Necrology
Garret Anderson was born on June 30, 1972, in Los Angeles, Calif., and made his Major League debut on July 27, 1994, with the California Angels. He played 17 seasons in the Majors, best-known for 15 seasons with the Angels, before finishing his career with the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers. A three-time All-Star, two-time Silver Slugger, 2002 World Series champion, Home Run Derby champion and 2003 All-Star MVP, Anderson built a career defined by consistency and production. He remains the Angels’ all-time leader in games played, at-bats, doubles, RBI and total bases, leaving a legacy behind on the organization. He passed away unexpectedly on April 16, 2026, in Newport Beach, Calif., at the age of 53.
Mark Bailey was born on Nov. 4, 1961 in Springfield, Mo. and made his Major League debut on April 27, 1984 with the Houston Astros. Bailey, a catcher, played in seven seasons at the big league level spent mostly with the Astros and finished his career with the San Francisco Giants. After his playing days, Bailey became a coach for many Minor League systems, beginning with the Kissimmee Cobras in 1998. In 2015 he pivoted from the Minor Leagues to becoming a roving catching instructor for the Astros and in 2016 was named the Astros’ Minor League Catching Coordinator. Bailey passed away on May 26, 2026 in Katy, Texas. He was 64 years old.
Tony Balsamo was born on July 21, 1936, in Brooklyn, N.Y., and made his Major League debut on April 14, 1962, with the Chicago Cubs. Balsamo, a right-handed pitcher, pitched in 18 games at the big-league level with the Cubs. He passed away on March 12, 2026, in Holbrook, N.Y. at the age of 89.
Gil Blanco was born on Dec. 15, 1945 in Phoenix, Ariz. and made his Major League debut on April 24, 1965 with the New York Yankees. Blanco, a left-handed pitcher nicknamed "Bambi," signed with the Yankees as a bonus baby out of Phoenix's North High School and dominated Class A ball at 18 before debuting at 19 in relief of Jim Bouton. He played two seasons at the big league level, split between the Yankees and Kansas City Athletics, finishing with a 3-5 record and a 4.45 ERA in 28 games — his entire Major League career completed before his 21st birthday. Blanco passed away on July 9, 2026, in his hometown of Phoenix, Ariz. He was 80 years old.
Ossie Blanco was born on Sept. 8, 1945 in Caracas, Venezuela and made his Major League debut on May 26, 1970 with the Chicago White Sox. Blanco, a first baseman, played two seasons at the big league level with the White Sox and Cleveland Indians, batting .196 in 52 games. In 2015 he was inducted into the Venezuelan Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Blanco passed away on July 23, 2026 at the age of 80.
Gary Blaylock was born Oct. 11, 1931, in Clarkton, Mo., and made his Major League debut on April 10, 1959, with the St. Louis Cardinals. Blaylock played in 41 games at the big-league level with the Cardinals and New York Yankees. After his retirement, he became a Minor League pitching instructor and manager and later became a pitching coach for the 1985 World Series Champion Kansas City Royals team. He was on the Royals staff from 1984 through 1987 and was a scout for the team. Blaylock passed away Feb. 7, 2026, in Clarkton, Mo.
Scott Brown was born on Aug. 30, 1956 in DeQuincy, La. and made his Major League debut on Aug. 11, 1981 with the Cincinnati Reds, who had drafted him in the fourth round in 1975. Brown, a right-handed pitcher, earned his only Major League win in that debut, holding the Los Angeles Dodgers scoreless over 2⅓ innings of relief. He appeared in 10 games for the Reds that season, finishing with a 1-0 record and a 2.77 ERA. He was traded to the Kansas City Royals organization after the season and pitched in the Minors through 1983. Brown passed away on July 21, 2026, in his hometown of DeQuincy, La. He was 69 years old.
Billy Bryan was born on Dec. 4, 1938, in Morgan, Ga., and made his Major League debut on Sept. 12, 1961, with the Kansas City Athletics. Bryan, a catcher, played in eight seasons at the big-league level, six of them spent with the Athletics, and the remaining with the New York Yankees and Washington Senators. He passed away on April 9, 2026.
