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Post by Jason Giambi on Dec 29, 2007 0:35:39 GMT -5
Former Atlanta coach Jim Beauchamp dies at 68 AP, Dec 27, 2007 Former major league player and longtime Atlanta Braves coach Jim Beauchamp has died of leukemia. He was 68. "As a son, my fondest memory of him was how much he told us he loved us," Kash Beauchamp told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "As tough as he was as a competitor and a baseball man, he had a very soft side when it came to being a father." A memorial service will be held Jan. ...More
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$heriff Tom
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Post by $heriff Tom on Dec 29, 2007 11:02:30 GMT -5
Thanks for posting that. I read that while at lunch the other day, meant to post, never did. All fallen baseball players deserve their due. May he rest easy! Here is his Baseball Reference page www.baseball-reference.com/b/beaucji01.shtml
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Post by Jackass on Jan 14, 2008 6:20:38 GMT -5
RIP, Johnny Podres.
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Post by Jason Giambi on Jan 14, 2008 10:09:30 GMT -5
a sad day indeed. RIP Johnny Podres....
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Post by $heriff Tom on Apr 19, 2008 18:00:04 GMT -5
Ah, man. Former catcher and current MLB.COM media host John Marzano has died, at only 45 years old. Thats terribly sad, and it makes me think of a funny moment we had with the guy over the bleacher fence one afternoon. During Seattle's BP, we were ripping into Marzano over the fence, when he came sauntering over with a sly grin on his face. He asked us, in total seriousness, the following query. "hey, guys....what does a guy with a 10 inch dick eat for breakfast?" So we all sit there and look at each other all puzzled, we have no idea. Then he starts to laugh and quips, "well, I have eggs, bacon, some toast..." We then kicked off a conversation on Italian food. He told us he was like the supreme pasta maker in the major leagues. Of course we also cant forget him brawling with Paul O'Neill, we gave him a heap of crap over that one that day as well. RIP John Marzano. You were far too young, and you were a nice guy. Former Major Leaguer John Marzano dies at 45 in PhiladelphiaNEW YORK -- Former Major League catcher John Marzano, 45, a first-round draft pick in 1984, died this weekend at his home in Philadelphia, where he suffered a fall down a flight of stairs reportedly after a possible heart attack. Marzano, who played for the Red Sox, Rangers and Mariners, was in his second season as an on-air personality at MLB.com.
"John was a beloved member of our team, a personable, terrific friend to all with whom he worked," said Bob Bowman, CEO of MLB Advanced Media. "He was an engaging, informed interviewer. His energy, knowledge of the game and comedic touch produced admirable results. We miss him dearly already."
MLB.com will immediately establish an internship program in memory of Marzano, who in addition to being drafted 14th overall in 1984 earned a spot on Team USA for the Olympics.
"Words cannot describe how sorry we are to have lost John's inspiring presence, but rest assured, his spirit and legacy will always influence us," said Dinn Mann, MLB.com's EVP of Content. "Our prayers go out to his family, his friends and his fans. John simply gave his all every time he went about doing his job and living his life, always grateful, always striving."
A native of South Philadelphia and born on Valentine's Day in 1963, Marzano, a member of the Temple University Hall of Fame, showed tremendous work ethic and determination as a ballplayer and broadcaster.
Marzano played 10 seasons as a catcher in the Majors. The Red Sox weren't the first team to draft him. The Twins picked him in the third round in 1981 out of high school, but Marzano elected to go to college. Marzano reached the big leagues within three years after starring at Temple, playing for Boston from 1987-1992. He was in the Cleveland and Philadelphia farm systems for two years, then, in 1995, appeared in two games for the Texas Rangers. In 1996, he earned a spot on Lou Piniella's Seattle roster and spent three years with the Mariners.
After retiring as a player, Marzano worked for WIP radio in Philadelphia and at Comcast SportsNet as a post-game analyst for Phillies games before catching on full time with MLB.com in 2007.
Marzano was co-host with Vinny Micucci of "Leading Off" on MLB.com"s Baseball Channel every weekday at 9 a.m. Marzano impressed those around him until the day he died, regularly delivering instructive insight and humor in his role.
