Baseball passings 2025

[MFS62]

Betty Bonney was 17 when she sang on Les Brown’s “Joltin’ Joe DiMaggio” in 1941. She died in January at age 100.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/06/arts ... -dead.html

I heard that song a lot when I was a kid.
RIP.
Later

[G-Fafif]

Famed sportswriter (and Mets fan) John Feinstein, 69.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/obituari ... ator-dies/

I grew up in New York; I’m still a New Yorker at heart and the New York teams are my teams. I’m a Mets fan…

https://povichcenter.umd.edu/still-no-c ... index.html

[Cowtipper]

Felipe Montemayor died.

https://pittsburghbaseballnow.com/felip ... h-pirates/

Who was Felipe Montemayor?

Felipe Ángel Montemayor, born on February 7, 1928, in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico, was a Mexican professional baseball player who made a brief but memorable mark in Major League Baseball. As an outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates, he played 64 games across the 1953 and 1955 seasons. Montemayor’s MLB career, though limited, included two home runs in a doubleheader against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1955, marking his highlight in the majors. However, his time with the Pirates was marked by struggles at the plate, batting .173 with 26 hits in 64 games.

Before his MLB stints, Montemayor had a notable career in the Cuban League with Cienfuegos, leading the league in triples and hitting two grand-slam home runs in consecutive games. He had been purchased by the Pirates from the Mexicali Eagles in 1951 after a strong performance in the Sunset League. After his brief time in the majors, Montemayor continued his career in the Mexican League, where he found more success, hitting .293 and earning a place in the Mexican baseball Hall of Fame in 1983.

Montemayor's professional career spanned 21 seasons, playing primarily in Mexico where he accumulated 133 home runs and a .250 career average in over 1,600 games. He retired from playing at age 40 and became a sportswriter in his hometown. Montemayor passed away on February 4, 2025, just a few days before his 97th birthday, leaving behind a legacy as one of the pioneering Mexican players in Major League Baseball.

Frank Saucier died.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/08/spor ... -dead.html

Who was Frank Saucier?

Francis Field Saucier, also known as Frank, was an American professional baseball player who played as an outfielder for the St. Louis Browns during the 1951 season. Despite a promising career in the minor leagues, where he showcased his hitting talent with a .446 batting average in 1949 and a .343 average in 1950, Saucier’s major league career was brief. His 18-game stint with the Browns included only one hit in 14 at-bats, earning him a .071 batting average.

Saucier’s place in baseball history is most notably tied to a publicity stunt orchestrated by Browns’ owner Bill Veeck. On August 19, 1951, Saucier was replaced by Eddie Gaedel, the shortest player in baseball history, in a pinch-hitting appearance that garnered much attention. Despite the oddity of the moment, Saucier held no ill will toward Gaedel or the event. In fact, he had been playing with an injury and was relieved to exit the game and return to Texas, where he later worked in the oil industry and eventually became the vice president and director of the First Savings and Loan Association in Amarillo.

Saucier’s minor league career was marked by impressive achievements, including winning the 1950 Minor League Player of the Year award and leading the Big State League with a .446 average in 1949. He also served in the U.S. Navy during both World War II and the Korean War, making him one of the few major leaguers to have served in both conflicts.

Saucier’s post-baseball life included a degree in math and physics from Westminster College, and he was later honored with the naming of Frank Saucier Field at his alma mater. He passed away on March 3, 2025, at the age of 98 in Amarillo, Texas.

Art Schallock died.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/09/obit ... -dead.html

Who was Art Schallock?

Arthur Lawrence Schallock, known as Art, was a professional baseball pitcher who played for the New York Yankees and the Baltimore Orioles from 1951 to 1955. Born in 1924 in Mill Valley, California, Schallock had a strong early interest in sports and played baseball, tennis, and golf in high school. After serving as a radio operator in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he played semi-professional baseball before signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1946. He spent several years in the Dodgers' minor league system before being traded to the Yankees in 1951. Schallock made his major league debut with the Yankees that same year, and he played a role in the team's success, including participating in the 1953 World Series. Though he appeared in 58 major league games, Schallock's time in the big leagues was limited, and after being picked up by the Orioles in 1955, he retired from baseball in 1957.

