| Sources |
- [S1115] Ancestry.com, U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current, (Name: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc.; Location: Provo, UT, USA; Date: 2012;).
Record for Don Hoak (24) facts
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Donald Hoak with the Brooklyn Dodgers (1954).
Added by: John "J-Cat" Griffith on 16 Mar 2012
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Don Hoak
Photo added by John "J-Cat" Griffith
Picture of
Added by Ron Moody
Picture of
Added by Larry Johnson
Don Hoak Famous memorial
ORIGINAL NAME
Donald Albert Hoak
BIRTH 5 Feb 1928
Roulette, Potter County, Pennsylvania, USA
DEATH 9 Oct 1969 (aged 41)
Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, USA
BURIAL Fishing Creek Cemetery
Roulette, Potter County, Pennsylvania, USA
PLOT Section: CREMATED
Lot: 1969-10 Grave: 1
MEMORIAL ID 6641808 ·
PHOTOS 4
FLOWERS 89
Major League Baseball Player.
Born in Roulette, Pennsylvania, he was a third baseman making his debut for the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 18, 1954. For eleven seasons, he played with the Brooklyn Dodgers (1954-55), Chicago Cubs (1956), Cincinnati Reds (1957-58), Pittsburgh Pirates (1959-62) and Philadelphia Phillies (1963-64). He was an All-Star in 1957, plus a member of the World Series Champion Brooklyn Dodgers (1955) and Pittsburgh Pirates (1960).
He concluded his career with 1144 hits, 598 runs scored, 89 home runs, 498 runs batted in and a .265 batting average. After his playing career, he was a Pirates' radio broadcaster for two years, a coach for the Phillies in 1967 and a manager in the Pirates' minor leagues farm system (1968-69).
He died of a heart attack at age 41 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
Gravesite Details
From Allegheny Cemetery Records
Family Members
Parents Andrew George Hoak 1906-1946
Orissa Freda Leitch Hoak 1908-1966
Spouses Phyllis June Warner Hoak 1928-2008 (m. 1950)
Norma Jean Speranza 1935-2021 (m. 1961)
Siblings Betty Jean Hoak Dexter 1926-1987
Robert William Hoak 1938-1938
Children Donald Jeffrey Hoak 1958-2016
Flowers • 89
Left by Anonymous on 5 Feb 2023
Left by OkieBran on 4 Jan 2023
and many, many more
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Hoak, Don Pirates fag
20230324GHLn-
Donald Hoak with the Brooklyn Dodgers (1954).
Added by: John "J-Cat" Griffith on 16 Mar 2012
20230324GHLn-
Don Hoak
Photo added by John "J-Cat" Griffith
Picture of
Added by Ron Moody
Picture of
Added by Larry Johnson
Don Hoak Famous memorial
ORIGINAL NAME
Donald Albert Hoak
BIRTH 5 Feb 1928
Roulette, Potter County, Pennsylvania,… |
 |
Hoak, Don 1928-1969 Cem fag_LarryJohnson
20230324GHLn-
Picture of headstone
Added by Larry Johnson
Don Hoak Famous memorial
ORIGINAL NAME
Donald Albert Hoak
BIRTH 5 Feb 1928
Roulette, Potter County, Pennsylvania, USA
DEATH 9 Oct 1969 (aged 41)
Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, USA
BURIAL Fishing Creek Cemetery
Roulette, Potter County, Pennsylvania, USA
PLOT Section:… |
- [S2077] Public Member Trees 2019-, Lowery Family Tree - angelhoak77 / Record for Jill (Norma Jean Speranza) Corey (23) facts.
Record for Jill (Norma Jean Speranza) Corey (23) facts
Record for Bernard V Speranza (43) facts ................... (51)
Lowery Family Tree - angelhoak77
Jill (Norma Jean Speranza) Corey
http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=1030&h=38254583216&indiv=try
- [S460] FaceBook-, (Location: www.facebook.com;), Clare Hoak, April 9, 2021 · Norma Jean Speranza, aka Jill Corey 20230213GHLn-.
