RIP - Dennis Higgins

 

Dennis Higgins, a pitcher for 4 teams from 1966-72, passed away on November 3, 2023 at age 84.

Higgins pitched 2 seasons each for the White Sox, Senators, and Cardinals. He also pitched 1 season for the Indians. Over his career, he appeared in 241 games, all but 2 in relief. 

 

Some fans may remember that between February and August 1968, the White Sox and Senators traded Ron Hansen for Tim Cullen twice. Higgins was included in that first trade. 

 

He was a cousin of the White Sox' 2002-2008 third baseman Joe Crede. 

 

Jefferson City (MO) News Tribune obituary 

 

RIP - Dick Drago

 

Dick Drago, one of the original starting pitchers for the Kansas City Royals beginning in 1969, passed away on November 2, 2023 at age 78.

Drago made his major-league debut with the Royals at the start of the 1969 season, and pitched 5 years for them. By 1971, he was the team's ace. 

 

He also pitched for the Red Sox in 2 stints totaling 5 seasons, 1 1/2 years with the Angels and a half-season with the Orioles, and then finished his career in 1981 with the Mariners. 

 

At first a starter, he converted to relieving in his 2nd year with the Red Sox. In 1976, Drago surrendered Hank Aaron's 755th and final home run.  

 

Boston.com obituary 

 

Kansas City Royals twitter 

 

RIP - Frank Howard

 

Frank Howard, a/k/a The Capital Punisher, passed away on October 30, 2023 at age 87.

Howard was one on the top sluggers of the 1960s. The 1960 Rookie of the Year with the Dodgers, he was traded to the Senators before the 1965 season. 

 

He led the AL with 44 homers in both 1968 and 1970. He also hit 48 homers in 1969, second behind Harmon Killebrew's 49. Howard also led the AL with 126 RBI in 1970. 

 

He made the AL All-star team every year from 1968 to 1971. 

 

Howard retired after playing for the Tigers in 1973 and in Japan in 1974. 

 

After his playing career, he coached for the Brewers from 1977-80 and 1984–86, Mets (1982-84 and 1994–96), Mariners (1987–88), Yankees (1989, 1991–93), and Devil Rays (1998–99).  He also managed the Padres in 1981 and the Mets in 1983. Since 2000 he worked for the Yankees. 

 

MLB.com obituary  

 

Washington Post obituary