Post-retirement, Schallock worked as a sporting goods salesman and in public relations. He was married to Dona Bernard for 76 years, and they had two children and five grandchildren. Schallock became the oldest living former MLB player in 2022, a title he held until his death in 2025. He celebrated his 100th birthday in 2024, and during his final years, he remained in good health, living in a retirement community in Sonoma, California. Schallock passed away on March 6, 2025, at the age of 100.

[Cowtipper]

Angel Torres died.

https://www.diariolibre.com/deportes/co ... no/2987912

Who was Angel Torres?

Ángel Torres was a Dominican left-handed pitcher who made a brief appearance in Major League Baseball with the Cincinnati Reds in 1977. Over five games, he posted a 2.16 ERA but did not record a win or a loss. Originally signed by the St. Louis Cardinals as an amateur free agent in 1971, he spent several years in their minor league system, excelling at the Double-A level but never receiving a call-up to the majors.

In 1976, Torres was traded to the Montreal Expos in a six-player deal before being sent to the Reds in May 1977. He split that season between Triple-A and the majors, making his MLB debut by striking out five batters in two innings. Despite solid minor league performances, he did not pitch in the big leagues again. He continued in Triple-A through 1980 and played his final professional season in the Mexican League in 1981.

Torres passed away on February 1, 2025, at the age of 72.

Jose Valdivielso died.

https://www.newsweek.com/sports/mlb/pio ... ay-2041454

Who was Jose Valdivielso?

José Valdivielso was a Cuban-born shortstop who played in Major League Baseball for the Washington Senators and Minnesota Twins between 1955 and 1961. Known for his strong defensive skills, he appeared in 401 games but struggled offensively, posting a career batting average of .219. Before reaching the majors, he was signed by scout Joe Cambria after a solid season with the Lubbock Hubbers in 1953. He also played in the Cuban Winter League, leading the league in sacrifice hits twice.

His most active MLB season was in 1960 when he started 92 games at shortstop for the Senators, though he lost his role to Zoilo Versalles by season’s end. Valdivielso was also part of the only all-Cuban triple play in MLB history. His professional career lasted through 1964, finishing with 213 hits, nine home runs, and 26 doubles.

After retiring, he worked as a youth recreation director in New York City and later became a Spanish-language sports announcer, covering Yankees games on radio. He also worked as a retail counselor for White Rose, a major food distributor. Valdivielso passed away on March 4, 2025, at the age of 90.

Don Secrist died.

https://www.searbyfuneralhomes.com/obit ... ne-secrist

Who was Don Secrist?

Don Secrist was an American left-handed pitcher who played in Major League Baseball for the Chicago White Sox in 1969 and 1970. Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 195 pounds, he appeared in 28 games, all as a reliever. His professional career began when he signed with the Baltimore Orioles, and he later moved to the Cincinnati Reds' farm system, where he had a standout 1968 season, winning 11 games with a 2-loss record for the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians. He was then traded to the White Sox.

Secrist made his MLB debut in 1969, appearing in 19 games, including the home opener for the Seattle Pilots. His only major league decision came on July 16, 1969, when he took the loss against the Minnesota Twins after surrendering a home run to Rich Reese. He pitched nine more games for Chicago in 1970 before returning to the minors. In his MLB career, he pitched 54 2/3 innings, allowing 54 hits, nine home runs, and 26 walks while striking out 32.

After his playing days, Secrist lived in Centralia, Illinois, where he passed away on January 30, 2025, at the age of 80.

[Cowtipper]

Jim Breazeale died.

https://www.newsweek.com/sports/mlb/for ... ay-2046866

Who was Jim Breazeale?