"(Ken Griffey Jr.) lifts and separates better than any hitter I have ever seen," Marzano said during a recent show, breaking down a highlight. "Having an opportunity to watch this man play for three years, I was so fortunate -- even though I was sitting on the bench watching him. To watch him and the plays he made in center field, crashing into walls, sometimes getting hurt, not worrying about himself but worrying about his team, it was amazing for me to watch that."
Marzano is survived by his wife Terri, daughters Dominique and Danielle, and two grandchildren.www.baseball-reference.com/m/marzajo01.shtml
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Post by thecaptain15 on Apr 19, 2008 18:31:26 GMT -5
Man when guys like this go down it really makes me reflect having watched their whole careers and being in the same age bracket.....
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Post by Jason Giambi on Apr 19, 2008 21:35:25 GMT -5
RIP John Marzano. Captain, you are right about the age thing...... shit, only old people are supposed to die.
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$heriff Tom
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Post by $heriff Tom on Apr 19, 2008 22:30:06 GMT -5
Fuck...there is an addendum to that afternoon swapping chatter with Marzano that I forgot. Over the years I stole a phrase, "it is nice to be important, but more important to be nice." I have used it many times, and it came from a player, teaching us a lesson over the fence.
And I had forgotten, it was from John Marzano. He told it to us, had to be that same day with the joke about his supposed dick-size.
I read this on a blog from his cohost on the MLB.COM daily show he was doing.
Marz Man was more than a former player...he was a great friend! When you took a walk with "Johnny Marz" for just five minutes through the streets of South Philly, you got a sense of just how many lives he touched.
I spent a lot of time with him and walked away with a huge smile on my face just for having known him. John took me under his wing and treated me as if I were his own son. He always spoke fondly of his former teammates, his loving family and his love of baseball.
He repeatedly used to tell me that his father's best advice to him was: "It is nice to be important but it is more important to be nice." He lived every day that way and I will take it with me forever. My heart goes out to his family.
I love him like family and I already miss him.
I even told the story about him telling us that very aside on Mason's morning show back in the day. Now I am really sad.
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Post by whalerfan on Apr 19, 2008 23:47:55 GMT -5
I must have 50 John Marzano baseball cards stored away somewhere. Slowly but surely, the death total of baseball players from the 80s is rising.
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Post by $heriff Tom on Apr 20, 2008 9:50:06 GMT -5
At the time of his death Marzano was doing a daily show on MLB-TV. 9AM gig, kicking off the day with baseball chatter. Its sad and a little unsettling, but I watched his last appearance on "Leading Off" - recorded less than 24 hours from his death, and he was funny and you can see where people would find it in them to call him such a good-time charlie. You can find "Leading Off" and other things featuring him off the mlb.com site, or following this link. mlb.mlb.com/mlb/radio/index.jsp
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Post by $heriff Tom on May 26, 2008 15:42:13 GMT -5
What a way to go... Former pitcher Geremi Gonzalez dies Right-hander, who pitched for five teams, killed by lightningCARACAS, Venezuela -- Former Major League pitcher Geremi Gonzalez, who won 11 games for the Chicago Cubs in 1997, was killed by a lightning strike in his native Venezuela on Sunday. He was 33.
Emergency management official Herman Bracho said Monday that Gonzalez was struck by lightning at a beach.
Gonzalez pitched for five Major League teams from 1997-2006, appearing in 131 games, 83 of them starts, and compiling a 30-35 record.
The right-hander also played for the Tampa Bay Rays, Boston Red Sox, New York Mets and Milwaukee Brewers. He made a combined 24 appearances for the Mets and Brewers in his final Major League season in 2006.
The Toronto Blue Jays released him during Spring Training last year. Gonzalez then moved to Japan and pitched in five games for the Yomiuri Giants. www.baseball-reference.com/g/gonzaje01.shtml
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Post by MSBNYY on May 26, 2008 15:43:19 GMT -5
That news was shocking.
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Post by Chris on May 26, 2008 23:06:20 GMT -5
His stuff was electric.
