Gone But Not Forgotten in 2025
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Famed Pitcher Brian Matusz dies at 37
An eight-year MLB veteran who adopted David “Big Papi” Ortiz’s iconic number has died at 37, the MLB reported on Tuesday. A cause of death has not been announced.
Brian Matusz joined the Baltimore Orioles in 2008, the No. 4 overall pick in that year’s draft, and spent his entire eight-year MLB career playing with the team. He pitched in 279 games with 68 starts from 2009 until 2016. Matusz made just one major appearance playing for another team during his tenure—a three-inning start during the Chicago Cubs’ championship season in July of 2016.
An eight-year MLB veteran who adopted David “Big Papi” Ortiz’s iconic number has died at 37, the MLB reported on Tuesday. A cause of death has not been announced.
Brian Matusz joined the Baltimore Orioles in 2008, the No. 4 overall pick in that year’s draft, and spent his entire eight-year MLB career playing with the team. He pitched in 279 games with 68 starts from 2009 until 2016. Matusz made just one major appearance playing for another team during his tenure—a three-inning start during the Chicago Cubs’ championship season in July of 2016.
Felix Mantilla, who played 11 years in the big leagues and was a member of the original 1962 Mets, died this week.
He was 90.
Mantilla spent six seasons with the Milwaukee Braves, but his impact in the Wisconsin city went beyond his playing days, a sentiment that was shared by the Brewers — a team Mantilla never played for — on Saturday.
In 1956, he was called up by the Braves for the first time and spent six years with the big league club, winning a memorable seven-game World Series over the Yankees in 1957.
After the 1961 season, he was selected by the Mets as the 12th pick in the expansion draft, joining the team’s inaugural squad.
While the team is most-often remembered for its then-modern record of 120 losses, Mantilla had his best full season to date, hitting 11 home runs with a .275 average.
“We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Felix Mantilla, an iconic figure in Milwaukee who was an inspiration to all of us in the Milwaukee baseball community,” the team said in a statement shared on X. “We will forever remember Felix for his time with the Milwaukee Braves, but even more for the impact he had on thousands of children through the Felix Mantilla Little League. Our love and thoughts are with Felix’s dear wife, Kay, and the many friends and family who join us in mourning his passing.”
He was 90.
Mantilla spent six seasons with the Milwaukee Braves, but his impact in the Wisconsin city went beyond his playing days, a sentiment that was shared by the Brewers — a team Mantilla never played for — on Saturday.
In 1956, he was called up by the Braves for the first time and spent six years with the big league club, winning a memorable seven-game World Series over the Yankees in 1957.
After the 1961 season, he was selected by the Mets as the 12th pick in the expansion draft, joining the team’s inaugural squad.
While the team is most-often remembered for its then-modern record of 120 losses, Mantilla had his best full season to date, hitting 11 home runs with a .275 average.
“We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Felix Mantilla, an iconic figure in Milwaukee who was an inspiration to all of us in the Milwaukee baseball community,” the team said in a statement shared on X. “We will forever remember Felix for his time with the Milwaukee Braves, but even more for the impact he had on thousands of children through the Felix Mantilla Little League. Our love and thoughts are with Felix’s dear wife, Kay, and the many friends and family who join us in mourning his passing.”
A sad day for baseball, especially for Milwaukee Brewers fans. Bob Ueker "Mr. Baseball" passed away today at age 90. He was a beloved player and broadcaster for many decades, and was the voice of Cleveland in "Major League"!!
He'll still be in his seat at Brewers home games!
Joan Plowright passed away at age 95, the widow of Sir Laurence Olivier. Pictured here with her husband, she was long considered one of Britain's finest actresses, she was married to a man considered to be the best actor in British history!
Jeff Torborg, who caught three no-hitters as a player and was the 1990 American League Manager of the Year with the White Sox, passed away Sunday. He was 83.
Torborg spent 10 seasons as a Major League catcher, the first seven of which came with the Dodgers from 1964-70. He is one of only 18 players to have been the starting catcher for at least three no-hitters. His first was one of the best pitching performances in MLB history -- Sandy Koufax’s perfect game against the Cubs on Sept. 9, 1965.
Torborg guided Dodgers right-hander Bill Singer to a no-hitter against the Phillies in 1970, which was Torborg’s final season with Los Angeles. He spent his final three MLB seasons with the Angels, and in 1973, he caught the first of Nolan Ryan’s record seven no-hitters.
Torborg went 250-235 during his three seasons as the Sox skipper, leading the team to second place in AL West in 1990 and 1991.
After finishing 69-92 in 1989, the Sox made a 25-game improvement by going 94-68 the following season, and Torborg was recognized with the manager of the year honors.