James Leo Breazeale Jr., born on October 3, 1949, was an American professional baseball player who played as a first baseman in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Atlanta Braves and the Chicago White Sox. A highly regarded amateur player at Sam Houston High School in Houston, Breazeale was drafted by the Braves in the first round of the 1968 MLB Draft. He made his MLB debut in 1969 and played for three seasons with the Braves (1969; 1971–1972) before joining the White Sox in 1978.

Breazeale’s career was impacted by a severe ankle injury in 1973, resulting from a car accident that kept him on the disabled list until June of that year. Despite being expected to become the starting first baseman for the Braves, the injury hindered his development. Over the course of his career, he played in 89 MLB games, with 179 at-bats, recording a .223 batting average, three home runs, and 33 RBIs. His final game in the majors was in 1978 with the White Sox.

Throughout his career, Breazeale also spent significant time in the minors, where he hit 124 home runs across eleven seasons, including seven seasons with the Richmond Braves. He briefly played winter ball in the Venezuelan League, but his career was slowed by injuries, including a severe leg injury after he learned to play catcher.

Breazeale’s MLB career was brief, but he did manage a memorable moment in 1978, hitting two home runs in a game against the Seattle Mariners. After his MLB career, Breazeale continued to live with health challenges, suffering heart failure in 2021 and using a left ventricular assist device until his death on March 13, 2025, at the age of 75.

[Frayed Knot]

Retired longtime Yankee Brett Gardner and his wife Jessica have announced the passing of their 14-year-old son Miller following an unspecified illness that several family members contracted during a vacation.

You obviously meant for this to go into the 2025 passings thread, not 2024

The family vacation, where several fell ill, was in Costa Rica, although no further details have emerged.

[metirish]

How awful

[metirish]

This story is far from over


https://nypost.com/2025/03/25/sports/re ... ign=nypost

[whippoorwill]

I’d like to know more about the part that others in the family also became ill but of course it’s none of my business.

This is a very sad death.

[MFS62]

witter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=nypost

They first diagnosed the cause of death as asphyxia. If so, some of the obvious signs must have been present. There are non-specific physical signs used to attribute death to asphyxia. These include visceral congestion via dilation of the venous blood vessels and blood stasis, petechiae, cyanosis and fluidity of the blood. (Petechiae are tiny hemorrhages).
If they have ruled it out, then there must be something that made them think it was asphyxia.
The resort management claims it wasn't food poisoning. So I'm guessing a heretofore undiagnosed familial food allergy, since others in the family felt ill, too.
I'm not a forensic scientist. But I have stayed at a Holiday Inn Express and used to watch Quincy, M.E. and House.

Later

[Cowtipper]

Who was Tommie Reynolds?

Tommie Reynolds was a Major League Baseball outfielder who played for eight seasons with four teams, including both the Kansas City and Oakland Athletics, as well as the New York Mets, California Angels, and Milwaukee Brewers. Signed by the Kansas City Athletics as an amateur free agent in 1963, he had his most active seasons in 1965 and 1969, the latter seeing him hit .257 while playing alongside Rick Monday and Reggie Jackson in Oakland's outfield. A solid minor league hitter with a .302 average and 187 home runs over 13 seasons, he was twice selected in the Rule V Draft. Known for his versatility, Reynolds played left field and often served as a pinch hitter. His career highlights included multiple four-hit games, key home runs against All-Star pitchers, and a strong performance against top-tier talent, batting .424 against several All-Star pitchers. Over 513 MLB games, he collected 265 hits, 12 home runs, 87 RBIs, and a .226 batting average. After retiring, he coached for the Oakland Athletics and St. Louis Cardinals. He passed away on March 19, 2025, at the age of 83.

[metirish]

Retired longtime Yankee Brett Gardner and his wife Jessica have announced the passing of their 14-year-old son Miller following an unspecified illness that several family members contracted during a vacation.

You obviously meant for this to go into the 2025 passings thread, not 2024

The family vacation, where several fell ill, was in Costa Rica, although no further details have emerged.

Carbon monoxide likely, how awful

https://nypost.com/2025/03/31/sports/co ... ign=nypost

[Cowtipper]

Carl Warwick died.

https://www.newsweek.com/sports/mlb/leg ... ay-2055936

Who was Carl Warwick?

