On January 1, 1977, Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Danny Frisella is killed in a dune buggy accident when his vehicle went out of control, overturned, and crushed him near Phoenix, Arizona. Danny was just 30 years old and left behind his wife and three-year old son. Nicknamed “Bear,” the 30-year-old Frisella had pitched…
On December 10, 1976, Texas Rangers shortstop Danny Thompson dies from leukemia two months short of his 30th birthday. The 29-year-old Thompson had been undergoing treatment at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. The Rangers had acquired Thompson from the Minnesota Twins on June 1, He led all shortstops in hitting in 1972 with a…
1976 – Former Pittsburgh Pirates manager Danny Murtaugh dies at the age of 59. Murtaugh, who had retired from managing after the 1976 season, had suffered a heart attack three days before his death. Known as “The Irishman,” Murtaugh had led the Pirates to World Championships in 1960 and 1971.
On the way home from his party, Pirates reliever Bob Moose dies on his birthday in an automobile accident in Martin’s Ferry, Ohio. The 29-year-old, who no-hit the Mets in 1969, played his entire nine-year career with Pirates, compiling a 76-71 record along with an ERA of 3.50.
On June 11, 1976, former major league star Jim Konstanty dies at the age of 59 in Oneonta, New York, located only 22 miles from Cooperstown. In 1950, Konstanty won the National League MVP Award as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies, helping the surprising “Whiz Kids” to the National League pennant.
On May 22, 1975, Hall of Fame pitcher Robert Moses “Lefty” Grove dies at the age of 75. Grove won 300 games over a 17-year career with the Philadelphia Athletics and Boston Red Sox. Grove was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1947.
On March 21, 1975, Hall of Fame outfielder Joe “Ducky” Medwick dies in Saint Petersburg, Florida at the age of 63. As one of the feared hitters on the famed “Gashouse Gang,” Medwick clubbed 205 home runs and batted .324 over a 17-year career. Medwick gained election to the Hall of Fame in 1968. …
1975 – Pitcher Don Wilson , at age 29, dies at home from carbon monoxide poisoning after falling asleep in his car. His young son, asleep in a bedroom above the garage, also dies in the tragedy. His number 40 is retired by the Astros the following spring, the second Houston player to be so honored.
On December 18, 1974, Hall of Famer Harry Hooper dies at the age of 87. Considered a standout defensive outfielder, Hooper batted .281 over a 17-year career with the Boston Red Sox and Chicago White Sox. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1971.
On November 6, 1974, the contents of a letter written by the late Sam Rice to the Hall of Fame are revealed in Cooperstown, New York. In the letter,that had instructed the letter be opened after his death, Sam Rice reveals in letter after death he did make the catch in 1925 world series. From…
Enjoy our free trial and start listening to games, interviews and shows! Ruth, Mantle, Aaron, and Seaver!