The Crane Pool Forum

A pretty big name to get this thread going. Don't have a cow, but Bob Veale, a two-time All-Star pitcher for the Pirates in the 1960s, died January 7.

https://www.al.com/sports/2025/01/birmi ... at-89.html

Who was Bob Veale?

Bob Veale, one of the most dominant strikeout pitchers of his era, enjoyed a remarkable Major League Baseball career from 1962 to 1974, primarily with the Pittsburgh Pirates before finishing with the Boston Red Sox. Known for his overpowering fastball, Veale led the National League in strikeouts in 1964 and remains the Pirates’ modern-era single-season strikeout leader with 276 in 1965. A two-time All-Star, he posted four seasons with 200+ strikeouts and seven seasons with 200+ innings pitched. Despite battling injuries later in his career, Veale transitioned to a bullpen role and was part of the Pirates’ 1971 World Series-winning team. Over his career, he compiled a 120–95 record with a 3.07 ERA and remains a top figure in Pirates history for his strikeout achievements. Following his retirement, Veale served as a minor-league pitching instructor and was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. He passed away on January 7, 2025, at the age of 89.

After the 1960 World Series, in which the MFYs set all kinds of WS hitting records, but the Pirates won the Series, he said. "Good pitching stops good hitting. And Vice Versa".
(Veale was a minor leaguer and didn't get into the Series.)
He was a 6'6" lefty who wore thick glasses and must have scared the crap out of lefty hitters.
RIP
Later

For a while there it seemed (just like Cal Sharpie's favorite books this past year) that you needed a one syllable name in order to be part of the 1960's era Pirate pitching staffs:
Bob Veale, Steve Blass, Bob Moose, Roy Face, Vern Law, Bob Friend. They also had, for shorter periods, Don Schwall, Tommie Sisk, and Wilbur Wood

Brian Matusz - LHP, an eight year career (2009-16) with Baltimore (plus one game as a Cub) after being their 1st round (4th overall) draft pick in 2008
Dead at age 37. No cause yet announced.

Man, that's sad to hear.

He was looking like a Cy Young-quality pitcher following a glorious second half of the 2016 season, then he caught about the worst case of Gopher Ball Virus ever. I think the damage he endured was a big factor in the Orioles moving the walls way back and raising them up as well.

Harvey Branch, who played a single game for the Cardinals in 1962, died January 15, 2021, but his passing went unnoticed until just recently. Yours truly found this one and submitted it to SABR.

https://sabr.box.com/shared/static/8tvk ... q9h3xxp.pd

Who was Harvey Branch?

"Harvey Alfred Branch, a left-handed pitcher, had a brief Major League Baseball career consisting of a single start for the St. Louis Cardinals on September 18, 1962. Acquired from the Chicago Cubs earlier that month in exchange for pitcher Paul Toth, Branch faced his former team, allowing three runs over five innings and taking the loss in a 4–3 defeat. This game marked his only MLB appearance, with career totals of five innings pitched, three earned runs, five walks, and two strikeouts. Branch's professional baseball career spanned seven seasons in the minor leagues, where he found notable success, including a standout year with the San Antonio Missions in 1962, posting 216 strikeouts in 237 innings. Earlier in his career, while with the Paris Lakers, Branch once struck out 21 batters in a single game. After leaving baseball in 1964, Branch pursued higher education, earning degrees from Alabama State University and Jacksonville Theological Seminary. He became a chaplain, pastor, and author, dedicating his post-baseball life to spiritual and community service. Branch passed away in 2021, though news of his death was not widely reported until 2024."

We'll have to dig up the 2021 thread and retroactively add poor Harvey.

Frayed Knot wrote: ↑Wed Jan 08, 2025 7:21 am Brian Matusz - LHP, an eight year career (2009-16) with Baltimore (plus one game as a Cub) after being their 1st round (4th overall) draft pick in 2008
Dead at age 37. No cause yet announced.

Though not specific as to which substance, "drug overdose" is the listed cause of death. Apparently there was a long history of use.
His body was found at his home by his mother.

The implements reportedly found with him at the time of his death strongly imply that he died using methamphetamine.