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Post by MSBNYY on May 27, 2008 5:58:11 GMT -5
His pickoff move was as fast as lightning.
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$heriff Tom
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Post by $heriff Tom on May 27, 2008 7:23:42 GMT -5
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Post by 9 on May 27, 2008 7:27:26 GMT -5
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Post by $heriff Tom on May 27, 2008 7:28:25 GMT -5
Its so OLD now. I mean, enough with the gag already. It would help if even one of these attempts at humor were even mildly funny. And Cho, I am surprised at you for piling on. Leave the amateur hour antics to Balls.
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Post by Chris on May 27, 2008 9:51:59 GMT -5
I don't participate in those gags. But a pitcher dying of electrocution (lightning strike) just BEGS for the "electric stuff" pun. I apologize, but that one was soft-tossed to me. The "shocking" joke was ok, but the fast as lightning pick off move was lame. Again, I apologize but that one was like dangling a carrot in front of a horse .... I'm surprised that, being the most obvious joke, wasn't Balls' first attempt.
Again, sorry.
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$heriff Tom
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Post by $heriff Tom on May 27, 2008 10:03:23 GMT -5
No apologies needed, but when I see a post of yours in the baseball thread the pundit in me looks forward to a click and a look. Then I see a groaner of a joke and it dissapoints me. You're better than that! Leave the tired gags to Balls, and let him continue to amuse himself.
Just once I want to see someone in this thread with a memory of one of the players that died, not jokes out of a 5 year olds joke-book.
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Post by 9 on May 27, 2008 10:29:29 GMT -5
OK, here's one: Jeremi Gonzalez saved my fantasy team's ASS one year as a waiver-wire pickup. And I actually totally forgot that he was a Met.
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Post by Jason Giambi on May 27, 2008 10:55:31 GMT -5
his whole body of work was summed up in the fact that he won 11 games in 1997.
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Post by $heriff Tom on May 27, 2008 17:41:25 GMT -5
Ah, lets not forget he was the guy who delivered the pitch to Sammy Sosa in the infamous corked bat incident on June 3, 2003.
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Post by Jason Giambi on Aug 16, 2008 1:33:41 GMT -5
rip Darrin... from my high school.
Former Rutgers baseball star Darrin Winston dies of leukemia by Tim McClain/For The Star-Ledger Saturday August 16, 2008, 1:40 AM Darrin Winston, a former Rutgers standout who pitched two seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies, died Friday at the age of 42.
Winston, who also spent four seasons with the Somerset Patriots, died at CentraState Medical Center in Freehold after being diagnosed with leukemia on Wednesday, said Marc Russinoff, vice president of public relations for the Patriots.
The death came as stunning news to longtime Rutgers baseball coach Fred Hill, who attended last night's Patriots game because the team was, coincidentally, celebrating Rutgers Night. A moment of silence was observed before the game.
"It is very, very difficult," Hill said. "He was a great young man. If you knew Darrin, you knew he was always in great shape. And he had more enthusiasm than you could imagine. And he always had time for his family. They were included in everything. He was just an outstanding person on and off the field."
Winston, a product of Bishop Ahr High School in Edison, has six children and one grandchild. He still holds Rutgers career records for victories (26), innings pitched (278) and complete games (22). He was inducted into the school's hall of fame in 2000.
He pitched in the minor leagues with the Expos, Pirates, Mets and Angels and appeared in 34 games with the Phillies in the 1997 and '98 seasons, posting a 4-2 record and 5.84 ERA. He was with the Patriots from 1999 through 2002, compiling a 22-17 career mark with a 4.50 ERA and helping the team to an Atlantic League title.
"Darrin was a fan favorite, a Patriot standout and in the early years of this league and team, kind of our first big-time player," said Patrick McVerry, the team's president and general manager. "He brought the right character, the charm, in anything you asked. And he was a great family guy, somebody that we all looked up to and admired." Â
See more in Breaking news, Newspaper Stories, Rutgers
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Post by $heriff Tom on Aug 16, 2008 9:57:24 GMT -5
RIP to him.
