On September 9, 1999, Hall of Famer Jim “Catfish” Hunter dies from ALS at the age of 53. One of the game’s most respected players, Hunter played on five World Championship teams with the Oakland A’s and New York Yankees…
On August 14, 1999, popular Hall of Fame shortstop Harold “Pee Wee” Reese dies from lung cancer at the age of 81. An eight-time All-Star, Reese captained the Brooklyn Dodger teams of the 1950s. He helped lead Brooklyn to seven National League pennants, in addition to the Dodgers’ only World Championship in 1955. Reese also…
On June 6, 1999, former major leaguer Eddie Stanky dies from a heart attack at the age of 82. Nicknamed “The Brat” for his feisty nature, Stanky played on NL pennant winners in Boston, Brooklyn, and New York. He later became a successful college coach at South Alabama.
On April 4, 1999, Hall of Famer Early Wynn dies at the age of 79 from complications caused by a stroke. Known for his toughness on the mound, the highly competitive Wynn won exactly 300 games over a 23-year career with the Washington Senators, Cleveland Indians and Chicago White Sox.
On March 8, 1999, former New York Yankees great Joe DiMaggio dies after a much-publicized battle with lung cancer. The baseball legend and American icon was 84. Born in Martinez, California, DiMaggio arrived in the major leagues at the age of 21. He batted .323 in his first season and helped the Yankees to the…
On February 22, 1999, Pittsburgh Pirates scout Howie Haak dies at the age of 87 of complications from a stroke. Haak, who worked for the Pirates from 1950 to 1988, scouted Roberto Clemente while he played in the Brooklyn Dodgers’ farm system and recommended that the Pirates sign him. Dubbed the “King of the Caribbean,”…
Bob Betts, the public address announcer whose distinctive baritone made him synonymous with Milwaukee Brewers baseball at Milwaukee County Stadium, dies at the age of 70. Betts announced the home games for 23 seasons.
On November 10, 1998, Hall of Fame pitcher Hal Newhouser dies after a long illness at the age of 77. Newhouser won 207 games during a 17-year career and dominated the American League during the war years, winning 80 games from 1944 to 1946. In 1945, Newhouser won the AL’s MVP Award, becoming…
On October 6, 1998, former major league infielder Mark Belanger dies from lung cancer at the age of 54. Nicknamed “The Blade” for his tall, angular appearance, Belanger was considered one of the best fielding shortstops of all time. He won eight Gold Gloves for the Baltimore Orioles and later became an influential assistant to…
On September 30, 1998, After the removal of a tumor nine months ago, former major leaguer Dan Quisenberry dies from a brain tumor at the age of 45. Nicknamed “Quiz,” the side-arming reliever saved 244 games and posted a 2.76 ERA during his 12-year career. He became the first closer to record 40 saves, ending…
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