Doug Camilli was born on Sept. 22, 1936, in Philadelphia and made his Major League debut on Sept. 25, 1960, with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Camilli played nine years in the Majors with the Dodgers and the Washington Senators. Camilli, a catcher, is known for catching one of Sandy Koufax’s no-hitters. He also was part of the 1963 World Series Champion Dodger team as a backup catcher. Camilli passed away on March 17, 2026, in Vero Beach, Fla., at the age of 89.
Buzz Capra was born on Oct. 1, 1947 in Chicago, Ill. and made his Major League debut on Sept. 15, 1971 with the New York Mets. Capra spent seven seasons in the Majors, playing for the Mets and Atlanta Braves. He ended his career as a National League All-Star in 1974. Beyond his playing days, Capra became a pitching coach at Northeastern Illinois University in 1981-82, before he was a longtime professional pitching coach for many Minor League teams for more than 20 years. Capra passed away on May 11, 2026 in Joliet, Ill. at the age of 78.
Randy Cardinal was born on March 30, 1942 in Brooklyn, N.Y. and made his Major League debut on April 11, 1963 with the Houston Colt .45s. Cardinal, a right-hander, pitched in part of one season at the big league level with the Colt .45s. Cardinal passed away on April 28, 2026, in Central, Utah at the age of 84.
Larry Christenson was born on Nov. 10, 1953 in Everett, Wash. and made his Major League debut on April 13, 1973 with the Philadelphia Phillies at age 19, throwing a complete game in a win over the New York Mets. Christenson, a right-handed pitcher known as "LC," spent his entire 11-year career with the Phillies, posting a career-high 19 wins in 1977 and starting Game 1 of that year's National League Championship Series. He was a member of the Phillies' 1980 World Series championship team and finished his career with an 83-71 record and a 3.79 ERA before retiring in 1983. Christenson later built a career in institutional investing, serving as president of Christenson Investment Partners. He passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 28, 2026 while on a fishing trip in Washington state. He was 72 years old.
Randy Cardinal was born on March 30, 1942 in Brooklyn, N.Y. and made his Major League debut on April 11, 1963 with the Houston Colt .45s. Cardinal, a right-hander, pitched in part of one season at the big league level with the Colt .45s. Cardinal passed away on April 28, 2026 in Central, Utah at the age of 84.
Ken Clay was born on Apri l6, 1954 in Lynchburg, Va. and made his major league debut on June 7, 1977 with the New York Yankees. Clay, a right-handed pitcher, pitched in five seasons at the big league level with the Yankees, Texas Rangers, and the Seattle Mariners. He ended his career as a two-time World Series champion with the Yankees. Clay passed away on March 26, 2026 in Lynchburg, Va. He was 71 years old.
Bobby Cox was born on May 21, 1941 in Tulsa, Okla. and made his Major League debut on April 14, 1968 with the New York Yankees. Cox played in two seasons at the big league level as a third baseman for the Yankees but is more known for his Hall of Fame career as a manager. Cox, a 29-year manager, managed the Atlanta Braves for 25 seasons, and Toronto Blue Jays for four. Cox led the Braves to five National League pennants, leading the 1995 team to a World Series title. The four-time Manager of the Year earned his way into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014, elected by the Veterans Committee. Cox passed away on May 9, 2026 in Marietta, Ga. at the age of 84.
Ken Clay was born on April 6, 1954, in Lynchburg, Va., and made his Major League debut on June 7, 1977, with the New York Yankees. Clay, a right-handed pitcher, pitched in five seasons at the big-league level with the Yankees, Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners. He ended his career as a two-time World Series champion with the Yankees. Clay passed away on March 26, 2026, in Lynchburg, Va. He was 71 years old.
