Posts tagged baseball fiction

Gazette Newspaper – Good Ol’ Print Media

Continuing the theme of how wonderful it is to be able to hold in your hands a paper copy of what you read, the Gazette Newspaper was kind enough to feature my book in today’s print edition (May 16, 2012).  Many thanks to Cody Calamaio for her complimentary article about Deadball, entitled Ghosts of the Pastime.  Here is an excerpt:

“The book tells the story of former minor league baseball player Byron Bennett who sees things he can’t explain when visiting historical locations connected with baseball. He sees images of forgotten old ballparks where modern buildings now stand and interacts with people who seem to be from another era.  After his minor league career ends without ever making it to the big leagues, Bennett goes on a journey to discover baseball’s hidden past. His wife and teammates don’t believe in his visions and urge him to leave the past in the past, but something drives Bennett to continue to sort out the mystery.”

Of course the irony of this post is that I am now about to provide a link to the on-line version of the Gazette article.  After that I’m heading over to CVS to buy some hard copies for posterity, and a copy for my folks as well.  Those of you in the D.C. area, be sure to keep an eye out for your copy of the Gazette sitting in your driveway when you get home.

Here is the link:  http://www.gazette.net/article/20120516/ENTERTAINMENT/705169760/1152/1152/ghosts-of-the-pastime&template=gazette

 

New Cathedral Cemetery and the Four Hall of Fame Baltimore Orioles

Less than five miles west of Orioles Park at Camden Yards on Route 40 is New Cathedral Cemetery.  The cemetery holds the distinction of being the final resting place of four Baseball Hall of Famers.   In Chapter 20 of  Deadball, Byron Bennett visits New Cathedral in search of the ghosts of the former players, all of which were once members of the 1890’s world champion National League Baltimore Orioles.

Entrance to New Cathedral Cemetery, Baltimore

As you enter the cemetery, there is to the left a white, clapboard building that houses the cemetery’s office.  Available inside is a 8″ by 14″ handout entitled “Baseball Hall of Famers” which includes a map of the cemetery. The map’s legend includes symbols identifying the final resting place of each Hall of Famer.

McGraw - Van Lill Mausoleum

McGraw – Van Lill Mausoleum

The final resting place of former Orioles’ third-baseman John McGraw “ is located in Lot 197, Section L.”

Entrance to McGraw - Lill Mausoleum

Entrance to McGraw – Lill Mausoleum

McGraw is entombed in a stately granite mausoleum with an oxidized, green copper roof.  “J.J. McGraw” is carved into the granite above the front door along with “S. J. Van Lill, Jr.,” whose family shares the space with McGraw and his wife, Blanche. Mrs. S. J. Lill and Mrs. McGraw were sisters.

John McGraw Inscription Above Mausoleum Door, New Cathedral Cemetery

Just over the hill behind McGraw’s mausoleum is the grave site of Joe Kelley, former right fielder for the Orioles.  A set of marble stairs at the base of a small hill leads to Kelly’s grave.

Stairway Leading To Internment Site of Joe Kelly, New Cathedral Cemetery

Kelley is  buried alongside his wife and son.

Joseph J. Kelly, Hall of Fame Baltimore Oriole, New Cathedral Cemetery

Ned Hanlon, the Orioles’ former manager, is interred just a short walking distance from Kelly’s grave.

Ned Hanlon Family Plot, New Cathedral Cemetery

Hanlon’s wife is buried alongside Foxy Ned.

Edward Hanlon, Hall of Fame Baltimore Oriole, New Cathedral Cemetery

A matching block of granite honors the memory of Hanlon’s son: “Joseph Thomas Hanlon, Born March 3, 1893, Died July 31, 1918, Killed In Action, Buried At Thiaucourt, France.”

Joseph Hanlon, son of Ned Hanlon, New Cathedral Cemetery

The grave site of Wilbert Robinson, former Orioles catcher, and his wife, is situated in the northeast section on the opposite side of the cemetery.

Wilbert Robinson Family Plot, New Cathedral Cemetery

A large chunk of black granite is missing from the corner of Robinson’s headstone.

Wilbert Robinson, Hall of Fame Baltimore Oriole, New Cathedral Cemetery

New Cathedral Cemetery is just one of the many examples of Baltimore’s rich baseball history.  Given its close proximity to Camden Yards, the cemetery certainly is worth a stop for any true Orioles fan.

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