Carl Warwick (1937–2025) was an American professional baseball outfielder who played six seasons in Major League Baseball from 1961 to 1966 with teams including the Dodgers, Cardinals, Colt .45s, Orioles, and Cubs. A Dallas native and standout at Texas Christian University, he signed with the Dodgers in 1957 and made his MLB debut in 1961. He was known for a strong minor league showing, particularly in 1959 when he was named Texas League MVP. Warwick's MLB career peaked during the 1964 World Series with the Cardinals, where he made a record-setting performance as a pinch hitter by reaching base in his first four plate appearances, finishing the Series batting .750 and contributing to the team's victory over the Yankees. Despite a brief decline in later seasons, he left the game with 363 career hits and returned to Houston to run real estate and travel businesses. He passed away in April 2025 at the age of 88.

[Cowtipper]

Billy Smith died.

https://www.newsweek.com/sports/mlb/mlb ... ay-2058969

Who was Billy Smith?

Billy Lavern Smith (1954–2025) was a right-handed pitcher who played briefly in Major League Baseball for the Houston Astros during the 1981 season. Drafted in the 14th round by the Astros in 1977, he spent four years in the minors primarily as a starter before being called up in 1981. He debuted on June 9 against the Phillies, allowing two earned runs in two innings, including a home run to Bob Boone. After the player strike, Smith became a key part of Houston’s bullpen during the second half of the season, earning his only career save on August 12 and his only win on August 29 with seven scoreless innings in his only career start. He finished the season with a 1–1 record and a 2.41 ERA in nine games, and made a brief postseason appearance in the NL Division Series, retiring Dusty Baker on a groundout. Smith returned to the minors in 1982 but struggled with a 7.15 ERA, marking the end of his professional career. A tall pitcher at 6'7", Smith played college baseball at Sam Houston State and Wharton County Junior College. He should not be confused with another Billy Smith who played as a position player in the National League the same year.

Nate Oliver died.

https://dodgers.mlblogs.com/former-dodg ... 8ec674e640

Who was Nate Oliver?

Nathaniel "Pee Wee" Oliver (1940–2025) was a professional baseball player who spent seven years in the major leagues during the 1960s, mostly with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Signed by the Dodgers in 1959, he worked his way through the minors before making his MLB debut in 1963. That year, the Dodgers won the World Series, although Oliver did not appear in the series. His most productive MLB season came in 1964, when he batted .243 over 99 games. He later played for the San Francisco Giants, New York Yankees, and Chicago Cubs, finishing his career in 1969. Known primarily as a second baseman, Oliver was a light hitter with speed and defensive versatility.

After his playing career, Oliver managed and coached in various minor league systems, including stints with teams affiliated with the Angels and Cubs, and served as a bunting instructor with the Chicago White Sox. He also managed the Saskatoon Legends in the Canadian Baseball League in 2003.

Oliver was part of a baseball family; his father, Jim Oliver Sr., played in the Negro Leagues, and his brother Jim also played professionally. James Oliver Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, was named in honor of his father. Nate Oliver passed away on April 5, 2025.

Tony Blanco died.

https://www.foxnews.com/sports/ex-mlb-p ... f-collapse

Who was Tony Blanco?

Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera (1980–2025) was a Dominican professional baseball player known for his power hitting and versatility at first base, third base, and the outfield. He briefly played in Major League Baseball with the Washington Nationals in 2005, appearing in 56 games. Blanco had a much more prolific career in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball, where he played eight seasons with the Chunichi Dragons, Yokohama DeNA BayStars, and Orix Buffaloes. He was a four-time All-Star and three-time Best Nine Award winner, leading the Central League in home runs and RBIs in both 2009 and 2013. Overall, he hit 181 home runs in NPB with a .272 average.

Blanco began his professional career in the Boston Red Sox system and was later traded to the Cincinnati Reds. After a strong minor league run and a standout season with the Tulsa Drillers in 2008, he transitioned to NPB where he found significant success. He was also known for his performance in the Dominican Winter League.

