Ed “Hoggy” Herrmann

Ed Herrmann was a great teammate and a key contributor to that memorable 1972 White Sox team. He had a solid major league career posting double digits in HRs for five straight seasons, earning a spot on the 1974 AL All Star team, throwing out 42 base runners in a single season, and catching Larry Dierker’s 1976 no-hitter while playing for Houston Astros. Ed was one of the very best I ever played with at blocking the plate, a real tough guy. When we used to kid him about his running speed, he would respond “I am built for endurance, not speed“.

The most impressive thing about Ed Herrmann… he loved the game. Even when he was given a day off from catching, he would go out to work with the pitchers in the bullpen.

Since leaving the big leagues, Ed has worked in many capacities in baseball including a baseball scout, tutor, a coach, and a manager of youth teams ranging in age from 13 thru college. He has coached travel teams to an impressive four national championships. Many of his players have gone on to earn college scholarships and have successful careers in professional baseball.

Ed and his family have also been involved in many charities for years including Muscular Dystrophy Association, Wounded Warrior Fund, Christian Motorcyclists Association – Run for Son, Senior Olympics and The Greatest Save. For the last three years, the Herrmann’s led teams in the “24 Hour Relay for Life” raising thousands of dollars for the American Cancer Society

Today is Ed’s 67th birthday.

As many of you know he has been battling cancer since 2009. His wife Barbara continues to keep his friends and supporters up to date with his fight: Currently he is in a hospital ICU fighting for his life. As always, our prayers go out to him and his family.

Because of his illness and treatments Ed was forced to give up coaching his travel teams and his tutoring, which were his primary sources of income. As you can imagine, this has put a major strain on the family finances. Many treatments and medications that can help Ed are not covered by insurance. His friends have set up an online fundraiser on YOUCARING.COM

Please consider making a donation today in honor of Ed’s birthday.  Remember no amount is too small when battling such a fierce disease.

You can read Ed’s whole story, keep up to date with his battle, and send him words of encouragement and support at his Caring Bridge site. Please note: donations made on CaringBridge do not go to Ed, they are used to maintain the site. If you want to donate money… please use the YOUCARING site, 100% of the money collected goes to the Herrmann family.