Thursday, October 28, 2021

RIP - Chuck Hartenstein

 
Chuck Hartenstein, a reliever for the Cubs, Pirates, and others passed away on October 2, 2021 at age 79.
Hartenstein broke in with the Cubs in 1967 and led the team in saves as a rookie. 
 
After the 1968 season he was traded to the Pirates, and played for Pittsburgh in 1969 and part of 1970. He also played for the Cardinals and Red Sox in 1970. 
 
After spending the next 6 years in the minors, he resurfaced with the expansion Blue Jays for 13 games in 1977.  
 
 

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

RIP - Bill Sudakis

 
Bill Sudakis, one of the many young Dodgers' players from the late-60s/early-70s, passed away on September 15, 2021 at age 75.
Sudakis debuted in September 1968, and was the Dodgers' starting 3rd baseman in 1969, his only season as a regular.
 
In 1970 he was replaced by Bill Grabarkiewitz, who in turn was replaced by Steve Garvey and others the following season. Primarily a third baseman, he also caught quite a few games in 1970 and 1971.
 
Sudakis played for the Dodgers through the 1971 season, then bounced around to the Mets, Rangers, Yankees, Angels, and Indians from 1972-75.  
 
  

Saturday, October 23, 2021

RIP - Bill Freehan

 
Bill Freehan, the Tigers' all-star catcher during the 1960s, passed away on August 19, 2021 at age 79.
Freehan played for Detroit from 1961-1976, and was their starting catcher from 1964-1973, and 1975.  In 1974 he split his time between catcher and 1st base. 
 
Freehan was an 11-time All-Star, and won 5 Gold Glove awards.
 
After his playing career, he was at various times a broadcaster, a catching coach for the Tigers, and head coach for the University of Michigan.