Tommy Brown, one of the few remaining players from the 1940s, the last guy to debut before 1945, and the last member of the pennant-winning 1947 and 1949 Dodgers, has passed away.

https://www.truebluela.com/2025/1/17/24 ... wn-dodgers

Who was Tommy Brown?

Tommy Brown, nicknamed "Buckshot," was a remarkable baseball player who debuted in Major League Baseball (MLB) at just 16 years old during the World War II manpower shortage. Signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1944, Brown became the youngest non-pitcher to play in a major league game and quickly made an impression despite his youth. In 1945, he set a record as the youngest player to hit a home run, a feat he achieved at 17 years and 257 days, a record that still stands. Known for his strong but erratic arm, Brown transitioned through various positions during his career and played for the Dodgers, Phillies, and Cubs. He also had memorable moments in the Southern Association, including a record-breaking streak of reaching base 20 consecutive times. After retiring from major league baseball at 25, Brown worked at a Ford glass plant in Nashville for 35 years, reflecting on his unconventional childhood spent working on docks and playing street ball. Brown passed away in 2025 at the age of 97, leaving a legacy as a record-setting player and the last surviving major leaguer to debut before the end of World War II.

Also, who was Brian Matusz?

Brian Matusz, a standout left-handed pitcher, was the first pitcher selected in the 2008 MLB Draft, going fourth overall to the Baltimore Orioles. A Phoenix native, he excelled in high school and college, earning accolades for his dominant performances, including being named a second-team All-American and West Coast Conference Pitcher of the Year at the University of San Diego. Matusz made his MLB debut with the Orioles in 2009, quickly establishing himself as a promising talent with a strong rookie season in 2010, where he finished fifth in Rookie of the Year voting. Despite early success, injuries and inconsistent performances marred his career, including a record-setting losing streak in 2012. Transitioning to a bullpen role, he found renewed success as a reliever before being traded to the Braves in 2016 and later appearing briefly for the Cubs during their World Series-winning season.

After his MLB career, Matusz played in the minors, independent leagues, and internationally before retiring. Tragically, he died in January 2025 at the age of 37 from an apparent drug overdose. Known for his talent and resilience, Matusz's career reflected both the high pressures and challenges of professional baseball.

Bobby Cuellar, who played in the majors in 1977 and became more famous as a coach, died January 20.

https://dodgers.mlblogs.com/influential ... 348557fe27

Who was Bobby Cuellar?

Robert Cuellar was a former professional baseball player and coach, known for his impactful career both on and off the field. Born on August 20, 1952, in Alice, Texas, Cuellar played briefly as a relief pitcher for the Texas Rangers in 1977, after being drafted by the team in 1974. His playing career was short-lived, largely due to shoulder issues caused by overuse during his time in the minors and winter ball. Cuellar transitioned into coaching following his playing days, making a significant mark as a pitching coach and bullpen coach across multiple MLB teams. He worked for the Seattle Mariners from 1983 to 1996. Cuellar also coached for the Montreal Expos, Texas Rangers, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Minnesota Twins (where he notably mentored future star Johan Santana, teaching him a circle changeup that became pivotal to Santana's success), and managed at various minor league levels, including with the Wausau Timbers and New Britain Rock Cats. Cuellar's coaching career spanned several decades, and he was recognized for his expertise with young pitchers, earning the 2023 Mike Coolbaugh Award for his dedication to the game. Cuellar passed away on January 20, 2025, at the age of 72 after suffering a heart attack.

Also, who was Felix Mantilla?

Félix Mantilla Lamela (1934–2025) was a Puerto Rican professional baseball player known for his versatility, primarily playing as an infielder during his 11-year Major League Baseball (MLB) career. He played for the Milwaukee Braves, New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, and Houston Astros. Mantilla's most prominent position was second base, but he also played shortstop, third base, outfield, and occasionally first base. A talented fielder, he was known by the nickname "El Gato" for his agility. Born in Isabela, Puerto Rico, Mantilla began his career in Puerto Rico's Winter League and was part of the national team that won the 1951 World Amateur Baseball Championship. He made his MLB debut in 1956 with the Braves and later contributed to their 1957 and 1958 World Series appearances, although he played a minimal role in both. After being selected by the Mets in the 1961 expansion draft, he had his most significant season in 1962, leading the team in at-bats and setting personal bests in batting average, home runs, and RBIs. His success continued with the Boston Red Sox, where he became an All-Star in 1965 and enjoyed several strong seasons, particularly in 1964 when he hit 30 home runs. Mantilla finished his MLB career with the Astros in 1966, after which he briefly pursued a minor league career. Beyond baseball, he was dedicated to promoting youth baseball in Milwaukee and Puerto Rico, creating the Félix Mantilla Little League and mentoring young players. Mantilla passed away in 2025 at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy in both baseball and community development.