Clare Hoak re Norma Jean Speranza (1) fact
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Clare Hoak
April 9, 2021 · FB
My beautiful, talented, amazing Mother passed away. Right now, I have no words. I am so sorry for those who knew her. We lost a legend.
Norma Jean Speranza, aka Jill Corey
https://www.legacy.com/.../jill-corey-condolences/198271792?
151 Comments
Brendan Cannon
I am so sorry for your loss.
1y
Jim Nevius
My deepest sympathies.
1y
Judy Rosenfeld-Wisniewski
I'm so terribly sorry. She sounds like a great person. We love you. ??
1yEdited
Tracy Rushe Nock
I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs
1yEdited
Corrine Lima
Clare you and Greg are in my thoughts. I am so sorry for your loss - please let me know if either of you need anything
1y
Jonathan Rachman
·
??????
1y
Goldie Love Tonya Reed
GIF may contain condolences, my and greetings
1y
Mohammed Eid
I’m so sorry for your loss Clare. I will always remember Jill’s conversations and her smile. She will be missed. Hang in there.
1y
Nikolai Pankratz
Wow Clare Hoak! So sudden. She will be missed. ????
1y
Roland Lewis
So terribly sorry for your loss. I hope your mom knew great joy, and happiness.
No photo description available.
1y
Dascha Dagmar Friedlova
so sorry for your loss, your mom will live in your heart forever ?
1y
Eric Wisniewski
So sorry for you and your family’s loss ????
1y
Chaz Keracher
I am sorry for your loss.
1y
Garry Pastore
Very sad news your mother was a wonderful woman!
1y
Vivian Burckard
Clare, your mother was amazing! It was a pleasure knowing her.
R.I.P. ??????????????????
1y
Autumn Goodrich
So sorry????????????love you!!
1y
Cynthia Curnan
I’m sorry Clare????????????
1y
Peter Rossi
I'm so sorry and my sincerest condolences...
1y
Lynnie Martinique
My deepest condolences ????????
1y
Emily Ann
I am so sorry for your loss. Sending hugs and healing vibes
1y
Maria Speranza
Sending you and Aunt Norma all my love. ??????
1y
Thomas Farley
????????
1y
Pat Lockridge
Condolences ????
1y
Mike Simon
I’m very sorry for your loss Clare....
1y
Allie Dvorin
Oh Clare, so sorry, my dear friend. I loved the few conversations we had back in the "Brokers" days. She truly was a legend. Sending love!
1y
Paul Weiss
I’m so sorry.
1y
Jorge Petru
I am so sorry
1y
Daryoush Ghaffari
My deepest condolences!!!!
1y
Richard Dupont
My deepest condolences. X
1y
Michael Welden
Always loved coming to Jill’s cabaret performances. She was absolutely incandescent and the love between you both was so life affirming. So sorry for your loss. ??
1y
Tiziano Mazzilli
Clare I’m so sorry for the loss of your mum,sending a big love ?? stay strong??????
1y
Jeness Hunt-Annunziata
Love you ????
1y
Betsy Farley Khashoggi
My Condolences to you and I’m so very sorry
1y
Judith Seeherman
So sorry for your loss
1y
Christina Pochatko
I'm so sorry for your loss.
1y
Lara Fielding
I’m so sorry Clare ????
1y
Stuart Hirsch
Clare sorry for ur loss I remember ur mom from Westport. RIP.
1y
Angel J Meisenholder
I'm so so sorry for your loss Clare. Prayers for peace heading your way in waves!!!
1y
Ann Hill-Mason
Oh Clare. I'm so very sorry. So many years have passed but she made an imprint in my life! Jill Corey, so grateful to know you and to share your daughter with me! RIP and thankful ????
1yEdited
Elizabeth Marks
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1y
Sam McKnight
Love to you Clare ??
1y
Scott Rosenberg
I’m so sorry, Clare. ????
1y
Lisa Whiton Parker
My deepest condolences, Clare.
No photo description available.
1y
Debora Memento Framing
I'm so terribly sorry for your loss of your mom... ????
