On January 13, 1939, New York Yankees owner Jacob Ruppert dies from phlebitis at age 62. In 1919, Ruppert purchased the land on which Yankee Stadium would eventually be built. [jetpack_subscription_form title=”Join the Community” subscribe_text=”We bring you cool stories about the game, players, ballparks and the people that shaped the game!” subscribe_button=”Join us!” show_subscribers_total=”1″]…
On December 3, 1938, Guy Hecker, who once scored seven runs in a game, dies in Wooster, Ohio, at the age of 82. Hecker played primarily with Louisville of the American Association, ending his career in 1890. Hecker is the only pitcher to win a batting title hitting .342 in 1884. [jetpack_subscription_form title=”Subscribe to This…
On November 6, 1935, famed evangelist and former major leaguer Billy Sunday dies at the age of 72. Sunday played in the National League from 1883 to 1890, spending time with Chicago, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. The only other major league player whose last name was Sunday through 2006, Art Sunday, also played in…
On August 8, 1934, Hall of Fame manager Wilbert Robinson dies in Atlanta at the age of 71 after suffering a stroke. Robinson won a total of 1,399 games in 19 major league seasons. “Uncle Robbie” the jovial and bemused managed the Brooklyn franchise for 18 of those seasons, leading the team to National League…
On February 25, 1934 — At the age of 60, John McGraw dies at New Rochelle Hospital, two weeks after entering the facility with optimistic reports about his recovery from prostate cancer. The renowned New York Giants manager known as ‘Little Napoleon’ due to his style and stature, won 10 pennants and 3 world championships…
1932 – In Century, Florida, Boston Red Sox pitcher Ed Morris dies at age 32 of knife wounds inflicted in a fight at a party given in his honor two days ago in Brewton, Alabama. Boston owner Bob Quinn is reported to have had a New York Yankees offer of almost $100,000 for the pitcher.
On January 26, 1932, Chicago Cubs owner William Wrigley dies at the age of 70 in Phoenix, Arizona. Wrigley had owned the team since 1919. Wrigley’s son Philip inherits controlling interest in both the Cubs and the minor league Los Angeles Angels of the Pacific Coast League. He will leave most of the daily operations to…
1931 – Ban Johnson dies in St. Louis, Missouri, at the age of 67. Johnson served as the first president of the American League, guiding the “junior circuit” until 1927. He will be elected to the Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee in 1937.
On February 28, 1931,Ban Johnson dies in St. Louis, at age 57. Johnson had served as the founder and first president of the American League from 1901 to 1927. He was a dynamic and dictatorial leader until subdued by the advent of Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis, who took office as the first Baseball commissioner in January 1921. Johnson will gain election to the Hall of Fame in 1937.
1929 – Former pitching star Joe McGinnity dies at the age of 58. McGinnity, nicknamed “Iron Man”, posted 246 wins in only 10 major league seasons. He will enter the Hall of Fame in 1946.
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