Who was Jeff Torborg?

Jeffrey Allen Torborg, born November 26, 1941, in Westfield, New Jersey, was a former professional baseball catcher and manager who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1964 to 1973 for the Los Angeles Dodgers and California Angels. As a catcher, he played a key role in notable games, including catching Sandy Koufax's perfect game in 1965 and Bill Singer’s no-hitter in 1970, as well as Nolan Ryan's first no-hitter in 1973. After his playing career, Torborg transitioned into coaching and managing, beginning as the bullpen coach for the Cleveland Indians in 1977, later becoming their manager. He went on to manage the Chicago White Sox, New York Mets, Montreal Expos, and Florida Marlins. Torborg's managerial career was marked by successes, such as winning the American League Manager of the Year Award in 1990 with the White Sox. However, his time with the Mets and Marlins was less successful, leading to his firing in both instances. In the 1990s, Torborg found work as a broadcaster, contributing to CBS Radio and Fox, including color commentary for several World Series. He later returned to managing the Expos and Marlins before retiring from coaching. Torborg was also a color commentator for the Atlanta Braves on FSN South in 2006. His personal life saw him marry Suzie Barber in 1963, and his son, Dale, became a professional wrestler. Torborg, who battled Parkinson's disease, passed away on January 19, 2025, at the age of 83.

Who was Bob Uecker?

Bob Uecker, born January 26, 1934, and passed away January 16, 2025, was a celebrated American professional baseball catcher and sportscaster, widely known for his 54-season tenure as the play-by-play announcer for the Milwaukee Brewers. Uecker began his career in 1956 with the Milwaukee Braves, making his major league debut in 1962 and playing as a backup catcher for several teams, including the Braves, St. Louis Cardinals, and Philadelphia Phillies. He won a World Series with the Cardinals in 1964. After retiring in 1967, Uecker transitioned to broadcasting, becoming a beloved figure with his humorous, self-deprecating style. He worked for the Brewers from 1971 and became known for his catchphrases, such as "Get up! Get up! Get outta here! Gone!" He also gained fame through acting, particularly for his role on the sitcom Mr. Belvedere and as Harry Doyle in the Major League films. Uecker received numerous accolades, including the 2003 Ford C. Frick Award, recognizing his significant contributions to baseball broadcasting. His career extended beyond baseball, with appearances in commercials, television shows, and even wrestling events. Uecker's legacy is cemented through his enduring impact on sports broadcasting and his widespread popularity, earning him honors like induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame and the Wisconsin Sports Hall of Fame.

More:

Bob Uecker, born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on January 26, 1934, was a professional baseball player who became a renowned actor and broadcaster. Although he had a six-season career in Major League Baseball, his time on the field was largely spent as a backup catcher, with a batting average of .200 and 14 home runs. After retiring from baseball in 1967, Uecker worked for the Atlanta Braves in their media department before becoming the "Voice of the Brewers" in 1970. He was widely recognized for his humor, often poking fun at his playing career, and became a beloved figure in baseball. Uecker’s broadcasting career flourished, and he was known for his deadpan humor and iconic commercials. He also appeared on television, including a starring role on the sitcom Mr. Belvedere from 1985 to 1990, and in films like Major League. Uecker received the Ford Frick Award from the Hall of Fame in 2003 and was honored with a statue outside Miller Park in 2012. Despite undergoing open-heart surgery twice, he continued working as a broadcaster, with his 50th anniversary celebrated in 2021. Uecker remained active in the booth well into his 90s, calling his final game during the 2024 Wild Card Series. He passed away in January 2025 at the age of 90 after battling small cell lung cancer. Uecker's contributions to baseball and entertainment left a lasting legacy.