1y
Claudio Ezel Cenci
i’m so sorry for your loss Ezel
1y
Carl Kurlander
Oh Claire. I am so sorry to hear this. As you know my mother Jeanne Wechsler loved your mother Jill Corey. They both seem great adventurers. The world is less as they were each characters as large as life. I can only imagine the hole you’re fe… See more
1yEdited
Stacey Prussman
My deepest condolences ??????????
1y
Peter Martino
Truly sorry RJ hear this sad news. RIP
1y
Maria von Hartz
Sending love - so sorry
1y
David Rubin
So sorry for your loss
1y
Clare Hoak
Even I can’t donate! Ugh!
1y
Clare Hoak
Thank you everybody for kindness
1y
Sharon Middendorf
I’m so sorry for your loss. May your beautiful mother rest in blissful peace forever ??????
1y
Harry Goaz
·
Bless you Clare . . . *
1y
Cara Christofor
Oh Clare, I’m so sorry for your loss. Losing a parent is so heartbreaking. Sending you my love.
1y
Bruce Barone
I am so sorry for your loss.
1y
Rory Blair
My sincere condolences Clare....So so sorry to hear your news!
1y
Vanessa Pando
So sorry Clare! I love you and I am so happy to have had a couple conversations with your mama! I know how much you love her!
1y
Barry Guilfoile
My heart and prayers are with you Clare. You were with me when my Father died, Thank you and God bless you and your Mom.
1y
Mark Baker Asia
sorry to hear clare ..condolonces ...
1y
Greg Griner
So sorry Clare??????????
1y
Kimber Sissons
Sending you love and prayers ????????
1y
Kelly Padlo
So so sorry for your loss, I remember how highly you spoke of her ??
1y
Kathleen Brannigan Fazio
Wishing you peace and comfort Clare.
1y
Michelle Carmen Gomez
Condolences. So sorry to hear...??????
1y
Beth Boldt
Oh Claire ????????? I'm so very sorry ???? ???? ???? call me anytime. I love you Clare.,so hard?????????????????
No photo description available.
1y
Jacqui Black
Oh honey, I'm so very sorry for your loss of of your beautiful, talented mom. I'm thinking of you and sending love and light your way...
1y
Ken Evseroff
My sincerest condolences Clare-there are no words ????????
1y
Nadine Hennelly
So sorry for the loss of your extraordinary mother. Sending you my deepest sympathies ????????????????????????
1y
Thomas Smallwood
So very sorry Clare ??
1y
Linda Miller
Oh Claire I am so sorry I have such lovely memories of you and your mom in NYC back in the day
1y
Stef Duffy
Hugs, kisses all my love beautiful. I’m
so very sorry for your loss. Your mom looked like a fascinating woman, just like her daughter....??????
1y
Lori Westrope
I’m so sorry, Clare. And rest in paradise, Jill. ????
1y
Eric Rodger
Very sorry Clare. I loved the stories of her life that you and Greg told us. I wish I could have met her.
1y
Helen Lacey
She is so beautiful ?
1y
Lori Brouker O'Connor
So sorry for your loss Claire. Prayers to you and your family????????
1y
Dana B Ross
I’m so Sorry Clare ????Sending Love , Hugs & Strength..
1y
Faisal Latif
So sorry for your loss. My heart felt condolences.
1y
Paula Pimentel Torres Castro
Nice photo of your mother. My condolences.
1y
John Marino
I'm so sorry Clare
1y
Raphael Young
Be strong Clare. ????
1y
Aris Kakkis
I am devastated, Clare...Sending so much love to you...Back in 2013, your mom was a sign that all was right in the world...I remember how much I loved seeing her so many days, like an angel, surrounding me with love, with wisdom, with heart. Our time t… See more
1y
Michael Austin
I was a huge fan I am so sorry Clare.... Much love my friend...!!
1yEdited
Drew Greenwald
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1y
Insel Hasircioglu
condolences dear friend
1y
Glenna Franklin
I’m so sorry ,,Clare.
1y
Tom Kurlander
I’m so sorry for your loss, Clare. She was an amazing person and a great singer. ??
1y
Batz Skinner
I so sorry to hear this sweetheart, sending you love today ????????????????????
