Necrology

Hank Allen was born on July 23, 1940 in Wampum, Pa. and made his major league debut on Sept. 9, 1966 with the Washington Senators. Allan played in seven seasons in the majors with the Senators, Chicago White Sox and the Milwaukee Brewers. After his playing career, Allen became a scout for the Brewers in 2001 and then for the Houston Astros. He passed away on May 29, 2024 in Bethesda, Md.

Brant Alyea was born on Dec. 8, 1940 in Passaic, N.J. and made his Major League debut on Sept. 11, 1965 with the Washington Senators. Alyea spent six seasons in the Majors as a leftfielder and pinch hitter for the Senators, Minnesota Twins, Oakland Athletics and St. Louis Cardinals. In his first Major League plate appearance, Alyea hit a home run after pinch hitting in the bottom of the 6th inning. Alyea passed away on Feb. 4, 2024 in Huntingdon Valley, Pa.

Cuno Barragan was born on June 20, 1932 in Sacramento, Calif. and made his Major League debut on Sept. 1, 1961 with the Chicago Cubs. Barragan spent three seasons as a catcher in the majors, all three with the Cubs. In his first Major League at bat, he hit his one career home run against Dick LeMay of the San Francisco Giants. Barragan missed the 1954 and 1955 seasons due to serving in the Navy. He passed away on May 12, 2024 in California.

Kevin Batiste was born on Oct. 21, 1966 in Galveston, Texas and made his Major League debut on June 13, 1989 with the Toronto Blue Jays. Batiste played in one big league season with the Blue Jays as an outfielder and pinch runner. After his baseball career, Batiste went on to play football for the University of Houston. He passed away on April 2, 2024.

John Baumgartner was born on May 29, 1931 in Birmingham, Ala. and made his major league debut on April 14, 1953 with the Detroit Tigers. Baumgartner played in seven games in one season in the Majors with the Tigers. Beyond his playing days, he entered sales for the Buxton Company, and later became vice president for a tractor trailer company. He retired in 1993 to his 60-acre farm in Hayden, Ala. and passed away on Sept. 25, 2024.

Billy Bean was born on May 11, 1964 in Santa Ana, Calif. and made his major league debut on April 25, 1987 with the Detroit Tigers. Bean spent six seasons in the majors playing for the Tigers, Los Angeles Dodgers, and San Diego Padres. Beyond his playing career on the diamond, Bean became outspoken about his personal life, becoming a spokesperson for inclusion in multiple ways with the Human Rights Campaign. In 2014, Commissioner Bud Selig named him the first Major League Baseball “Ambassador for Inclusion”, a job that provides training and guidance on diversity issues connected to sexual orientation. After continued work with the League, Bean was also named special assistant to Commissioner Rob Manfred to run MLB’s anti-bullying efforts. In September of 2023 he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. He passed away on Aug. 6, 2024 at the age of 60.

Doug Bird was born on March 5, 1950 in Corona, Calif. and made his major league debut on April 29, 1973 with the Kansas City Royals. Bird pitched in 11 years in the majors, playing for the Royals, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs and the Boston Red Sox. A successful reliever, Bird is second in Royals history to record 16 three-inning saves and ended his career with 60 total saves. He passed away on Sept. 24, 2024 in Asheville, N.C.

Bob Blaylock was born on June 28, 1935 in Chattanooga, Okla. and made his major league debut on July 22, 1956 with the St. Louis Cardinals. Blaylock played in two seasons in the majors with the Cardinals as a right-handed pitcher. After his playing days he later became a motel manager in Tulsa. He passed away on Sept. 1, 2024 in Collinsville, Okla.

Jim Brady was born on March 2, 1936 in Jersey City, N.J. and made his major league debut on May 12, 1956 with the Detroit Tigers. Brady played in six major league games with the Tigers as a left-handed pitcher. After his playing days, Brady returned to his Alma Mater, the University of Notre Dame to earn his master’s degree and Ph.D. in education. He later taught at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va., spending the 1970 season as the baseball coach. Brady also taught at Jacksonville University where he became the school’s president in 1990. Before that, Brady coached for Team USA and led them to win Bronze in the 1973 Intercontinental Cup. Brady passed away on Aug. 18, 2024 in Jacksonville, Fla.

