Former MLB pitcher Roman “Ray” Semproch, who pitched for the Philadelphia Phillies, Detroit Tigers, and Los Angeles Angels, passed away on October 27, 2024.
The right-handed pitcher was 93 years old. He pitched the last of his four major league seasons with the Angels in 1961.
Highlights
- Ray Semproch is survived by his wife, Geraldine Semproch (née Kral).
- Semproch was a proud father of three children.
- In addition to being a doting father, Ray was also a loving grandfather and great-grandfather.
According to Newsweek, Ray Semproch was never a star in MLB, but “he holds the special distinction of being part of two expansion teams in 1961.”
The Cleveland native was picked by the Washington Senators in 1960 but was released in April 1961.
The Los Angeles Angels, another new team, then took him. Ray started with the Phillies in 1951 as a free agent.
He started playing in the major leagues in 1958 with the Phillies and played for them until 1959.
He then joined the Detroit Tigers in 1960. In 1961, he was with the Angels and retired after that.
The former baseball pitcher’s overall record was 19 wins, 21 losses, a 4.42 ERA, and 156 strikeouts.
Ray Semproch Was Married To His Wife Geraldine Semproch For Many Decades
The former Phillies pitcher Ray Semproch shared a long and blissful marital life with his wife, Geraldine Semproch.
He was the father of three children, Debbie, Karen, and Raymond. All three of them are married and have a family of their own.
Ray’s obituary doesn’t specifically provide details about his marital life.
However, he had three children, many grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. This means Ray and Geraldine were married for around 40 to 50 years.
Ray Semproch pitched from 1958-61 for the Phils, Tigers & Angels has passed away. #RIP #RaySemproch #Philles #Tigers #Angels #baseball #MLB pic.twitter.com/TzlfgF5IKZ
— Mark's Signing Bonus (@signing_s) November 1, 2024
Ray’s obituary also notes that family and friends can visit Vodrazka Funeral Home in Independence on Friday, November 1, 2024, from 4 to 8 p.m.
Moreover, a funeral mass will be held at St. Leo the Great in Cleveland on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 11 a.m., with a procession starting at 10 a.m. from the funeral home.
They have also mentioned that Semproch will be buried with full military honors at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Seville on Monday, November 4, 2024, at 1:15 p.m.
Additional Information
- Ray Semproch was signed by the Philadelphia Phillies as an amateur free agent in 1951 but didn’t make his MLB debut until 1958.
- He dealt with asthma, which affected his performance and longevity in the major leagues.
- After retiring from baseball, he worked as a bar manager at his brother’s Italian restaurant.