1y
Mary Spence
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1y
Nina Juricich
So many beautiful memories of Aunt Norma that I will hold dear in my heart. Sending you all my love Clare! Hope to see you soon! Xoxo ???? ?? ????????
1y
Alison McGrath
She is a bright star and continues to shine. She will be greatly missed. Love you both so much ??????
1y
Colleen Cohan
My Dearest Clare???? your Mom was an Angel on Earth now watching over you from the Heavens .I love you and send my prayers and love always
1y
Kim Hicks
I’m so sorry for your loss.
1y
Chris Cavanagh
Godspeed to your Lovely Mum...????????
No photo description available.
1y
Stephen Javorsky
So very sorry for your loss.
1y
Tracy Reiner
So intensely loved are the ballsy singing life’s theater dames and so deserved is their love but there’s none stronger than yours for your mama .I’m sorry for your heart at this time Clare . I love you and hope your finding enough hugs xo
1yEdited
Jordan Brenda
So sorry for your loss
1y
Valerie Weed-purcell
Oh Claire I’m so sorry for the loss of your mom I have the greatest memories of you and her from our teenage years Cherish all the wonderful times the two of you had ??
1y
Brandy Cole
Oh Clare...I am so sorry for your loss. I love your mother so much! We all had good times together ??????
1y
Denis Piel
In my thoughts and with lots love ?? XX
1y
Nina Ester Mikhailova
CLARE. I am so so sorry... I hoped to see you here in LA again.. She was a Legend.. My deepest condolences and love ????
1y
Paulo Cesar Barros Pimenta
My deepest condolences ???????? A new star is shining in the sky.
1y
Barbara Camp
i'm so sorry, clare--prayers for you and yours...
1y
Ed Steinberg
????????????
1y
Clare Hoak
Ed Steinberg ????????
1y
Ellen Speranza
So very sorry Clare. She was a beautiful lady.
1y
Vivian Turner
So sorry for your loss Clair ?????? prayers for your comfort ????
1y
Melissa Fasching Hillis
I’m so very sorry to hear this. Thinking of you and your family ??
1y
Angeline Straatman Cesar
So very sorry . She’s beautiful. Kisses kisses .
1y
Deutsch Tumale
My condolences to you and your family ????
1y
Aly Dunne
So saddened to hear your news Clare. I will say prayers for you and your family.
1y
Rebecca Burgoon
Oh Clare, I’m so very sorry to hear this sad news. Sending you lots of love and hugs. I have great memory of seeing your mom perform. She had such wonderful energy. ????????
1y
Malek Hanna
I’m sooo sorry for your loss ClareBear! ...your mom was something else, a true icon...I am blessed to have known her. She will be missed but never forgotten ? -sending you and your loved ones my deepest condolences. May she rest in peace
1y
Stephanie Grill
So sorry Clare about the loss of your beautiful, amazing mom. Sending love to you and you family??????.
1y
Richie Herschenfeld
I am so sad to see this post. I have very fond memories of your mom. I’m so sorry, Clare
1y
Cathy Wilke-Altman
So sorry for your loss.
1y
Harold Mindel
So sorry for your loss ??
1y
Debbie Gardner
Clare I am deeply saddened by your loss as I know what it’s like to lose one’s parent. Your mom was truly a beautiful woman. I read the story about her and her remarkable life and career. You were a devoted daughter and best friend to her. Cherish your memories of those times. From my heart...
1y
Sean Murphy
I am so sorry Claire.
..my deepest condolences...
1y
Sarah Stavrou
So sorry for your loss. May her memories be eternal!
1y
Guffey Tvg
My deepest condolences. May God bless you and give you peace.????????????????????????
1y
Hilary Shor
Clare so sorry your mom was so lovely
1y
Maria Partain
We will all miss your mom very much. A donation was made to the Humane Society from Angie, Lisa, Maria, Michael and Laura. ?
1y
Clare Hoak
Maria Partain Thank you all so much! I love you guys.??
1y
Drew Greenwald
????
1y
Dawn Jacobson
So sorry
1y
Therese Ryan Mahar
My deepest condolences hon. Truly a life well lived. RIP Jill.
1y
Pamela Gilg
So sorry, Clare. I remember what a wonderful lady she was!?