Larry Brown was born on March 1, 1940 in Shinnston, W.V. and made his major league debut on July 6, 1963 with the Cleveland Indians. Brown spent 12 seasons in the Majors as an infielder, playing for the Indians, Oakland Athletics, Baltimore Orioles and the Texas Rangers. He is the younger brother of former big league catcher, Dick Brown. Brown passed away on April 12, 2024 in Stuart, Fla.

Mike Brumley was born on April 9, 1952 in Oklahoma City, Okla. and made his Major League debut on June 16, 1987 with the Chicago Cubs. Brumley played in eight seasons in the majors spent with the Cubs, Detroit Tigers, Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox, Houston Astros and the Oakland Athletics. After his playing career, Brumley became a manager in the Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Angels minor league systems. After years of coaching in the minors, Brumley became the third base coach for the Mariners in 2010, and in 2014 he was the assistant hitting coach of the Cubs. He passed away on June 15, 2024 due to a tragic car accident.

Sean Burroughs was born on Sept. 12, 1980 in Atlanta, Geogia and made his Major League debut on April 2, 2002 with the San Diego Padres. Burroughs spent seven seasons in the majors as a third baseman. He played for the Padres, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Arizona Diamondbacks and the Minnesota Twins. Sean Burroughs, the son of former MVP Jeff Burroughs, was on the Long Beach Little League World Series team that won titles when he was 11 and 12 years old. He also was a third baseman for Team USA in the Sydney Olympic Games. Burroughs passed away on May 9, 2024, in Long Beach, Calif. at the age of 43.

Rico Carty was born on Sept. 1, 1939 in San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic and made his major league debut on Sept. 15, 1963 with the Milwaukee Braves. Carty spent 15 successful seasons at the big league level, playing for the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves, Texas Rangers, Chicago Cubs, Oakland Athletics, Cleveland Indians, and the Toronto Blue Jays. The outfielder was a powerhouse hitter, specifically in 1970 where he earned a spot on the National League All-Star team and won the batting title after batting .366/.454/.584 line with 25 home runs and 101 RBI. Carty was elected to the Caribbean Baseball Hall of Fame in 1996 and the Latino Baseball Hall of Fame in 1991. He also is the all-time career home run leader in the Dominican Winter League with 59. Carty passed away on Nov. 23, 2024 in his hometown of San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic.

Orlando Cepeda was born on Sept. 17, 1937 in Ponce, Puerto Rico and made his Major League debut on April 15, 1958 with the San Francisco Giants. Cepeda had a Hall of Fame career playing 17 seasons in the majors with the Giants, St. Louis Cardinals, Atlanta Braves, Oakland Athletics, Boston Red Sox and the Kansas City Royals. Throughout his successful career, Cepeda hit .297/.350/.499 with 379 home runs, earning him a spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999 through the Veterans Committee voting. He was the second native Puerto Rican to enter the Hall of Fame - Roberto Clemente being the first. Cepeda was also named Rookie of the Year in 1958 and MVP in 1967 after winning the World Series with the Cardinals that season – along with 11 All-Star Game selections. After retiring from playing, Cepeda returned to the game in 1980 as a coach for the Chicago White Sox, and later worked for the Giants organization. In 1999 his number 30 was retired by the Giants. Away from the diamond, Cepeda was known for being active and vocal about social change and racial intolerance. He passed away on June 28, 2024 at the age of 86.

Harry Chappas was born on Oct. 26, 1957 in Mount Rainier, Md. and made his major league debut on September 7, 1978 with the Chicago White Sox. The 5’3” shortstop played in three seasons at the big league level with the White Sox. Chappas passed away on Sept. 15, 2024 in Coral Springs, Fla. at the age of 66.

