On the easel...

[Lordstan]

Joss died of tubercular meningitis. This means he had tuberculosis for a period of time prior to it moving to his central nervous system. In the past, TB was called consumption by the general public. This is because the body's resources are "consumed" by the illness. It could have easily caused a healthy person to waste away. Unfortunately, Joss wasn't anywhere near healthy. He also suffered from malaria during this time period. Even with modern medicine, recovery from either of these things is not assured. Recovery then was about luck.
I'm sure this is all part of why he looks like that

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[Bobmc]

A favorite player I followed during the '60's was pitcher, Joel Horlen; likely most remembered for pitching a no-hitter in 1967 against the Detroit Tigers during the heated AL pennant race. Last year, artist Van Martin was commissioned to use his unique style and capture Joe on canvas. Joe was at the unveiling and for all of us there that day, we won't soon forget the experience of seeing the joy on his face.

IMO, the surviving golden age players of the 50's and 60's are living National treasures and I highly recommend showing appreciation to every one of them in any way possible. They were instrumental in paving the way for golden opportunities of today's big league players by coping with the reserve clause during their careers, enduring low salaries (relatively speaking), minimal benefits and they showed courage during arduous fighting for player rights alongside Marvin Miller. The entertainment and thrills those players gave us baby boomers during those years are certainly plentiful.
JoeandVanMeet.jpg
Joe Horlen and artist Van Martin above

[Scott Garner]

Originally Posted by Lordstan

Joss died of tubercular meningitis. This means he had tuberculosis for a period of time prior to it moving to his central nervous system. In the past, TB was called consumption by the general public. This is because the body's resources are "consumed" by the illness. It could have easily caused a healthy person to waste away. Unfortunately, Joss wasn't anywhere near healthy. He also suffered from malaria during this time period. Even with modern medicine, recovery from either of these things is not assured. Recovery then was about luck.
I'm sure this is all part of why he looks like that

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As covered in Scott Longert's excellent book, Addie Joss King of Pitchers (1998), I would add to Mark's excellent research that Addie Joss and George Mullin co-owned a billiard parlor in downtown Toledo, OH together during this same time period.

Undoubtedly, there was heavy smoking, drinking and late nights going on in this establishment, knowing the time period. It's only an assumption, but I've wondered if these conditions caused the lung infection that ultimately led to Addie's early demise...

[Lordstan]

Originally Posted by Scott Garner

As covered in Scott Longert's excellent book, Addie Joss King of Pitchers (1998), I would add to Mark's excellent research that Addie Joss and George Mullin co-owned a billiard parlor in downtown Toledo, OH together during this same time period.

Undoubtedly, there was heavy smoking, drinking and late nights going on in this establishment, knowing the time period. It's only an assumption, but I've wondered if these conditions caused the lung infection that ultimately led to Addie's early demise...

Caused is a tricky word, Scott. Spending a lot of time in an establishment like that, during that time period, certainly would have been a higher risk for catching an illness like TB which is transmitted by coughing. If you then add on the unhealthy lifestyle choices including smoking, poor nutrition, and lack of sleep, I'm sure just about any significant illness would get worse.

Back in those days the treatment for TB was to go to a sanitarium and "rest". I think pitching in the rowdy days of baseball and spending your nights in a billiard parlor qualifies as pretty much the opposite of "rest." His untimely demise is really not a huge surprise once you analyze it all.

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by Scott Garner

It's only an assumption, but I've wondered if these conditions caused the lung infection that ultimately led to Addie's early demise...

A consumption assumption is no presumption.

[Scott Garner]

Originally Posted by Runscott

A consumption assumption is no presumption.

You've got a lot of gumption...

[thecatspajamas]

Worst...Schoolhouse Rocks...ever...