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Post by Jason Giambi on Oct 16, 2008 13:38:20 GMT -5
RIP TOm Tresh.
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Post by $heriff Tom on Oct 16, 2008 21:26:42 GMT -5
RIP, indeed. Former Yankee Tresh dies at 71 Was shortstop, outfielder and AL Rookie of the Year in 1962Tom Tresh, a switch-hitting Yankees shortstop who earned honors as the 1962 American League Rookie of the Year, died at his home in Venice, Fla., of a heart attack. He was 71.
"Tommy was a great teammate," said Yogi Berra, who also managed Tresh in 1964. "He did everything well as a ballplayer and was an easy guy to manage. He was a good man and great friend. We're going to miss him."
"We all loved him and we're sorry that we've lost him. He will be missed," said Whitey Ford.
Tresh was a Yankees fixture for most of the 1960s, batting .286 with 20 home runs and 93 RBIs in his rookie campaign as he filled in for Tony Kubek, who had been called into military service. Tresh started at shortstop on Opening Day 1962, something no rookie would do for the Yankees until Derek Jeter in 1996.
He also joined Joe DiMaggio (1936) as the only Yankees rookies to start for the AL squad in an All-Star Game. Playing the outfield and some third base in addition, Tresh experienced nearly his entire career in New York, save for 94 games at the end of the 1969 season with the Tigers after he was traded for outfielder Ron Woods.
"This hurts," said Joe Pepitone, a teammate from 1962 through 1969. "He was my roommate for six years of my life, my hitting instructor and my best friend. He let me be me, but he was also the guy who kept me in at night. Tommy was a constant in my life and a calming influence.
"He was always there for me and stuck up for me. He was like my brother. When I had personal issues, he was always the person on the team I would turn to. During some rain delays, he would take out his guitar and we'd sing and dance."
Tresh appeared in three World Series with the Yankees, including the 1962 title over the Giants, and compiled a lifetime .245 average and 153 home runs in 1,192 Major League games. A two-time All-Star and the son of former White Sox catcher Mike Tresh, Tresh also won a Gold Glove Award in 1965 for his outfield play.
In 1966, Tresh hit a career-high 27 homers and led the American League in sacrifice flies. On June 6, 1965, Tresh hit four homers in a doubleheader against the White Sox.
"He was a heck of a person and a tough ballplayer," Moose Skowron said. "He loved people. He'd always ask me why I was riding him so hard, and I told him I made a promise to his father that I'd always keep him in line. And I did."
After retirement, Tresh made appearances at the Yankees' Old-Timers' Days at Yankee Stadium and kept in contact with his former teammates.
"Tom was a good friend of mine when we played, but also long after we hung up our spikes," said former Yankees pitcher Bob Turley. "He was a wonderful, happy-go-lucky guy. I don't think I can ever remember him being mad. When my family held my retirement party in Atlanta back in 2000, he was the only former teammate who came to celebrate with us."
The family will hold a memorial service on Sunday, Oct. 19, at 1:30 p.m. at the Unity Church of Venice, located at 125 North Jackson Rd., Venice, Fla., 34292.
Central Michigan University, where Tresh played college baseball and returned in the offseasons to earn his college degree, will hold a memorial open to the public at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 24, at Theunissen Stadium on campus.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that a donation be made in Tom's name to the Unity Church of Venice.
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Post by Jason Giambi on Nov 11, 2008 13:11:25 GMT -5
RIP Herb Score, Indians pitcher and broadcaster.
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Post by $heriff Tom on Nov 11, 2008 13:13:24 GMT -5
Couple of deaths to report. JW just filled me in on the passing of Indians great Herb Score. And I just read this afternoon of the passing of Dodger Preacher Roe. Having read up a lot on baseball history, and of course the Brooklyn Bums, Roe's is a name I stumbled upon many times. Ex-Dodgers star Roe passes away 'Preacher' named Pitcher of the Year by Sporting News in 1951Left-hander Preacher Roe, a five-time All-Star who pitched for the Dodgers in three World Series, died Sunday night from colon cancer. He was 92.