1y
Mary Holmes Bolger
I am so sorry to hear this . Thinking of you and your beloved mother .
1y
Frank Cissne
We are here ... Sorry ??
1y
Regina Monte
Many Blessings to You!!!
1y
Elayne Lieberman
I am so sorry to hear this Clare...My Mom passed away on March 9, three years ago and I know how devastating this can be. Your Mother was a GORGEOUS talented woman and so much fun to be around. She loved to laugh and she loved you so much. You made her so proud. Sending you love at this very difficult time. I am so sorry for your loss.????
1y
Clare Hoak
Elayne Lieberman thank you so much! Miss you! I so appreciate your kindness and beautiful memories! Love you always mamma! Never forget your generosity !??
1y
Elayne Lieberman
Love you Clare...forever and a day! xoxo
1y
Ted Ingram III
????????
1y
Al Lambert
Didn't know your amazing mom passed away. I was blessed to know her , perform with her and learn first hand what a classy lady she was. God be with her and God got a good one that day. My condolences . And congradulations on your wedding .
50w
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Speranza, NormaJean Jill Corey Legacy_obitpic_210407
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Clare Hoak
April 9, 2021 · FB
My beautiful, talented, amazing Mother passed away. Right now, I have no words. I am so sorry for those who knew her. We lost a legend.
Norma Jean Speranza, aka Jill Corey
https://www.legacy.com/.../jill-corey-condolences/198271792?
151 Comments
Brendan Cannon
I am so sorry for your loss.
1y
Jim… |
- [S1878] website: Don Hoak Page, Jill Corey & Don Hoak.
Jill & Don (3) facts
20180422 HAv-
http://jillcorey.net/DonHoakPage.html
entire page, as of this date-
Don Hoak .. Number 12
.
I grew up when Don Hoak was a major league baseball player. When he got traded to
the Phillies, I would go to Connie Mack Stadium and just watch him at third base. He
was such a major influence on my ball playing and personnel life. Although I'm now
70, when I get a shirt with a number or do my fabric art work, all my jerseys have
Number 12. I'll always be Number 12. My competitive life also was governed by Don's
example. So many people ask me who my favorite player is or was. Without
hesitation it's Don Hoak. Many never heard of him, but he'll always be the one I
admire most. I got to this site going to Jill Corey's. I wanted to hear "Love me to
Pieces." I'll remember that song forever, too.
.
Tom
.
Tom Picucci
Hammonton, New Jersey
February 15, 2015
Editor's Note: Tom followed up with the news that a visit to a friend in Florida shortly after his e-mail to us resulted in his receiving these classic baseball cards featuring his favorite player:
..
To Miss Jill and Don Hoak Fans:
I really did grow up in Roulette [Pennsylvania]. I had to do some searching, but I found that my foster mother and I watched over Autumn and Brooke, Don Hoak's granddaughters, daughters of Kim [Hoak] Goodrich, when she [Kim] got in a little late on the bus.
.
To all baseball fans, young and old, baseball is a way of life for some and just a way to pass time for others. I am too young to have known Don, but to know [members of] Don's family is an honor in itself. To walk past his resting place is an even bigger honor when I go to Roulette. I will go up Fishing Creek and pay my respects - that you can bank on.
.
Thank you.
.
William Dolan
Erie, Pennsylvania
October 5, 2011
.
Dear Ms. Corey:
..
I took my 13-year-old son Eddie to his first game of the season at Amity Little League in Brooklyn this morning. Because he plays, I coach, and as a coach, I need to bring a baseball glove to the games to warm up pitchers, play long toss with the outfielders, etc. So I brought my favorite glove, which I bought a long time ago at Friedman's Sporting Goods on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn. It is a Wilson Major League Model A2905, Nylon Stitched, Made in USA, with a Grip-Tite Pocket, Snap-Action hinge, Pat. No 2231204, licensed under U.S. Pat No. 2722007. You might have guessed already that it is a Don Hoak Autograph Model. I cannot remember exactly when I bought it, but it was sometime between 1957 and 1960 (so I was somewhere between 10 and 13). I was a huge Brooklyn Dodger fan, and I remember just how crazy everyone in Brooklyn went in October of 1955; it was unlike any other time I can ever remember. I was also definitely rooting for the Pirates in the 1960 series. I've never acquired any single item in my life that gave me as much pleasure as this glove. I used to play ball with it for hours and hours a day back when I simulated baseball games by throwing a ball against the side of my house and later, when I played stickball in the P.S. 134 playground or softball in various summer camps. The only mistake I ever made involving the glove was lending it to my friend Louis, when he was a Little League coach in the early 1990's. The acids produced by his hands ate somewhat into the soft leather inside the glove.