Al Closter was born on June 15, 1943, in Creighton, Ne. and made his Major League debut on April 19, 1966, with the Washington Senators. Al, a left-handed pitcher, pitched in four seasons at the big-league level with the Washington Senators, New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves. Al passed away June 11, 2026, in Morattico, Va. He was 82 years old.
Ray Crone was born Aug. 7, 1931 in Memphis, Tenn. and made his Major League debut on April 13, 1954 with the Milwaukee Braves. Crone played in five seasons in the Majors with the Braves and New York/San Francisco Giants. After his playing days, Crone became a scout for the Baltimore Orioles for 20 years, and later the Arizona Diamondbacks. He passed away Jan. 15, 2026 in Waxahachie, Texas.
Bob Duliba was born on Jan. 9, 1935, in Plen Lyon, Pa., and made his Major League debut on Aug. 11, 1959, with the St. Louis Cardinals. Duliba played in seven seasons at the big-league level with the Cardinals, Los Angeles Angels, Boston Red Sox and the Kansas City Athletics. After retirement, the right-handed pitcher became a coach and a high school teacher, and was the head coach of Wilkes University’s baseball team. He passed away on April 4, 2026, in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
John Edelman was born on July 27, 1935 in Philadelphia, Pa. and made his Major League debut on June 2, 1955 with the Milwaukee Braves. Edelman pitched in five innings at the big league level with the Braves. After retiring from the game, Edelman returned to university where he earned a degree in education. He later became a schoolteacher and coached for his high school team, leading them to a championship in 1968. He passed away on April 9, 2026 in West Chester, Pa. at the age of 90.
Roy Face was born Feb. 20, 1928 in Stephentown, N.Y. and made his Major League debut on April 16, 1963 with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The right-hander pitched in 16 seasons in the Majors, predominantly with the Pirates, and also the Detroit Tigers and Montreal Expos. He finished his seasoned career as a six-time All-Star and 1960 World Series Champion with the Pirates. Known for his forkball, the reliever ended his career with 191 saves. Face went on to become a carpentry foreman at Mayview State Hospital and retired in North Versailles, Penn. He passed away Feb. 12, 2026 at the age of 97, just shy of his 98th birthday.
Phil Garner was born on April 30, 1949 in Jefferson City, Tenn. and made his Major League debut on Sept. 10, 1973 with the Oakland Athletics. Garner spent 16 seasons at the big league level, playing for the Athletics, Pittsburgh Pirates, Houston Astros, Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants. He ended his successful career as a three-time All-Star (1976,1980, 1981) and a 1979 World Series Champions with the Pirates. After retirement, Garner stayed close to the game and became a coach for the Astros from 1989-91 and later became manager of the Milwaukee Brewers in 1992, managing them until 1999. After his stint with the Brewers, he managed the Tigers for three seasons and the Astros for four, where he led the Astros to a World Series in 2005. Later on he became a special advisor for the Athletics in 2011. Garner passed away on April 11, 2026 in The Woodlands, Texas. He was 76 years old.
Wes Gardner was born on April 29, 1961 in Benton, Ark. and made his Major League debut on July 29, 1984 with the New York Mets. Gardner spent eight years at the big league level, playing for the New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, San Diego Padres and Kansas City Royals. The right handed pitcher had a career 44 games started and 14 saves with most of his career being played with the Red Sox. Gardner passed away on June 10, 2026 in Benton, Ark.. He was 65 years old.
Dave Giusti was born Nov. 27, 1939 in Seneca Falls, N.Y. and made his Major League debut April 13, 1962 with the Houston Colt .45s. Giusti spent 15 seasons in the Majors playing for the Colt .45s, Astros, St. Louis Cardinals, Pittsburgh Pirates, Oakland Athletics and Chicago Cubs. The right-handed pitcher led the National League in saves in 1971, earned an All-Star nod in 1973, and became a World Series Champion in 1971 with the Pirates. He passed away Jan. 11, 2026 at the age of 86.
