CLEVELAND - Bob Feller, the Iowa farm boy whose powerful right arm earned him the nickname "Rapid Robert" and made him one of baseball's greatest pitchers during a Hall of Fame career with the Cleveland Indians, has died. He was 92.
Feller, who won 266 games in 18 seasons - all with the Indians - died at 9:15 p.m. on Wednesday night of acute leukemia at a hospice, said Bob DiBiasio, the Indians vice president of public relations.
Remarkably fit until late in life, Feller had suffered serious health setbacks in recent months. Even as his health deteriorated, Feller continued doing what he loved most - attending Indians games deep into last season.
"Nobody lives forever and I've had a blessed life," Feller said in September. "I'd like to stay on this side of the grass for as long as I can, though. I'd really like to see the Indians win a World Series."
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Feller, in fact, was part of the rotation the last time the Indians won it all - in 1948.
Blessed with a fastball that could make any hitter look silly, Feller began his major-league career at the tender age of 17. His win total remains a Cleveland team record.
• The Pirates agreed to terms with former Pima College and UA pitcher Donnie Veal on a minor-league contract Wednesday. The left-hander, who played at Sierra Vista Buena High School, was 3-2 with the Pirates' Class AAA affiliate last season after having elbow surgery.
• Reliever Randy Choate, who led the American League in appearances this year, has been rewarded for his hard work: He agreed Wednesday to a $2.5 million, two-year contract with the Florida Marlins.
• Free agent infielder Ty Wigginton and the Rockies agreed to a two-year contract worth $8 million with a club option for 2013.
• The Yankees finalized a minor-league contract with right-hander Mark Prior, who is trying to make it back to the major leagues for the first time since 2006.
MISCELLANEOUS
Bid for 8 golds ends for Lochte
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - Michael Phelps can rest easy. Ryan Lochte is not going to match him with eight golds this week at the short-course world championships.
Lochte's golden bid was derailed when the United States' 400-meter freestyle relay failed to medal on the opening night of the meet Wednesday.
Lochte got off to a good start with a dominant victory in the 200 freestyle, but the U.S. fell behind in the relay after Nathan Adrian's dismal opening leg, leaving Lochte too much time to make up when he dove in for the anchor leg.
• Five-time defending NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson beat out NHRA Funny Car champion John Force for the Driver of the Year award on Wednesday.
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