The Pecan Park Eagle learned yesterday from Robert Band, his son-in-law, that former Houston Colt .45s pitcher Russ Kemmerer has died. He passed away at age 83 on December 8, 2014. Further details are unavailable to us at this time, but we have invited Mr. Band to supply us with additional information on Russ’ passing and his personal insight on his father-in-law’s life after baseball for a more extensive column. Should Mr. Band take us up on our request, we shall return Russ to these pages for a more personal look at the man’s life.
An already extensive biography already exists, thanks to writer John F. Green for the SABR Baseball Biography Project. Please pursue this link and check it out for yourselves:
http://sabr.org/bioproj/person/54e7c02b
Russ Kemmerer posted a 43-59, 4.46 ERA record in a nine season MLB career (1954-1955, 1957-1963). He won 5 and lost 3 (all in his first year of two seasons (1962-1963) with the original Houston Colt .45s. and was well liked by all who knew him.
Rest in Peace and Love, Russ Kemmerer! Your life and baseball record now belong on its own shelf in the Hall of Ages!
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After our early morning publication, I received an e-mail from Russ Kemmerer’s son, Darrel Kemmerer, who left the following personal note, along with a copy of his father’s obituary. – Thank you, Darrel. Please know that those of us I know who remember your dad from his days in Houston still recall him fondly. Our sympathies for your loss go out to you and the entire Kemmerer family – Bill McCurdy:
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“Bill:
OBITUARY
Russell Kemmerer, former MLB player, completed his final innings in the game of life on 12/08/2014 at 8:32 pm. He was born in Pittsburgh Pa, on 11/01/1930 to Frederick and Thursa Mae Kemmerer. He was the youngest of 5 children. He signed his 1st Major League contract with the Boston Red Sox at the age of 18. His big league career spanned a total of 11 years pitching for Boston, Washington, Chicago and Houston. Following his retirement from baseball, Russ’s passion for his fellow man led him into the ministry, where he pastored several area churches. It was his work with various youth programs, which led Russ to pursue a career in teaching and coaching, which gave him an opportunity to not only share his faith with young people but to also teach life lessons that Russ so often found in athletics. His career path carried him to several areas of the state including Indiana University, Ellettsville, Milan, Heritage Christian, and Lawrence Central where he retired from in 1998. Shortly after that he became a published author when he penned the book entitled”Hey Kid, Just Get It Over The Plate”, a book about his major league experiences and humorous stories about the twinkling stars of his era. He is survived by his wife, Susannah Kemmerer, sons Russell (Rita) Kemmerer of Indianapolis, Darrel (Julie) Kemmerer of North Vernon, daughters Cheryl (Doug) Ray of Seymour, and Kim (Bob) Band of Cicero, Brad (Kim) Potter, Brian (Rebekah) and MaKayla Potter, and Renee (Doug Cannon) Potter. He was a beloved grandfather to Matt, Jami, Molly, Adam, Ryan, Tyler, Josh, Leah and Brooke as well as a great grandfather to Malory and Andrew. He was preceded in death by his first wife Elizabeth Kemmerer and a grandson, Robbie Band. There will be a celebration of his life and his memories on Friday evening December 12th from 5:00 to 8:00pm at the Harry Moore Chapel located at 8151 Allisonville Rd in Indianapolis In followed by a memorial service on Saturday at 11:00 am at the Abundant Life Church located at 82nd and Hague Rd in Indianapolis.
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Tags: Russ Kemmerer Dies at 83
The Pecan Park Eagle 
December 16, 2014 at 4:13 pm |
At AstrosDaily.com, we have updated the Astros In The Sky feature to include Mr. Kemmerer. Oddly, all the baseball sites list Russ’ birthyear in 1931 which would have made him 83 at his passing but his own obituary lists his birthyear as 1930 which would have made him 84. If you do speak with Mr. Band again, I would love to know which is correct.
December 16, 2014 at 5:04 pm |
His correct date of birth is 11/01/1930. This is his youngest son Darrel. I remember quite vividly participating in I believe a father / son game for the Colt 45’s . I still have the old wool uniform form the game, I was so small they had to abbreviate Kemmerer on the back of the jersey. I would be more than happy to speak with Bill McCurdy if you would be so kind to forward my email address to him.
immdrt@comcast.net
Sincerely,
Darrel Kemmerer