Terrance Gore was born June 8, 1991 in Macon, Ga. and made his Major League debut Sept. 2, 2014 with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Gore played in eight seasons at the big-league level spent with the Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, Atlanta Braves and New York Mets. He was most known for his efficient pinch running. Gore was part of three World Series Championships with the Royals, Dodgers and Braves. He passed away Feb. 6, 2026 in Panama City, Fla. after complications from a medical procedure. He was just 34 years old.
Wayne Granger was born on March 15, 1944 in Springfield, Ma. and made his Major League debut on June 5, 1968 with the St. Louis Cardinals. Granger pitched nine seasons at the big league level with the Cardinals, Cincinnati Reds, Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox, Houston Astros and Montreal Expos. While he played for seven teams, he is most known for his three-year successful stint with the Reds, which landed him in the team’s Hall of Fame in 1982. He ended his career with a 3.14 ERA and 303 strike outs. Granger passed away on Feb. 25, 2026 in Oviedo, Fla. at the age of 81.
Derrell Griffith was born on December 12, 1943 in Anadarko, Oklahoma and made his major league debut on September 26, 1963 with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Griffith, an outfielder and third baseman, attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University before signing with the Dodgers ahead of the 1962 season. He played parts of four seasons at the big league level through 1966, batting .260 with 5 home runs in 124 games. Griffith passed away on June 25, 2026 in his hometown of Anadarko, Okla. He was 82 years old.
Eddie Haas was born on May 26, 1935, in Paducah, Ky. and made his Major League debut on Sept. 8, 1957 with the Chicago Cubs. Haas played three seasons at the big league level with the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Braves. Haas was the Atlanta Braves' Minor League hitting instructor from 1973-74 and a Braves coach from 1974-77, and again in 1984 before managing the club in 1985. He was also a Minor League manager for 13 seasons between 1966-84. He passed away on June 4, 2026 in Louisville, Ky. at the age of 91.
Bobby Henrich was born Dec. 24, 1938 in Lawrence, Kan. and made his Major League debut May 3, 1957 with the Cincinnati Redlegs. He played in three seasons at the big league level, all three with the Redlegs/Reds. After his retirement at age 22, Henrich went into the insurance business. He passed away Feb. 9, 2026 in La Habra, Calif. at 87 years old.
Al Holland was born on Aug. 16, 1952 in Roanoke, Va. and made his Major League debut on Sept. 5, 1977 with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He played 10 seasons at the big league level earning the nickname Mr. T, while playing for the Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Francisco Giants, California Angels and New York Yankees. Named the NL’s Rolaids Relief Award winner in the 1982 season, the 1x All-Star broke the Phillies’ single season save record with 29 in 1984. The left handed pitcher passed on July 4, 2026 in Fort Mill, S.C. at the age of 73.
Bob Horner was born on Aug. 6, 1957 in Junction City, Kan., and made his Major League debut on June 16, 1978 with the Atlanta Braves. Horner played 10 seasons in the Majors spent majority with the Braves but finished his career with the St. Louis Cardinals. Horner had a standout rookie season earning him the 1978 National League Rookie of the Year. He also was named to the 1982 All-Star team. Fun fact is that Horner never played a day in the Minor Leagues. The infielder passed away on May 26, 2026 in Irving, Texas.
Dick Hughes was born on Feb. 13, 1938 in Stephens, Ark. and made his Major League debut on Sept, 11, 1966 with the St. Louis Cardinals. Hughes played in three seasons at the big league level with the Cardinals, pitching in 307 innings. He ended his career with a 2.79 ERA, and a World Series Championship win in 1967 where he started two of the World Series games. Hughes passed away on May 6, 2026 in Stephens, Ark. He was 88.
