Chuck Tanner

"In the late 50's my grandfather had a barnstorming team in south central Pa (he was a scout at the time) & Chuck stayed at our home along with players Dick Grote, Ronnie Kline, Elroy Face, Bobby Delgreco,Nellie Fox & a few others. They would practice in front of our house on the side of the mountain & played benefit games around the counties. I remember chasing balls down into the woods many times then Grandfather cleared off some land between the cabins he had built for them to play on. Over the years Chuck & Grandfather kept in touch, their phone calls were always about a game. We went to many games & got to talk to Chuck before the games. I know Chuck & Grandfather are in Heaven planning & talking about baseball. He will be sadly missed. I do have a ball that he wrote on when I went to a game in Philly when the Pirates were there, it is very faded but I will always treasure it along with a photo of me with the players on our front steps. I went to all those games in the 70's when the Pirates went to Philly as I was living in NJ & when I did would always relay messages to Chuck from Grandfather then back. Chuck was the nicest man & had a manner about him that you rarely see in anyone. I had planned on going to see him soon so my kids could meet him but just found out about his passing. My deepest sympathy goes to his family."

"I was 15 when I first met Chuck Tanner when
he was a member of the Cleveland Indians in the early 1960's. My Dad,Greg invite him and Bob Hale to our residence in Little Italy for a home-made Italian meal.

I was in awe as we sat around the table and
they told stories of the good old days back
in New Castle. When he would walk to Gaston
Park to watch my Dad play softball. How he admired my dad as one of the best fastpitch softball pitchers in the western Pennsylvania area.
God Bless you Chuck and thanks for the fond
memories.
Rest In Peace,
Angelo"

"I have always cherished my childhood. There's nothing like growing up in a baseball park.The minute I could walk my dad had me selling programs.A lot of hard work followed, but all worth it. The best part was meeting and watching "the stars of tomorrow play today." I remember meeting Mr. Tanner when he was in Appleton. He had twinkling eyes and a friendly smile.My dad said Chuck was a "big leaguer" right from the start...not only on the field, but off as well. And he was right!"

"The Pirates teams that Chuck managed brought a lot of joy to me and all Pirate fans.

We salute you - and pay our respects to your family."