MLB Hall of Famers: An Aging Legacy and Mortality

Baseball, a sport with a rich history of legendary players, has witnessed the passing of several inductees from the Hall of Fame in 2020. This year, we say goodbye to six esteemed players, but is it merely a statistical anomaly, or does it reveal a broader pattern of aging in the sport? Let's delve into the details and context of these passing, and ponder the implications for the future of baseball.

Contextualizing Recent Losses

In 2020, despite the backdrop of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, an unusual number of Hall of Famers have passed away. The year saw the demise of:

Al Kaline Tom Seaver Lou Brock Bob Gibson Whitey Ford Joe Morgan

These losses evoke a sense of loss for many fans who grew up following these players. They remind us of our own mortality, and the fact that even those who achieved greatness in their sport eventually succumb to time. Notably, although several of these players faced prolonged health struggles, others like Kaline's death was sudden and unexpected.

The Unusual Mortality in Baseball

From 2015 to 2019, the number of deaths among MLB alumni hovered around 90 per year. However, 2020 saw a dramatic spike with 105 deaths, which has only increased. This unusual trend raises questions about the overall health and aging of former players. Particularly noteworthy is that 1972 also saw six Hall of Famers pass, including the legendary Roberto Clemente, who tragically died in a plane crash on New Year's Eve.

Comparative Mortality in NFL Hall of Famers

Baseball is far from the only sport experiencing the mortality of its Hall of Famers. In 2020, eight former NFL players joined the ranks of the deceased. These figures include:

Herb Adderley Willie Davis Fred Dean Gale Sayers Chris Doleman Bobby Mitchell Willie Wood Paul Hornung

While the media often focus on NFL stars, the passing of MLB Hall of Famers in 2020 highlights a broader trend affecting athletes across sports. These recent losses remind us that even in the world of professional sports, the cycle of life and death continues to play out.

Detailed Profiles of Deceased Hall of Famers

Each of the deceased players in 2020 faced unique challenges in their final years. Here are some details:

Al Kaline

Al Kaline, who died at the age of 85, passed away unexpectedly.

Tom Seaver

Tom Seaver, aged 75, was suffering from Lewy body dementia and COVID-19. His declining health had been a long-term issue.

Lou Brock

At 81, Lou Brock had faced health issues, including a left leg amputation due to diabetes and a history of cancer.

Bob Gibson

Born just 37 days shy of his 85th birthday, Bob Gibson was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2019. He passed while in hospice care.

Whitey Ford

Whitey Ford, who was 12 days shy of his 92nd birthday, battled dementia for several years.

Joe Morgan

Joe Morgan, at 77, was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic syndrome, which developed into leukemia. He also suffered from a polyneuropathy at the time of his death.

Additionally, in the same year, Phil Niekro, a pitcher, and Kevin Greene, a defensive lineman, also passed away.

Surviving Legends and Wishes for Longevity

While many legends have already passed, a few survivors continue to age gracefully. For instance, Eddie Robinson, who would turn 100 on December 15, is a fine player not in the Hall of Fame. Similarly, Bobby Shantz and Curt Simmons, who hail from his hometown of Philadelphia, continue their strong performance. Even at their ages, these players serve as testaments to long and fulfilling careers.

Reflections and Lasting Impact

The passing of these Hall of Famers is a somber reminder of life's impermanence and the vital legacy of their sports achievements. It prompts us to reflect on the broader question of aging in professional sports and the health challenges that come with it. Despite their advanced ages, these players remind us of the enduring spirit of dedication and love for the game that sustains them even in their twilight years.

Tom Seaver's Britannica Entry Lou Brock's MLB Player Page Joe Morgan's MLB Player Page