The New York Mets’ #3 prospect, Brian Cole, aged 22, is killed when the SUV he is driving home to Mississippi from spring training flips over. Cole, who stole 69 bases the previous year, was voted the organization’s player of the year in 2000.
On February 18, 2001, Hall of Famer Eddie Mathews dies at the age of 69, succumbing to respiratory failure caused by pneumonia. Born in 1931 at Texarkana, Texas, Mathews made his major league debut for the Boston Braves in 1952 and quickly established himself as a powerful threat from the left side, teaming with Hank…
On January 28, 2001, former major leaguer Curt Blefary dies from pancreatitis at the age of 57. Nicknamed “Clank” for his defensive limitations, Blefary hit 112 home runs over an eight-year career with the Baltimore Orioles, Houston Astros, New York Yankees, Oakland A’s, and San Diego Padres. In 1965, Blefary was named the AL’s Rookie…
On January 22, 2001, World Series standout Tommie Agee dies of a cardiac arrest in Manhattan at the age of 58. The 1966 American League Rookie of the Year Agee batted .255 with 130 home runs over a 12-year career, but was best known for making two acrobatic catches for the New York Mets (saving…
On September 23, 2000, former major leaguer Aurelio Rodriguez dies at the age of 52 from injuries suffered when he was struck by a car. A slick-fielding third baseman, Rodriguez won a Gold Glove in 1976 for the Detroit Tigers. He played for seven teams during his 17-year career.
On September 3, 2000, former major league player and scout Clyde Sukeforth dies at the age of 98. Sukeforth gained fame for endorsing Brooklyn Dodger president Branch Rickey’s decision to sign Jackie Robinson to a contract in 1945.
On April 13, 2000, former major leaguer Stanley “Frenchy” Bordagaray dies at the age of 90. A journeyman who played for five teams in 11 seasons, the colorful Bordagaray gained much of his notoriety when he showed up to spring training with a mustache but was ordered by Brooklyn Dodgers’ management to shave it off…
Bob Lemon dies at the age of 79. Lemon was a seven-time 20-game winner with the Cleveland Indians. He teamed with Bob Feller, Early Wynn and Mike Garcia to form one of the game’s greatest starting rotations. In 1954, Lemon went 23-7 and helped the Indians to a 111-win season. In 1970, Lemon became a major league manager for the first time when he assumed leadership of the Kansas City Royals. He later managed the Chicago White Sox before enjoying his greatest success with the New York Yankees. On July 25, 1978, Lemon replaced Billy Martin and helped the Yankees orchestrate a miraculous comeback. Under Lemon’s calming hand, the Yankees won their second straight World Championship that year. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1976.
On January 4, 2000, former major leaguer John Milner dies from lung cancer at the age of 50. Nicknamed “The Hammer,” Milner slugged 131 home runs over a 12-year career with the New York Mets, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Montreal Expos. A member of the 1979 world champion Pirates, he batted .306 in 10…
Braves minor leaguer Roger Blanco is killed by robbers in Catia La Mar, Venezuela. Blanco, 30, was traded to the Braves in 1996 for Mark Whiten.
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