Ron Hunt was born on February 23, 1941 in St. Louis, Mo. and made his major league debut on April 16, 1963 with the New York Mets, stepping in as the club's regular second baseman as a rookie. Hunt, a two-time All-Star (1964, 1966), played 12 seasons in the majors with the Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, Montreal Expos and St. Louis Cardinals, batting .273 for his career. He is best remembered for his fearlessness at the plate, leading the National League in hit-by-pitches seven consecutive years from 1968 through 1974 and setting a modern single-season record with 50 in 1971. He was named the Expos' Player of the Year in 1971 and remains a member of the Montreal Expos Hall of Fame. Hunt passed away on July 17, 2026 in St. Louis, Mo. He was 85 years old.
Butch Huskey was born on November 10, 1971 in Anadarko, Okla. and made his major league debut on September 8, 1993 with the New York Mets. Huskey, an outfielder, played parts of eight seasons in the majors, primarily with the Mets, before finishing his career with the Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox, Minnesota Twins and Colorado Rockies. His best season came in 1997, when he hit a career-high 24 home runs with 81 RBIs for the Mets, including a home run into the upper deck at Philadelphia's Veterans Stadium. He helped the 1999 Red Sox reach the postseason. Huskey passed away on August 14, 2026 in Lawton, Okla. He was 54 years old.
Darrell Jackson was born on April 3, 1956 in Los Angeles, Calif. and made his Major League debut on June 16, 1978 for the Minnesota Twins, while striking out seven batters. Jackson, a left-handed pitcher, played in five seasons at the big-league level with the Minnesota Twins. He passed away on July 5, 2026 in La Habra, Calif., at the age of 70.
Tommy John was born on May 22, 1943 in Terre Haute, Ind. and made his major league debut on September 6, 1963 with the Cleveland Indians. John, a left-handed pitcher, spent 26 seasons in the majors with the Indians, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, California Angels and Oakland Athletics, retiring with 288 career wins. A four-time All-Star, John missed the entire 1975 season after undergoing a groundbreaking elbow ligament reconstruction performed by Dr. Frank Jobe — a procedure that now bears his name and became standard for pitchers recovering from UCL injuries. He returned to post three 20-win seasons and pitched in three World Series, with the Dodgers in 1977 and 1978 and the Yankees in 1981. John passed away on August 15, 2026 in Bradenton, Fla. He was 83 years old.
Mike Johnson was born on March 2, 1951 in Slayton, Minn. and made his Major League debut on July 25, 1974 with the San Diego Padres. The right-handed pitcher played one season in the big leagues with 18 appearances. He passed away on May 20, 2026, in Carefree, Ariz. at the age of 75.
Rick Kreuger was born on Nov. 3, 1948 in Grand Rapids, Mich. and made his Major League debut on Sept. 6, 1975 with the Boston Red Sox. Kreuger, a left-handed pitcher, played in four seasons at the big league level with the Red Sox and the Cleveland Indians. After his playing days, Kreuger became a real-estate broker for many years, and later served as a head baseball coach at Cornerstone College. He also founded a baseball school, Kreuger’s Baseball School, located in Wyoming, Mich. and was passionate about mission work. He passed away on May 7, 2026 at the age of 77.
Chris Krug was born on Dec. 25, 1939 in Los Angeles, Calif. and made his Major League debut on May 30, 1965 with the Chicago Cubs. Krug played in three seasons at the big league level with the Cubs and San Diego Padres. After his playing days, Krug managed the Little Falls Mets in 1977 and 1978. He passed away on Jan. 16, 2026 in Wildomar, Calif. at the age of 86.
Bob Lacey was born on Aug. 25, 1953 in Fredericksburg, Va. and made his Major League debut on May 13, 1977 with the Oakland Athletics. The left-handed pitcher played seven years in the big leagues with the Oakland Athletics, Cleveland Indians, Texas Rangers, California Angels and San Francisco Giants. He played 284 games with 22 saves throughout his career. He passed away on June 4, 2026 in Alexandria, Va. at the age of 72.