Blanco died at age 44 during the Jet Set nightclub roof collapse in Santo Domingo on April 8, 2025. He reportedly died while saving fellow former player Esteban Germán. Also killed in the tragedy were former MLB player Octavio Dotel and Nelsy Cruz, sister of Nelson Cruz. Blanco’s legacy continues through his son, Tony Jr., a minor leaguer in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization.

Also, who was Octavio Dotel?

Octavio Eduardo Dotel Díaz was a Dominican professional baseball pitcher who played 15 seasons in Major League Baseball from 1999 to 2013. A right-hander known for his power arm and strikeout ability, Dotel played for a record 13 MLB teams during his career, including notable stints with the Houston Astros, Oakland Athletics, St. Louis Cardinals, and Detroit Tigers. Signed by the New York Mets in 1993, he made his MLB debut in 1999 and earned a postseason win in the NLCS that same year. Though he started his career as a starter, he transitioned into a reliable reliever and closer, finishing with 109 saves and a 10.8 K/9 rate—then the best for any right-handed pitcher with over 900 innings.

Dotel was a key bullpen piece for the Astros in the early 2000s, helped the Cardinals win the 2011 World Series, and represented the Dominican Republic in the 2013 World Baseball Classic, becoming one of the few players to win both a World Series and a WBC title. He had a journeyman career marked by injuries, including Tommy John surgery, but continued to contribute effectively for various clubs. After retiring in 2014, he held the MLB record for most teams played for until it was surpassed in 2019.

Off the field, Dotel's life had moments of tragedy and controversy. His father was murdered shortly after he signed his first professional contract. In 2019, he was briefly caught up in a high-profile criminal investigation in the Dominican Republic, though most charges were dropped. He passed away tragically on April 8, 2025, at age 51, due to injuries sustained in a nightclub roof collapse in Santo Domingo that claimed over 100 lives.

[batmagadanleadoff]

Tommy Helms, 1966 NL Rookie of the Year for the Cincinnati Reds; included in the important multi-player Reds-Astros trade after the 1971 season that allowed the Reds to essentially replace Helms with breakout superstar and future Hall of Famer Joe Morgan. Was a featured interviewee in HBO's recent multi-part documentary on Pete Rose.

[G-Fafif]

Helms's passing was reported (or at least first seen by me) about an hour after I filled him in as my Reds 2B Immaculate Grid answer Sunday.

[batmagadanleadoff]

And Joe Morgan wasn't the only breakout superstar and future Hall of Famer to be traded after the 1971 season.

[whippoorwill]

Billy Smith died.

https://www.newsweek.com/sports/mlb/mlb ... ay-2058969

Who was Billy Smith?

Billy Lavern Smith (1954–2025) was a right-handed pitcher who played briefly in Major League Baseball for the Houston Astros during the 1981 season. Drafted in the 14th round by the Astros in 1977, he spent four years in the minors primarily as a starter before being called up in 1981. He debuted on June 9 against the Phillies, allowing two earned runs in two innings, including a home run to Bob Boone. After the player strike, Smith became a key part of Houston’s bullpen during the second half of the season, earning his only career save on August 12 and his only win on August 29 with seven scoreless innings in his only career start. He finished the season with a 1–1 record and a 2.41 ERA in nine games, and made a brief postseason appearance in the NL Division Series, retiring Dusty Baker on a groundout. Smith returned to the minors in 1982 but struggled with a 7.15 ERA, marking the end of his professional career. A tall pitcher at 6'7", Smith played college baseball at Sam Houston State and Wharton County Junior College. He should not be confused with another Billy Smith who played as a position player in the National League the same year.

Nate Oliver died.

https://dodgers.mlblogs.com/former-dodg ... 8ec674e640

Who was Nate Oliver?

