A pleasant and caring man, one who reveled in his mostly modest playing career in the big leagues, his receded -- not receding -- hairline and, it seemed, all facets and phases of his decades on the planet, has left us behind, behind and smiling. Joe Garagiola, a most entertaining, engaging and convivial sort, has died, bringing to an end a full, rich life and leaving the game without one its most enduring personalities, an energetic crusader and folksy humorist.
The second-best catcher from Elizabeth Street in St. Louis, Garagiola played the game at its highest level, preached its gospel, gave it context, poked fun at it, took it seriously and assisted those who competed in it.