Mickey Lolich was born Sept. 12, 1940 in Portland, Ore. and made his Major League debut May 12, 1963 with the Detroit Tigers. Lolich, a three-time All-Star pitcher, pitched in 16 seasons in the big leagues, predominantly with the Tigers and ended his career with the San Diego Padres and New York Mets. He was a crucial part of the 1968 World Series Detroit Tigers Championship Team, earning him the World Series MVP Award. In his career he won 217 Major League games and 2,832 strikeouts. After he retired from the game, Lolich ran a donut shop in Michigan for many years before settling back in Oregon. He was also a coach at the Tigers Fantasy Camp and extremely charitable. He passed away Feb. 4, 2026 in Sterling Heights, Mich. at the age of 85.
Davey Lopes was born on May 3, 1945 in East Providence, R.I. and made his Major League debut on Sept. 22, 1972 with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Lopes, a four-time All-Star, 1981 World Series Champion, 1978 NL Gold Glove winner, two-time NL Stolen Bases Leader (1975 and 1976), part of the longest-lasting infield of all time, played 16 seasons in the big leagues with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Oakland Athletics, Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros. After he retired from the game, Lopes was a Texas Rangers coach from 1988-91, and for the next three seasons, he was a member of the Baltimore Orioles coaching staff. He was a San Diego Padres coach from 1995-99. In 2000, Lopes became the manager of the Milwaukee Brewers. He returned to the Padres staff in 2003 and remained there for three years. After spending 2006 as the Washington Nationals first base coach, he joined the Philadelphia Phillies in the same capacity in 2007. In 2011, he was hired to be part of the Dodgers' coaching staff, staying until the end of the 2015 season. In 2016, he moved back to the Washington Nationals as first base coach, staying until the end of the 2017 season. He passed away April 8, 2026 in Providence, R.I. at the age of 80.
Rob Maurer was born Jan. 7, 1967 in Evansville, Ind. and made his Major League debut Sept. 8, 1991 with the Texas Rangers. The pinch hitter and first baseman played in 21 games in the Majors all spent with the Rangers. His career was cut short due to several knee issues. Maurer passed away Jan. 21, 2026 in his hometown of Evansville, Ind. He was 59.
Bill Mazeroski was born Sept. 5, 1936 in Wheeling, W.Va. and made his Major League debut July 7, 1956 with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The second baseman played in 17 seasons in the Majors, all 17 spent with the Pirates. Mazeroski ended his successful career as a 10-time All-Star, eight-time Gold Glover, Major League Player of the Year and a two-time World Series-Champion with the Pirates. All of those accolades led him into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001, mostly due to his success defensively. After retiring from playing, he became a coach for the Pirates in 1973, later joining the Seattle Mariners staff in 1979. He passed away Feb. 20, 2026.
Zack Monroe was born on July 8, 1931 in Peoria, Ill. and made his Major League debut on June 27, 1958 with the New York Yankees. The right-handed pitcher served in the United States Military during the Korean War before making his debut for the Yankees. Monroe later won a World Series with the Yankees in his one-year career. He passed away on Jan. 19, 2026 in Peoria, Il. at the age of 94.
Charlie Moore was born on June 21, 1953 in Birmingham, Ala. and made his Major League debut on Sept. 8, 1973 with the Milwaukee Brewers. Moore, a catcher and right fielder played 15 season in the big leagues with 14 years in Milwaukee and one with the Toronto Blue Jays. He passed away May 23, 2026 at the age of 72.
Chuck Nieson was born on Sept. 24, 1942 in Hanford, Calif. and made his Major League debut on Sept. 19, 1964 with the Minnesota Twins. The right handed pitcher played one season with the Twins. Nieson passed away on April 7, 2026 in Ortonville, Minn. at the age of 83.
Tom Nieto was born on Oct. 27, 1960 in Downey, Calif. and made his Major League debut on May 10, 1984 with the St. Louis Cardinals. Nieto played seven seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, Minnesota Twins, Philadelphia Phillies and Montreal Expos. After his playing career ended, Nieto was a coach.