..
Having just used the glove again this morning, it occurred to me to look up the statistics of your late husband's baseball career on one of the baseball statistics internet sites, and then on Wikipedia, which is where I found a link to your website. Having read your online biographical information, I was also surprised at the following coincidence: I am in the middle of reading "Frank: The Voice," a biography of Sinatra by James Kaplan. I am
currently reading about the early '50's, a time when Mitch Miller figured greatly in Sinatra's life. So the links mentioned on the websites between you and Miller and you and Sinatra are interesting.
..
At any rate, I thought you might find it interesting that something associated with Don Hoak was still giving pleasure to someone in Brooklyn 56 years after the Dodgers were our Woild Champs. And I hope you and Don got some decent royalties from Wilson. Thankl you for taking the time to read my reminiscences.
..
Jon Silverberg
Brooklyn, New York
April 9, 2011
..
I was looking around the web, and I found this page. I live in Erie now, but I graduated in Port Allegany. I was a foster child who resided with Andy and Betty Jean Kulp. I am a Bucco fan, and I wanted to share with you a picture autographed by Maz [Bill Mazeroski] and Don that was given to me when I was 10.
..
God bless,
..
Bill Dolan
Erie, Pennsylvania
September 24, 2010
..
Editor's Note: Port Allegany is just a very few miles west of Roulette, Pennsylvania, Don Hoak's birthplace. Bill has promised to lend us this treasured picture to scan and reproduce here in the future.
..
Dear Jill,
..
All men wish we could be like Don was, fit and fiery and determined, yet kind and
compassionate. I stumbled on this little gem of a website to re-acquaint myself with
Don. I was born and raised in Philadelphia and was fortunate enough to have a dad who
could afford first-row seats (visiting side) at Connie Mack Stadium in the 'fifties
and early 'sixties. I met many Pirates while they were playing, warming up and
playing pepper before games. The Phils and Pirates really went at it on the field,
but before the games, the Pirate players made me feel very special. Don was very
nice to me. So was Nellie King, and time stood still when Roberto motioned to me to,
"wait a minute," before walking up to me, and spoke to me while putting his large
signature with all of it's flourishes right in the middle of my program.
..
It was experiences like these perhaps that are the reason I joined SABR and began
writing about players I admired as a kid.
..
I am currently editing a book of biographies of the 1964 Phillies' players, coaches,
and staff, of which Don is included. It is a "team book" to be published by the
non-profit SABR, the Society for American Baseball Research, sabr. org. in 2013.
..
It seems odd that the first time Don's SABR biography will be published it will be
with the Phillies and not the Dodgers, Pirates, or even the Reds. But such is fate -
I am glad to have Don on "my team".
..
From Philadelphia,
Cordially,
Mel Marmer
January 26, 2010
..
...
I want to get in touch with Jill to relate a story to her that she may not be aware of. Let's just say for now that the story has to do with Don Hoak's literally saving my life in August of 1960. I was sitting in the bleachers during batting practice when a screaming line drive off the bat of Dick Stuart struck me directly in the right temple. Hoak immediately came to my aid, had someone call the paramedics, and he personally took me to the Montifore Hospital emergency room in Oakland, where I lay in coma for 40 days. He even missed that night's game to stay with me in the hospital. Hoak was even there when I came out of the coma. Needless to say, HE SAVED MY LIFE! If not for him, I would not be here.
Rick Corbin
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
October 16, 2009
Editor's Note: We put Rick in touch with Jill, and he has since delivered his story to her personally via telephone. Rick is a former member of the Lettermen and the Delmonics vocal groups. He is still active in the recording studio, and Rick just completed a month of personal appearances.