Nathaniel "Pee Wee" Oliver (1940–2025) was a professional baseball player who spent seven years in the major leagues during the 1960s, mostly with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Signed by the Dodgers in 1959, he worked his way through the minors before making his MLB debut in 1963. That year, the Dodgers won the World Series, although Oliver did not appear in the series. His most productive MLB season came in 1964, when he batted .243 over 99 games. He later played for the San Francisco Giants, New York Yankees, and Chicago Cubs, finishing his career in 1969. Known primarily as a second baseman, Oliver was a light hitter with speed and defensive versatility.

After his playing career, Oliver managed and coached in various minor league systems, including stints with teams affiliated with the Angels and Cubs, and served as a bunting instructor with the Chicago White Sox. He also managed the Saskatoon Legends in the Canadian Baseball League in 2003.

Oliver was part of a baseball family; his father, Jim Oliver Sr., played in the Negro Leagues, and his brother Jim also played professionally. James Oliver Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, was named in honor of his father. Nate Oliver passed away on April 5, 2025.

Tony Blanco died.

https://www.foxnews.com/sports/ex-mlb-p ... f-collapse

Who was Tony Blanco?

Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera (1980–2025) was a Dominican professional baseball player known for his power hitting and versatility at first base, third base, and the outfield. He briefly played in Major League Baseball with the Washington Nationals in 2005, appearing in 56 games. Blanco had a much more prolific career in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball, where he played eight seasons with the Chunichi Dragons, Yokohama DeNA BayStars, and Orix Buffaloes. He was a four-time All-Star and three-time Best Nine Award winner, leading the Central League in home runs and RBIs in both 2009 and 2013. Overall, he hit 181 home runs in NPB with a .272 average.

Blanco began his professional career in the Boston Red Sox system and was later traded to the Cincinnati Reds. After a strong minor league run and a standout season with the Tulsa Drillers in 2008, he transitioned to NPB where he found significant success. He was also known for his performance in the Dominican Winter League.

Blanco died at age 44 during the Jet Set nightclub roof collapse in Santo Domingo on April 8, 2025. He reportedly died while saving fellow former player Esteban Germán. Also killed in the tragedy were former MLB player Octavio Dotel and Nelsy Cruz, sister of Nelson Cruz. Blanco’s legacy continues through his son, Tony Jr., a minor leaguer in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization.

Also, who was Octavio Dotel?

Octavio Eduardo Dotel Díaz was a Dominican professional baseball pitcher who played 15 seasons in Major League Baseball from 1999 to 2013. A right-hander known for his power arm and strikeout ability, Dotel played for a record 13 MLB teams during his career, including notable stints with the Houston Astros, Oakland Athletics, St. Louis Cardinals, and Detroit Tigers. Signed by the New York Mets in 1993, he made his MLB debut in 1999 and earned a postseason win in the NLCS that same year. Though he started his career as a starter, he transitioned into a reliable reliever and closer, finishing with 109 saves and a 10.8 K/9 rate—then the best for any right-handed pitcher with over 900 innings.

Dotel was a key bullpen piece for the Astros in the early 2000s, helped the Cardinals win the 2011 World Series, and represented the Dominican Republic in the 2013 World Baseball Classic, becoming one of the few players to win both a World Series and a WBC title. He had a journeyman career marked by injuries, including Tommy John surgery, but continued to contribute effectively for various clubs. After retiring in 2014, he held the MLB record for most teams played for until it was surpassed in 2019.

Off the field, Dotel's life had moments of tragedy and controversy. His father was murdered shortly after he signed his first professional contract. In 2019, he was briefly caught up in a high-profile criminal investigation in the Dominican Republic, though most charges were dropped. He passed away tragically on April 8, 2025, at age 51, due to injuries sustained in a nightclub roof collapse in Santo Domingo that claimed over 100 lives.

Nice tributes Cowtipper

[MFS62]

And Joe Morgan wasn't the only breakout superstar and future Hall of Famer to be traded after the 1971 season.

Seeing this in the baseball passings thread was a shocker when I scrolled down through the thread, until I saw the text above the picture.

Later

[batmagadanleadoff]

And Joe Morgan wasn't the only breakout superstar and future Hall of Famer to be traded after the 1971 season.