Nelson Chittum was born on March 25, 1933 in Harrisonburg, Va. and made his major league debut on August 17, 1958 with the St. Louis Cardinals. Chittum played in three big league seasons with the Cardinals and the Boston Red Sox. The right-handed pitcher served in the United States Army during the Koren War from 1953-1955. After his playing career Chittum managed a clothing store, worked for the postal service, and also became an inspector of internal theft. He passed away on July 15, 2024 in Lexington, Ky.

Bob Chlupsa was born on Sept. 16, 1945 in New York, N.Y. and made his Major League debut on July 16, 1970 with the St. Louis Cardinals. The 6’7” right-handed pitcher pitched in 15 games in two seasons at the big-league level with St. Louis. Drafted in the MLB Draft in 1967, Chlupsa was also drafted by the NBA that same year. He passed away on July 17, 2024 in Garden City, N.Y.

Rocky Colavito was born on Aug. 10, 1933 in New York, N.Y. and made his major league debut on September 10, 1955 with the Cleveland Indians. Colavito spent 14 years at the big league level, playing for the Indians, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Athletics, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees. Colavito had a successful long tenured career, earning nine All-Star nods. He ended his career with 374 total home runs, leading the league in 1959 with 42 home runs. On June 10 that year, he became the second player in the American League history to hit four consecutive home runs in a nine-inning game. Lou Gehrig being the first to do so. After retiring from the game, Colavito became a broadcaster for Cleveland, then also became a coach for the organization. Additionally, he coached for the Kansas City Royals. He entered the Cleveland Indians Hall of Fame in 2006. Colavito passed away on Dec. 10, 2024 in Bernville, Pa.

Doug Creek was born on March 1, 1969 in Winchester, Va. and made his major league debut on September 17, 1995 with the St. Louis Cardinals. The left-handed pitcher played in nine seasons at the big league level with the Cardinals, San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs, Tampa Bay Rays, Seattle Mariners, Toronto Blue Jays, and the Detroit Tigers. Creek passed away on July 28, 2024 in Mechanicsville, Md. at the age of 55.

Mike Cubbage was born on July 21, 1950 in Charlottesville, Va. and made his major league debut on April 7, 1974 with the Texas Rangers. The infielder played in eight big league seasons with the Rangers, Minnesota Twins, and the New York Mets. After his playing days, Cubbage returned to the game in multiple ways, first as becoming a manager in the Mets organization and a coach for the organization from 1990-1996. He briefly managed the Mets in 1991. During 1997-2000 he held the role as the Houston Astros third base coach and their bench coach in 2001. He also coached for the Boston Red Sox organization in 2002 and 2003, later becoming a scout for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. He was named a special assignment scout for the Rays in 2011-2013 and was special assistant to the general manager of the Washington Nationals during 2015-2019. Cubbage passed away on August 10, 2024 in Sunset, S.C. He was 74.

Bud Daley was born on October 7, 1932 in Orange, Calif. and made his major league debut on September 10, 1955 with the Cleveland Indians. Daley spent 10 years in the majors playing for the Indians, Kansas City Athletics and the New York Yankees. The left-handed pitcher ended his successful career as a four-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion with the Yankees in 1961 and 1962. Beyond his playing days, Daley owned a lawn sprinkler company in Lander, Wyo. and retired in 2009. Daley passed away on October 15, 2024 at the age of 92.

Pete Daley was born on January 14, 1930 in Grass Valley, Calif. and made his major league debut on May 3, 1955 with the Boston Red Sox. Daley played in seven big league seasons with the Red Sox, Kansas City Athletics, and the Washington Senators. The catcher lost two playing seasons before the majors after his time serving in the United States Army during the Korean War. After his playing career, Daley managed a bowling alley, then went into sales. He retired in 2009 in Newbury Park, Calif. and passed away on August 22, 2024. He was 94.