..
Jill,
..
George Schroeder, the person who sent you the scrapbook on Don. Recently took a trip to Cooperstown, N.Y., and visited the Hall Of Fame. On the way up I stopped at Roulette and visited Don's grave. At age 64, he's still the best influence I ever had. I cherish the pictures I have of him and the little note he sent me when he played for the Pirates. Purchased a picture of the '55 Dodgers with Don, John Podres, and Roy Campanella celebrating the final out of the '55 World Series at Yankee Stadium. Larry King Live recently said that was the greatest moment ever at Yankee Stadium. Recently had many talks with Dick Groat, and he loved Don Hoak. Thanks again for sending me the card and baseball cards of Don.
..
Respectfully,
George Schroeder
..
Meadville, Pennsylvania
September 23, 2008
.
Editor's Note: Writer George Schroeder has kindly provided the following pictures taken while he visited the grave site of Don Hoak in Roulette, Pennsylvania.
.
.
I met Don Hoak in the hospital at Coudersport, Pennsylvania. He was asked to visit me by my mother who knew that my aunt from Roulette, Pennsylvania had taught him in school. We spent a wonderful hour together talking about baseball, hunting and fishing. He autographed a baseball for me, and on another occasion he signed a Pirates Yearbook for me. I'll never forget the time we spent together. I usually stop at the cemetery and put flowers on his grave when I'm in the Roulette area. It's only a mile from my relative's former farm up Fishing Creek.
Thomas FitzSimmons
Moshannon, PA
February 12, 2005
While in the Brooklyn Dodgers organization, before actually joining the Dodger team at the major league level, Don played in the Cuban leagues during the winter of 1950-51. In one game between Cienfuegos and Marianao some "rowdies" over ran the field, and one of them actually took to the mound and threw several pitches to Don, who was up at bat at the time. At that point the umpire with the help of the local authorities escorted the interlopers off the field. Don's unscheduled "relief pitcher" that day: Fidel Castro!
.
The picture above appeared on the front page of the New York Times on October 5, 1955, the day after the Brooklyn Dodgers captured the 1955 World Series by beating their perennial nemesis, the New York Yankees, by a score of 2 to 0 in the seventh game of the Series. The story accompanying the photo appears below.
..
.
.
Don Hoak, No. 43, is fourth from the right in the second row in this official team picture of the World Series champion 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers reproduced above. Only the name of bat boy Charlie DiGiovanni sitting on the ground in front of the team has been omitted from the picture caption. This copy of the original historical photo autographed by many members of the team is courtesy of Kristin Baggelaar Milton from her personal collection of Brooklyn Dodger memorabilia.
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Don Hoak played third base for five National League teams during his ten-year career in major league baseball. Click here or on the image above to view a collection of baseball cards issued for Don with his various teams.
Don was named to the National League All-Star Team in 1957 while then playing for the Cincinnati Reds, and in the same year he led the league in doubles with 39. Don had a good eye at the plate, and during the late 50's and early 60's he was usually near the top among National League players reaching base on balls.
Don's competitive spirit actually precipitated a change in the baseball rule book. While on second base in a game between the Reds and the Braves on April 21, 1957, fiesty Don instinctively attempted to break up an impending double play by fielding a ball bare-handed hit by team mate Wally Post! Subsequently, Rule 7.09(g) was adopted giving the umpire authority to call the batter-runner out when a base runner intentionally interferes to break up a double play.
Don earned two World Series rings, the first with the 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers, when they defeated their perennial nemesis, the New York Yankees that year. The second came when Don was a member of the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates team that defeated the Yankees in a series most remembered for Bill Mazaroski's dramatic game winning home run in the ninth inning of the seventh game. Click here to read more about Don and his record as a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates
Don came in second in voting for the title of Most Valuable Player in the National League in 1960, the season he batted .282 and his team the Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the perennial powerhouse New York Yankees in dramatic fashion in a seven-game World Series. Jill still has as an unique momento of her husband's career in baseball, a pipe given to him by fellow pipe smoker Bing Crosby, then part owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
This picture by a LIFE magazine photographer shows Don signing autographs for young fans while a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The 1961 Pittsburgh Pirates yearbook was dedicated to the team's memorable victory over the New York Yankees the previous fall. This collectors' edition featured special tributes to Pirates star players, including Don Hoak. Click here to see much more about Don.