Joe Nossek was born on Nov. 8, 1940 in Cleveland, Ohio and made his Major League debut on April 18, 1964 with the Minnesota Twins. The centerfielder and pinch hitter played for the Minnesota Twins, Kansas City Athletics and St. Louis Cardinals during his six-year career winning one World Series with the Minnesota Twins (1965). After the conclusion of his playing career, he went on to coach in the Major ,Leagues where he was known throughout baseball for his ability to steal signs. Nossek passed away in Amherst, Ohio on Feb. 12, 2026 at the age of 85.
Rick Renick was born on March 16, 1944 in London, Ohio and made his Major League debut on July 11, 1968. Renick played five seasons in the big leagues all with the Minnesota Twins. In 1974, he became a player-coach for the Tacoma Twins for three seasons and held the same job for the Denver Bears in 1977 and 1978. He was the Minor League hitting instructor for the Kansas City Royals in 1979 and 1980, and the team's Major League hitting coach in 1981. Renick managed the Montreal Expos' AA affiliate for three seasons between 1982 and 1984, then was a coach for the Major League team in 1985 and 1986. He then moved to the Minnesota Twins as a coach from 1987-90. Renick passed away on Jan. 31, 2026 in Sarasota, Fla. at the age of 81.
Phil Regan was born on April 6, 1937 in Otsego, Mich. and made his major league debut on July 19, 1960 with the Detroit Tigers. Regan, a right-handed pitcher nicknamed "The Vulture" by teammate Sandy Koufax for his knack of picking up wins out of the bullpen, pitched 13 seasons in the majors with the Tigers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox. His best season came in 1966 with the Dodgers, when he earned his only All-Star selection while going 14-1 with a 1.62 ERA and 21 saves to help Los Angeles to the NL pennant. He finished his playing career with a 96-81 record, a 3.84 ERA and 92 saves. Regan went on to a decades-long career as a coach, scout and manager, guiding the Baltimore Orioles in 1995 and later serving as the New York Mets' interim pitching coach in 2019 at age 82. Regan passed away peacefully on July 8, 2026 in Port St. Lucie, Fla. He was 89 years old.
Rich Rowland was born on February 25, 1964 in Cloverdale, Calif. and made his major league debut on September 7, 1990 with the Detroit Tigers. Rowland, a catcher who also saw brief action at designated hitter, first base and third base, played six seasons at the big league level with the Tigers and the Boston Red Sox, batting .213 with 9 home runs. His playing career also included a nine-season run in the minors from 1988 to 1997, during which he even pitched in three games. Rowland passed away on August 25, 2026 in his hometown of Cloverdale, Calif. He was 62 years old.
Ellie Rodriguez was born on May 24, 1946 in Fajardo, Puerto Rico and made his Major League debut on May 26, 1968. Rodriguez, a two-time All-Star, played nine years in the big leagues with the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, California Angels and Kansas City Royals. Rodriguez was the first player from the Kansas City Royals to be named to the All-Star team etching him into the team's history. After his playing days, he served as a player development consultant with the independent Atlantic League. In 2018, he was announced the manager for their Road Warriors franchise, following the folding of the Bridgeport Bluefish. He passed away April 22, 2026 in Fajardo, Puerto Rico at the age of 79.
Dave Schmidt was born on Dec. 22, 1956 in Mesa, Ariz. and made his Major League debut on April 28, 1981 with the Boston Red Sox. The catcher played one season in Boston. Schmidt passed away on Jan. 19, 2026 in Mission Viejo, Calif. at the age of 69.
Bob Skinner was born on Oct. 3, 1931 in La Jolla, Calif. and made his Major League debut on April 13, 1954 with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The three-time All-Star played the majority of career in Pittsburgh, winning one World Series before his brief time with the Cincinnati Reds. He ended his career in St. Louis where he won another World Series. Skinner batted .277 and had 1,198 hits. After his time as player, Skinner went on to be a long-time big-league coach. He passed away on May 4, 2026, in San Diego, Calif. at the age of 94.