José DeLeón was born on Dec. 20, 1960 in Rancho Viejo, Dominican Republic and made his major league debut on July 23, 1983 with the Pittsburgh Pirates. DeLeon pitched in 13 seasons in the Majors, playing for the Pirates, Chicago White Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies and the Montreal Expos. He pitched one one-hitter and two two-hitters during his career. DeLeon passed away on Feb. 25, 2024 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Larry Demery was born on June 4, 1953 in Bakersfield, Calif. and made his Major League debut on June 2, 1974 with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Demery played in four seasons in the majors all spent with the Pirates as a right-handed pitcher. Demery’s dad, Artist Demery played in the Negro Leagues and his brother, Art, was in the Kansas City Royals organization. Demery passed away on Feb. 20, 2024 in Bakersfield, Calif.

Carl Erskine was born on Dec. 13, 1926 in Anderson, Indiana and made his Major League debut on July 25, 1948 with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Erskine pitched in 12 season in the Majors, and spent all 12 playing for the Dodgers. Looking back at his career, Erskine pitched two no-hitters, was a 1954 NL All-Star and a 1955 World Series Champion with the Dodgers. Due to his support and work with the Special Olympics and with the Baseball Assistance Team after retirement, he received the Buck O’Neil Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2023 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Erskine passed away on April 16, 2024 in Anderson, Indiana at the age of 97.

Billy Gardner was born on July 19, 1927 in New London, Conn. and made his Major League debut on April 22, 1954 with the New York Giants. Gardner spent 10 seasons in the Majors as an infielder for the Giants, Baltimore Orioles, Washington Senators, Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox. He is a two-time World Series champion with the Giants in 1954 and the Yankees in 1961. After his playing days, Garnder became a coach for the Red Sox (1965-66), and worked on the Montreal Expos staff (1977-78), later managing in their organization for a few season. He also joined the coaching staff for the Twins before becoming manager. He managed the Twins for five seasons and the Kansas City Royals for one season. Gardner passed away on Jan. 3, 2024 in Waterford, Conn. at the age of 96.

Jerry Grote was born on Oct. 6, 1942 in San Antonia, Texas and made his Major League debut on Sept. 21, 1963 with the Houston Colt .45s. Grote spent 16 seasons in the majors as a catcher with the Colt .45s, New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers and the Kansas City Royals. Grote ended his notable career as a two-time NL All-Star and a 1969 World Series Champion with the Mets. He is also a member of the Mets Hall of Fame. During the Mets successful 1969 season, Grote played a large role hitting .458 during the first 17 games of the end of their regular season stretch. After his playing days, he became a manager in the minor leagues. Grote passed away on April 7, 2024 in Austin, Texas.

Don Gullett was born on Jan. 6, 1951 in Lynn, Ky. and made his major league debut on April 10, 1970 with the Cincinnati Reds. Gullett, a left-handed pitcher, spent nine seasons in the majors, playing for the Reds and the New York Yankees. He found success in his career with both teams, winning two World Series Championships with the Reds and one with the Yankees. After retirement, Gullett became a pitching coach in the Minor Leagues, later moving up to work with the Reds from 1993-2005. He was inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame in 2002. He passed away on February 14, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio.

Jim Hannan was born on Jan. 7, 1939 in Jersey City, N.J. and made his major league debut on April 17, 1962 with the Washington Senators. Hannan played in 10 seasons in the Major Leagues, pitching for the Senators for nine of those seasons, and one with the Detroit Tigers and the Milwaukee Brewers. After his playing career, Hannan became one of the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association’s founding members and served as the inaugural president of the organization from 1982-86. He became chairman of the MLBPAA in 1996, holding the position until 2024. Due to his significant influence, the MLBPAA created the annual Jim Hannan Scholarship Award that supports athletes attending Jim’s alma maters, the University of Notre Dame and Saint Peter’s Prep. Under his leadership, Hannan advocated for the MLBPAA and the Legends for Youth Clinic series, providing guidance and consistent contributions to its growth. Among other initiatives within the Alumni, Jim created the coaches clinic series in 2013. He passed away on Feb. 8, 2024 in Annandale, Va. at the age of 85.