In 1962, when Don was with the Philadelphia Phillies, the Mars Candy Company issued a series of seven-inch, 33 1/3 rpm records, each featuring four popular baseball stars giving practical advice to aspiring young players in various aspects of the game. Number 3 in the series, devoted to the art of fielding, featured Don discussing fielding techniques from his perspective as a third baseman. Just click here to listen to Don's advice, as he is interviewed by another baseball notable, Lou Boudreau.
In 1995, Don Hoak was inducted into the Brooklyn Dodgers Hall of Fame, just forty years after playing with the 1955 Dodger team that defeated the New York Yankees in the World Series, giving the Dodgers their first ever world championship.The March and April 1997 issues of The Flatbush Faithful, a newsletter dedicated to those fans who still lament the move west of their beloved Bums, featured full-page profiles of both Don and Jill. Click here to read these tributes to the player and his devoted wife. In 2000, a glove used by Don as a member of the Brooklyn Dodgers would bring an impressive $1150 at auction among collectors of baseball memorabilia. Read more of the story by clicking here.
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- [S2396] newspapers.com, 1969-10-11. Donald Albert Hoak, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 11 Oct 1969, Sat • p10 Death of Pirate 3rd Baseman Don Hoak, 41, heart attack, found slumped over in his car.
Donald Albert Hoak (1) fact
20230214GHLn-
Death of Pirate 3rd Baseman Don Hoak, 41, heart attack, found slumped over in his car.
CLIPPED FROM
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
11 Oct 1969, Sat • Page 10
wetzupdoc Member Photo
BYwetzupdoc · 14 Feb 2023
Private Rites For Hoak
Funeral services for former Pirate Third Baseman Don Hoak will be private as will the burial.
Hoak, 41, died Thursday evening from a heart attack. He was found slumped over the wheel of his car near his home in the Shadyside area.
He is survived by his wife, former singer Jill Corey,
a daughter, Kimberly, 18, and
a son, Donald Jeffrey, 13, and
a second daughter, Clara Michele, aged five.
Friends are being received at the John A. Freyvogel Sons Funeral Home, 4900 Centre Ave., from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 today.
Burial will be in his home town of Roulette, Potter County.
Clipping location on Pittsburgh Post-Gazette page 10
CLIPPED FROM
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
11 Oct 1969, Sat • Page 10
wetzupdoc Member Photo
BYwetzupdoc · 14 Feb 2023
 |
Hoak, Don death News_19691011_PittsburghPostGazp10
Death of Pirate 3rd Baseman Don Hoak, 41, heart attack, found slumped over in his car.
CLIPPED FROM
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
11 Oct 1969, Sat • Page 10
wetzupdoc Member Photo
BYwetzupdoc · 14 Feb 2023
Private Rites For Hoak
Funeral services for former Pirate Third Baseman Don Hoak will be private as will the… |
- [S2077] Public Member Trees 2019-, Becker Family Tree - lizdc13 / Donald Albert Donald Albert "Tiger" Hoak 1928-1969.
Record for Donald Albert "Tiger" Hoak (61) facts
20190702HAv-
Becker Family Tree - lizdc13 / Donald Albert
Donald Albert "Tiger" Hoak 1928-1969
BIRTH 5 FEB 1928 • Roulette, Potter, Pennsylvania, USA
DEATH 9 OCT 1969 • Pittsburgh, Allegheny, Pennsylvania, USA
20190702HAv-
Becker Family Tree - lizdc13 / Donald Albert
Donald Albert "Tiger" Hoak 1928-1969
BIRTH 5 FEB 1928 • Roulette, Potter, Pennsylvania, USA
DEATH 9 OCT 1969 • Pittsburgh, Allegheny, Pennsylvania, USA
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1935 - 2021 (85 years)
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