Roe played for the Cardinals and Pirates before being acquired by Brooklyn's Branch Rickey in 1948. He went 22-3 in 1951, when The Sporting News named him Pitcher of the Year. He went 93-37 as a Dodger, threw a 1-0 shutout over the Yankees in the 1949 World Series, a complete-game victory in the 1952 World Series and had a 2.54 ERA in five World Series appearances.
He retired to run a supermarket in Missouri after the 1954 season with a career mark of 127-84, 3.34 ERA and 101 complete games.
Roe transitioned from a hard thrower in his early years to a crafty finesse pitcher during his most successful seasons, although in a 1955 Sports Illustrated interview he admitted to throwing a spitball.
In an interview in the West Plains Gazette, Elwin Charles "Preacher" Roe explained how he got his nickname.
"I had an uncle that came back from the first World War who hadn't ever seen me," Roe was quoted as saying. "He said, 'What's your name, young man?' And for some reason I said, 'Preacher.' ... My mother said maybe it was because I liked the preacher we had at our church so well."
While pitching at Harding College in his native Arkansas, Roe achieved national attention when he struck out 26 in a 13-inning game. A year later, Roe signed with the Cardinals, spent most of five years in the Minor Leagues and was picked up off waivers by the Pirates.
He spent four years with Pittsburgh and was the Pirates' Opening Day starter in 1944. He suffered a fractured skull in a brawl while coaching a high school basketball game during the offseason of 1945 and struggled the next two seasons before being traded to the Dodgers.
"Preacher Roe left an indelible mark in Dodger history," said Dodgers chairman Frank McCourt. "He was one of the original 'Boys of Summer' and his success in the World Series against the Yankees in 1949, 1952, and 1953 helped pave the way for the 1955 World Champions. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to his family and loved ones."
Roe's official Web site has a quote from Jackie Robinson about his former teammate.
"It's kind of remarkable that a guy with this cunning and all was able to do the kinds of things that Preacher was, he was a great pitcher and a great competitor," Robinson said.
Funeral services will be held Thursday at Carter Funeral Home in West Plains, Mo. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting contributions to The MSU Foundation Golf Program at Missouri State University.
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Post by $heriff Tom on Dec 17, 2008 23:32:39 GMT -5
Former Astro Smith dies of heart attackTwo-time All-Star reliever was on three Houston playoff teamsHOUSTON -- Dave Smith, an Astros reliever from 1980-90 and a member of all three Houston playoff teams in the 1980s, died Wednesday of a heart attack. He was 53.
A two-time All-Star reliever with the Astros in 1986 and 1990, Smith finished his Astros career with 199 saves, second on the club's all-time career list behind Billy Wagner. Over a 13-year career that included two seasons with the Cubs, Smith compiled a 53-53 record over 603 appearances, recording a 2.67 ERA and 216 saves.
Smith's death came as a shock to the Astros community, which consists of many former players who either work for the organization or are in baseball in some capacity, many of whom keep in touch with each other even decades after their playing careers ended.
Tal Smith, currently the Astros' president of baseball operations, served as the club's general manager the first time the franchise reached the postseason in 1980. He spent the majority of the evening Wednesday calling Dave Smith's former teammates, and noted with sadness that three pitchers from that 1980 team have passed away in the past two years. Joe Niekro died from a brain aneurysm in October 2006, and Vern Ruhle died of cancer in January 2007.
"That was a very close-knit team in 1980," Tal Smith said. "They played together for quite some time, and for the most part, that's been a trademark of Astro clubs -- a lot of continuity, a lot of stability."
Tal Smith referred to Dave Smith as "a real stalwart" who was somewhat of a pleasant surprise when he made the team out of Spring Training in '80. The pitcher made his big league debut on April 11, 1980, when he allowed one hit and walked two in a one-inning relief appearance against the Dodgers.
Smith compiled 10 saves in his rookie season as one of three closing options. He was a right-handed complement to lefty Joe Sambito, who saved 17 games that year, along with righty Frank LaCorte, who saved 11.
Alan Ashby, the Astros' catcher for all three playoff teams in the '80s during his 11 seasons with Houston, said he was "shocked and saddened" to hear the news. Ashby also recalled 1980 as the year "we had just begun to hit our stride as a team," and he credited Smith with being a big part of the effort.
