2, 1956, he made his career debut as a catcher with the Cardinals, with whom he continued playing for six seasons. Smith also played for the Pittsburgh Pirates and made two All-Star appearances during his career. Following his playing days, he spent 10 years coaching the Majors with the Pirates, Cincinnati Reds and Milwaukee Brewers. Smith passed away on April 12, 2014, in Fort Smith, Ark.

George Spencer was born July 7, 1926, in Columbus, Ohio. Both a member of the baseball team and the starting quarterback while at Ohio State University, Spencer went on to sign with the New York Giants in 1948. Spencer made his Major League debut on Aug. 17, 1950, for the Giants and spent six years with New York before playing his last two seasons with the Detroit Tigers. After finishing his playing career, Spencer was a pitching instructor with the Tigers and Reds organizations. Spencer passed away on Sept. 10, 2014, in Galena, Ohio.

Oscar Taveras was born June 19, 1992, in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Signed at 16 by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2008, Taveras spent time in the Cardinals' Minor League system as one of the top prospects of Major League Baseball. Taveras made his debut on May 31, 2014, in right field, hitting a home run in his second Major League at-bat. Taveras passed away Oct. 26, 2014, in Puerto Plata.

Dick Teed was born March 8, 1926, in Springfield, Mass. Teed signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947 and spent 17 years in the Minors, making his only Major League appearance on July 24, 1953, as a pinch hitter. He transitioned to the role of player/coach in 1960 and continued his involvement in baseball as a manager and scout with the Phillies and Dodgers. Teed passed away on Aug. 17, 2014, in Newport, R.I.

Frank Torre was born on Dec. 30, 1931, in Brooklyn, N.Y. After signing with the Boston Braves in 1950, Torre spent two years in the Minors before leaving baseball to serve his country for two years in the military. Upon his return, Torre made his debut on April 20, 1956, as a first baseman for the Milwaukee Braves. A highlight of Torre's career came in 1957, when the Braves defeated the New York Yankees to win the World Series. In his seven-year career, Torre spent time with both the Braves and the Phillies. Upon his retirement from baseball, he became an executive at Rawlings Sporting Goods and was also the vice president of Baseball Assistance Team. Torre passed away on Sept. 13, 2014, in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

Bob Usher was born on March 1, 1925, in San Diego. Usher signed with the Cincinnati Reds in 1943 and played only one game in the Minors before leaving to serve his country in the United States Navy during World War II. He returned to baseball and made his debut on April 16, 1946, as an outfielder for the Reds. Usher spent four years with the Reds, then finished his career with the Cubs, Indians and Senators. Following his retirement from baseball, Usher went into government work with the Department of the Interior in Washington, D.C. Usher passed away on Dec. 29, 2014, in San Jose, Calif.

Roberto Vargas was born on May 29, 1929, in Santurce, Puerto Rico. He made his Major League debut on April 17, 1955, with the Braves as a pitcher. Vargas passed away on May 27, 2014, in Caguas, Puerto Rico.

Tom Veryzer was born on Feb. 11, 1953, in Port Jefferson, N.Y. He was drafted 11th overall by the Detroit Tigers in the 1971 First-Year Player Draft. Veryzer made his debut on Aug. 14, 1973, at shortstop and was on the 1975 Topps All-Star Rookie Team. He was also on the 1984 National League East-champion Chicago Cubs. Veryzer passed away on July 8, 2014, in Islip, N.Y.

Bob Welch was born on Nov. 3, 1956, in Detroit. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers with the 20th overall pick in the first round of the 1977 First-Year Player Draft and made his career debut on June 20, 1978, as a pitcher. During his 17-year career, Welch played for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Oakland Athletics. At the height of his career in 1990, he won the American League Cy Young Award and was also a two-time All-Star. After his retirement, Welch served as the pitching coach for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2001, the same year they defeated the Yankees in the World Series. Welch passed away on June 9, 2014, in Seal Beach, Calif.

Dick Welteroth was born on Aug. 3, 1927, in Williamsport, Pa. He was drafted by the Washington Senators in 1945 and made his Major League debut for the Senators on May 16, 1948, as a relief pitcher. Welteroth retired in 1950 with the Senators. He passed away on May 7, 2014, in Williamsport.

Bob Wiesler was born on Aug. 13, 1930, in St. Louis. After signing with the Yankees in 1949, Wiesler made his debut on Aug. 3, 1951, as the starting pitcher. Wiesler spent the rest of the 1951 season with the Yankees, then left baseball to serve the Army in the Korean War. Returning to baseball in 1954, Wiesler spent two more seasons with the Yankees before being traded to the Senators, closing out his career in Washington D.C. for three final years. Wiesler passed away on Aug. 10, 2014, in Florissant, Mo.

Robert "Red" Wilson was born March 7, 1929, in Milwaukee. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Wilson was named an All-American in football and led his team to the 1950 College World Series before passing on a chance to play in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles and signing with the Chicago White Sox in 1950. Wilson made his debut on Sept. 22, 1951, catching four games that season. He spent three years with the White Sox before being traded to the Detroit Tigers. During his tenure with the Tigers, Wilson was behind the plate for Jim Bunning's 1958 no-hitter. In his 10-year career, Wilson also spent time with the Indians. Wilson passed away on Aug. 8, 2014, in Fitchburg, Wis.

Donald "Zim" Zimmer was born on Jan. 17, 1931, in Cincinnati. He was signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers as an amateur free agent in 1949. He played with the Dodgers, Cubs, Mets, Reds and Senators during his 12-year career. Zimmer was the 1955 Caribbean Series MVP, a two-time World Series champion, a National League All-Star in 1961 and Manager of the Year in 1989. He also played in Japan in 1966. Following his retirement, Zimmer worked in Minor League Baseball before managing or coaching for the Montreal Expos, San Diego Padres, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants, Colorado Rockies and Tampa Bay Rays. He also published two books about his life. Zimmer passed away on June 4, 2014, in Dunedin, Fla.

George Zuverink was born on Aug. 20, 1924, in Holland, Mich. Zuverink attended Hope College before serving in the United States Air Force for three years during World War II. After his service, Zuverink was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1946 and made his Major League debut on April 21, 1951, as a relief pitcher with the Cleveland Indians. Spending eight years in the big leagues, Zuverink played for the Indians, Reds, Tigers and Orioles before his retirement in 1959. Zuverink passed away on Sept. 8, 2014, in Tempe, Ariz.