Bud Harrelson was born on June 6, 1944 in Niles, Calif. and made his major league debut on September 2, 1965 with the New York Mets. Harrelson spent 16 years in the majors as an infielder with the Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, and the Texas Rangers. He ended his notable career as a two-time NL All-Star, NL Gold Glove Award winner and a 1969 World Series champion with the Mets. Beyond his playing career, he managed the Mets for a season and a half, and became part owner of the Long Island Ducks of the Independent Atlantic League. Harrelson passed away on Jan. 10, 2024 in East Northport, N.Y. after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was 79.

Whitey Herzog was born on Nov. 9, 1931 in New Athens, Ill. and made his Major League debut on April 17, 1956 with the Washington Senators/Nationals. Herzog spent eight seasons in the majors as an outfielder, pinch hitter and first baseman. He played for the Senators/Nationals, Kansas City Athletics, Baltimore Orioles, and the Detroit Tigers. Beyond his playing days, Herzog is most notably known for his 19-year career as a big league manager, where he was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2010 in vote of the Veterans Committee. He managed one season with the Texas Rangers and the California Angels, five seasons with the Royals, and 11 with the St. Louis Cardinals. Under his management, he won the 1982 World Series Championship with the Cardinals, three NL Pennants and was a two-time Manager of the Year. Herzog passed away on April 15, 2024 in St. Louis, Mo. He was 92.

Ken Holtzman was born on Nov. 3, 1945 in St. Louis, Mo. and made his Major League debut on Sept. 4, 1965 with the Chicago Cubs. Holtzman spent 15 seasons in the major leagues as a left-handed pitcher with the Cubs, Oakland Athletics, Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees. He ended his successful career as a two-time AL All-Star and four-time World Series champion. He pitched two no-hitters during his time with the Cubs and was also the last pitcher to hit a home run, until Joe Blanton did the same 34 years later. With 174 career wins, Holtzman is the winningest Jewish pitcher in Major League Baseball history. After his playing days, Holtzman managed the inaugural year of the Israel Baseball League. He passed away on April 14, 2024 in St. Louis, Mo.

Odell Jones was born on Jan. 13, 1953 in Tulare, Calif. and made his Major League debut on Sept. 11, 1975 with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Jones spent nine seasons in the majors, pitching four of those seasons with the Pirates and the remaining with the Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles and Milwaukee Brewers. He ended his career with a 4.42 ERA. Jones passed away on March 20, 2024 in Beaverton, Ore.

Don Lassetter was born on March 27, 1933 in Newnan, Ga. and made his Major League debut on Sept. 21, 1957 with the St. Louis Cardinals. Lassetter played in one season in the majors with the Cardinals as a left fielder. He passed away on Jan. 22, 2024 in Clarksdale, Miss.

Jim McAndrew was born on Jan. 11, 1944 in Los Nation, Iowa and made his Major League debut on July 21, 1968 with the New York Mets. McAndrew spent seven seasons pitching in the Majors, most notably with the Mets and the San Diego Padres. He ended his big-league career as a 1969 World Series champion with the Mets. His son, Jamie also went on to play in the big leagues. McAndrew passed away on March 14, 2024 in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Al McBean was born on May 15, 1938 in Charlotte Amalie, U.S. Virgin Islands and made his major league debut on July 2, 1961 with the Pittsburgh Pirates. McBean spent 10 seasons pitching in the big leagues for the Pirates, San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers. Nine of those seasons were spent with the Pirates. McBean was the first pitcher to enter majors from the Virgin Islands. He found success during his career as a reliever, recording 22 saves in 1964. McBean passed away on Jan. 31, 2024 in his hometown in the Virgin Islands.

Dave McCarty was born on Nov. 23, 1969 in Houston, Texas and made his major league debut on May 17, 1993 with the Minnesota Twins. McCarty spent 11 seasons in the majors as a first baseman and outfielder with the Twins, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, Kansas City Royals, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Oakland Athletics and Boston Red Sox. He was drafted by the Twins third overall out of Stanford University. McCarty was an integral part of Team USA as a DH in the 1990 Baseball World Cup. After his playing days, McCarty entered the commercial real estate business. He passed away on April 29, 2024 in Oakland, Calif. at the age of 54.