"He had one of the great changeups in the game -- such an effective pitch," said Ashby, now a part of the Blue Jays' broadcast team. "He could almost tell hitters it was coming, and they still couldn't hit it."
Smith gave up only one home run in 1980, and that homer didn't arrive until August, when Steve Henderson took him deep at Shea Stadium.
Tal Smith recalled being cornered by an angry club owner John McMullen after the game.
"He said, 'What are we bringing that guy in for?'" Smith said with a chuckle. "He gave up one home run all year, to a good Major League hitter, and McMullen was mad."
Jim Deshaies, who was a rookie in 1986 when the Astros won their second National League West Division title, recalled "Smitty" as a "good competitor, a good teammate and just a good guy."
Deshaies also remembered that Smith never wore a hat during batting practice, preferring instead to show off his thick mane of blond hair.
"He had that surfer thing going," Deshaies said. "He's a surfer guy from Southern California. He was just real likeable. I didn't know anyone that didn't like Smitty."
Smith's death came as a shock to the Padres, as well. He was a Minor League pitching coach in San Diego's organization from 1994-98, and spent 2 1/2 seasons as their Major League pitching coach from 1999 until the middle of 2001.
"It is with great sadness that the San Diego community learned that it has not only lost a great baseball man, but a great friend to so many of us here," said executive vice president/general manager Kevin Towers in a statement released by the team. "He was an integral part of the Padres for many years, as a Minor League instructor and coach and later as our Major League pitching coach. The entire San Diego Padres organization expresses its sincere condolences to Dave Smith's family."
Smith was born on Jan. 21, 1955, in Richmond, Calif. He attended San Diego State University and was selected by the Astros in the eighth round of the 1976 Draft.
He recorded double-digits in saves every year from 1985-91, reaching his career high in 1986, when he logged 33.
In 1999, Smith was named to the All-Astrodome team as Houston celebrated the closing of its home after the final game of the regular season. Smith was one of two closers honored, along with Wagner.
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Post by $heriff Tom on Dec 20, 2008 10:24:56 GMT -5
Eccentric pitcher Ellis dies at 63 Best known for no-hitter, free spirit succumbs to liver ailment
Dock Philip Ellis, whose rich pitching talents were obscured by his role as a controversial and colorful leader of the eccentric fringe of '70s baseball, is dead at 63.
ESPN.com reported the former right-hander's death in California on Friday from a liver ailment, confirming the news with Ellis' former agent, Tom Reich.
Ellis, who broke in with the 1968 Pirates and pitched for four other teams, retired in 1979 with a record of 138-119 -- including a 1970 no-hitter in San Diego that he later claimed to have pitched while on the hallucinogen LSD.
Diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver, Ellis went on a waiting list for a liver transplant seven months ago.
Despite frequent outrageous behavior and incendiary statements, Ellis, a lean 6-foot-3 power pitcher, had a winning run with the Pirates (96-80) before spending the second half of his career journeying from the Yankees (18-9) to the A's (1-5) to the Rangers (20-21) and the Mets (3-7).
He ended his career where it began, returning to the Bucs to make his final start in the night cap of a doubleheader on Sept. 24, 1979.
With typical flair, Ellis titled his subsequent autobiography "Dock Ellis in the Country of Baseball."
According to his post-career agent, Ellis spent his last years working for the California Department of Corrections to aid released inmates' switch back into community life, along with helping administer a Los Angeles drug counseling center.
"Dock Ellis was my first client in baseball, and he gave me as much joy as anybody outside of my family," Reich, who was based in Pittsburgh when Ellis came to prominence with the Pirates, told ESPN.com. "He was so unique. He was viewed by some people as an outlaw, but he was far from that. He was so ahead of his time. He was so intuitive and smart and talented and independent. And he wasn't about to roll over for the incredible prejudices that existed at the time.
"He was a very special person and he had an absolute army of fans and friends. He was at the cutting edge of so many issues, and he never backed down. I was proud to be his friend and stand with him."
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