Larry Stahl was born on June 29, 1941 in Belleville, Ill. and made his Major League debut on Sept. 11, 1964. Stahl, outfielder and first baseman, played 10 years in the big leagues with the San Diego Padres, Kansas City Athletics, New York Mets and Cincinnati Reds. He passed away on March 17, 2026 in Caseyville, Ill. at the age of 84.
Stu Tate was born on June 17, 1962 in Huntsville, Ala. and made his Major League debut on Sept. 30, 1989, with the San Francisco Giants. The right-handed pitcher played one season with the Giants before retiring to become a pharmacist. Tate passed away after suffering a heart attack at the age of 63 on Jan. 13, 2026, in his hometown of Huntsville, Ala.
Ron Teasley was born Jan. 26, 1927 in Detroit, Mich. and made his Major League debut in 1948. Ron Teasley was one of three surviving players to have played in the Negro Leagues. He was one of a number of Negro Leaguers who were college graduates, having graduated from Wayne State University in his hometown. Teasley passed away on Feb. 3, 2026 in Novi, Mich. at the age of 99.
Héctor Valle was born on October 27, 1940 in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico and made his major league debut on June 6, 1965 with the Los Angeles Dodgers, becoming the first player from Vega Baja to reach the majors. Valle, a catcher, appeared in nine games for the eventual World Series champion Dodgers that season, batting .308 (4-for-13) with a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage. Before signing with the Dodgers in 1960, he won a silver medal representing Puerto Rico at the 1959 Pan American Games, and he went on to play 22 seasons in the Puerto Rican Winter League, among the most in league history. He was inducted into the Vega Baja Sports Hall of Fame in 1996. Valle passed away on July 11, 2026 in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico. He was 85 years old.
Gary Wagner was born on June 28, 1940, in Bridgeport, Ill. and made his Major League debut on April 18, 1965 with the Philadelphia Phillies. The right-handed pitcher played most of his with the Phillies and ended his career with the Boston Red Sox. In his six years he recorded 162 appearances mostly in relief with 22 saves. Wagner passed away on March 11, 2026 in Bedford, Ind. at the age of 85.
Jim Willis was born on March 20, 1927 in Doyline, La. and made his Major League debut on April 22, 1953, with the Chicago Cubs. The right-handed pitcher played two seasons with the Cubs. After retirement he became an elementary school teacher before eventually becoming a principal. Willis passed away on Jan. 2, 2026, in Boyce, La. at the age of 98.
Corky Withrow was born on Nov. 28, 1937 in High Coal, W.Va. and made his Major League debut on Sept. 6, 1963 with the St. Louis Cardinals. Withrow, a pinch hitter and outfielder is best known for his performances in the Minor Leagues, with having hit more than 200 home runs in his Minor League career. After his playing career ended, he released a biography, Uncorked!, published in 2016. Withrow passed away on Nov. 28, 1937 in High Coal, W.Va. at the age of 88.
Al Worthington was born on Feb. 5, 1929 in Birmingham, Ala. and made his Major League debut on July 6, 1953 with the New York Giants. Worthington, a right-handed pitcher, played 14 seasons in the big leagues with the Minnesota Twins, New York Giants, Cincinnati Reds, Boston Red Sox and Chicago White Sox. Worthington is most notably known for pitching two shutouts in his first two Major League games, being a part of the 1954 New York Giants World Series team and being the AL Saves Leader in 1968. Worthington passed away on June 18, 2026 in Birmingham, Ala. at the age of 97.
Wilbur Wood was born on Oct. 22, 1941 in Cambridge, Mass. and made his big league debut on June 30, 1961 at the age of 19 by the Boston Red Sox. The three-time All-Star played 17 seasons in his career, the majority of which was spent with the Chicago White Sox. One of few knuckleball left-handers was the last pitcher to start two games in one day. Aside from being a three-time All-Star, Wood had many other notable achievements including AL Reliever of the Year (1968) and four, 20-win seasons. Wood passed away in Burlington, Mass. on Jan. 17, 2026, at the age of 84.