“It is rewarding personally, and I’m very pleased, without a doubt,” Torborg said in an Oct. 31, 1990, Tribune article. “Anybody wants to be recognized for personal achievement, but I like to look at it as an organizational victory.”
Torborg spent 10 seasons as a Major League catcher, the first seven of which came with the Dodgers from 1964-70. He is one of only 18 players to have been the starting catcher for at least three no-hitters. His first was one of the best pitching performances in MLB history -- Sandy Koufax’s perfect game against the Cubs on Sept. 9, 1965.
Torborg guided Dodgers right-hander Bill Singer to a no-hitter against the Phillies in 1970, which was Torborg’s final season with Los Angeles. He spent his final three MLB seasons with the Angels, and in 1973, he caught the first of Nolan Ryan’s record seven no-hitters.
Torborg went 250-235 during his three seasons as the Sox skipper, leading the team to second place in AL West in 1990 and 1991.
After finishing 69-92 in 1989, the Sox made a 25-game improvement by going 94-68 the following season, and Torborg was recognized with the manager of the year honors.
“It is rewarding personally, and I’m very pleased, without a doubt,” Torborg said in an Oct. 31, 1990, Tribune article. “Anybody wants to be recognized for personal achievement, but I like to look at it as an organizational victory.”
Singer and actress Marianne Faithfull has died at the age of 78, her spokesperson has said.
Born in Hampstead in December 1946, she was known for hits like As Tears Go By, which reached the UK top 10 in 1964, and for starring roles in films including 1968's The Girl On A Motorcycle.
She was also famously the girlfriend of Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger in the 1960s, inspiring songs such as Wild Horses and You Can't Always Get What You Want. After a period of heroin addiction in the 70s, she resurrected her career with the classic album Broken English.
Paying tribute, Jagger described Faithfull as "a wonderful friend, a beautiful singer and a great actress," saying he was "so saddened".
Born in Hampstead in December 1946, she was known for hits like As Tears Go By, which reached the UK top 10 in 1964, and for starring roles in films including 1968's The Girl On A Motorcycle.
She was also famously the girlfriend of Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger in the 1960s, inspiring songs such as Wild Horses and You Can't Always Get What You Want. After a period of heroin addiction in the 70s, she resurrected her career with the classic album Broken English.
Paying tribute, Jagger described Faithfull as "a wonderful friend, a beautiful singer and a great actress," saying he was "so saddened".
Gene played for the Bears in their heyday with Halas as coach, 1951-1957. What he must have experienced back in the day, probably not having any idea what he was a part of in the classic era of football!
Former Major League Baseball Commissioner Fay Vincent died Saturday, Feb. 1, at the age of 86, current commissioner Rob Manfred announced in a statement Sunday afternoon.
Vincent presided over the game following the death of his predecessor, Bart Giamatti, in September of 1989. Vincent held the position for nearly three years before resigning in 1992.
"Fay Vincent played a vital role in ensuring that the 1989 Bay Area World Series resumed responsibly following the earthquake prior to Game Three, and he oversaw the process that resulted in the 1993 National League expansion to Denver and Miami," Manfred said.
"Mr. Vincent served the game during a time of many challenges, and he remained proud of his association with our National Pastime throughout his life. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest condolences to Fay’s family and friends."
Vincent presided over the game following the death of his predecessor, Bart Giamatti, in September of 1989. Vincent held the position for nearly three years before resigning in 1992.
"Fay Vincent played a vital role in ensuring that the 1989 Bay Area World Series resumed responsibly following the earthquake prior to Game Three, and he oversaw the process that resulted in the 1993 National League expansion to Denver and Miami," Manfred said.
"Mr. Vincent served the game during a time of many challenges, and he remained proud of his association with our National Pastime throughout his life. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest condolences to Fay’s family and friends."
Rich Dauer, an Orioles Hall of Famer who spent his entire 10-year MLB career in Baltimore and was the starting second baseman on the 1983 World Series championship team, has died, the team announced Monday. He was 72.
Dauer was a career .257 hitter who played 1,140 games -- 948 of which came from 1978-84, as the Orioles were consistently among the top teams in the American League. He joined the O’s Hall of Fame in 2012, becoming the 12th member of the ‘83 championship team to be inducted.
Dauer also had an 18-year career as an MLB coach. He retired following the 2017 season, when he won a second World Series title as the Astros’ first-base coach.
Dauer was a career .257 hitter who played 1,140 games -- 948 of which came from 1978-84, as the Orioles were consistently among the top teams in the American League. He joined the O’s Hall of Fame in 2012, becoming the 12th member of the ‘83 championship team to be inducted.
Dauer also had an 18-year career as an MLB coach. He retired following the 2017 season, when he won a second World Series title as the Astros’ first-base coach.
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