Seeing this in the baseball passings thread was a shocker when I scrolled down through the thread, until I saw the text above the picture.

Mets get their own death threads.

[Cowtipper]

I'd like to take credit for the tributes, but I use ChatGPT to write them.

[Cowtipper]

Rick Peters died.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/281 ... vin-peters

Who was Rick Peters?

Rick Peters (1955–2025) was an American professional baseball player known for his time as an outfielder with the Detroit Tigers and Oakland Athletics. A standout at Arizona State University, he led the Sun Devils to the 1977 College World Series championship with a .426 batting average. Drafted by the Tigers in 1977, Peters quickly rose through the minor leagues, helping the Evansville Triplets win the American Association championship in 1979. He made his MLB debut later that year and earned Tigers Rookie of the Year honors in 1980 after batting .291 as their starting center fielder. Injuries, including elbow surgery in 1982, curtailed his career, and after brief stints with the Oakland A’s from 1983 to 1986, he retired with a .277 MLB career batting average. Peters later played in the Senior Professional Baseball Association with the Sun City Rays in 1990 before transitioning into coaching and managing, including stints with the Auburn Astros and Burlington Astros in the early 1990s. After baseball, he worked for Tempe’s parks and recreation department. Peters passed away in 2025 in Maricopa, Arizona, at the age of 69.

Chito Martinez died.

https://crescentcitysports.com/former-b ... sses-away/

Who was Chito Martinez?

Chito Martinez (1965–2025) was the first and only Major League Baseball player born in Belize, then known as British Honduras. After moving to New Orleans at age two, he played high school baseball there and was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in 1984. Despite years of struggling in the minors, Martinez found success after joining the Baltimore Orioles organization in 1990. In 1991, he hit .322 with 20 home runs at AAA Rochester, earning a promotion to the majors. That season, he batted .269 with a .514 slugging percentage and became the first Orioles player to record a hit in each of his first six MLB games. His major league career spanned parts of three seasons (1991–1993), but after a decline in performance, he faded from the majors. Martinez later played in the Yankees and Rockies minor league systems before retiring. His sons, Drew and Dalton, both pursued baseball careers, with Drew coaching in the Giants organization and Dalton coaching at Georgia State. Martinez died in 2025 in Lake Cormorant, Mississippi, at age 59.

[Cowtipper]

Tom Brown died.

https://www.curlewhills.com/obituaries/ ... d=42298246

Who was Tom Brown?

Thomas William Brown (1940–2025) was a rare dual-sport professional athlete who played both Major League Baseball and in the National Football League. A standout at the University of Maryland in both baseball and football, Brown was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 1963 but initially chose to pursue baseball with the Washington Senators. His baseball career was brief; he played just one major league season in 1963, struggling at the plate before returning to the minors and eventually quitting the sport in 1964. Brown then joined the Packers as a defensive back, playing from 1964 to 1968 and contributing to their three consecutive NFL championships, including victories in the first two Super Bowls. He is notable as the first athlete to both play in the MLB and appear in a Super Bowl. After a short stint with the Washington Redskins and a failed attempt with the Minnesota Vikings, Brown retired due to a chronic shoulder injury. Post-football, he earned his college degree and ran a youth sports league in Maryland for over two decades. He died in 2025 at age 84 in Palm Harbor, Florida.

[Johnny Lunchbucket]

Chet Lemon, center fielder for the 1984 Detroit Tigers.

Got hit with pitches a lot.

Used only 2 gloves in his career, they got all torn up and ugly but he liked them that way.

[Edgy MD]

Chet was a terrific player. Had been in bad shape (could not speak or walk) from over a dozen strokes.

I always thought of him as pretty heavy for such a good centerfielder, but the weird White Sox pullovers with the flyaway collars just made everyone look heavy. When he became a Tiger, and his uniform hung better on his frame, he looked like a super-athlete badass. And in that small outfield at Tiger Stadium seemed to be filled with violently athletic football types with him, Kirk Gibson, Larry Herndon, and Johnny Grubb.