Larry Miggins obit

In Memory of

Lawrence Edward "Larry" Miggins

1925 - 2023

 

He was not on the list.

Lawrence “Larry” Edward Miggins, died in his sleep on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at his home in Houston, Texas, with his wife, Kathleen, holding his hand, ushering him into Everlasting Life with words of prayer, gratitude, and love. Larry was born on August 20, 1925 in the Bronx, New York to Irish immigrants John James and Josephine O’Sullivan Miggins.

Larry was preceded in death by his cherished parents; his incomparable siblings John, James, and Robert Emmet Miggins, and Eileen Hoppenthal; his beloved sons, Rory Oliver Miggins, Larry Joseph Miggins, and an infant son. May their souls rest in peace.

 

Larry grew up when ice was delivered by horse and cart, baseball was played in the sandlot, and children scavenged scrap metal for pocket change. In his parents, Larry witnessed a strong work ethic, a devout Catholic faith, and a generous spirit. His father was an NYFD firefighter who was cited for his bravery and heroic rescues.  This example instilled in Larry a first responder attitude.  He never shirked responsibility or took a bystander role.   Several of his children witnessed him coming to the aid of a man who fell in downtown Houston, cracking his head on the curb.  Larry rushed to his aid, lifted him, recited prayers in his ear, and stayed with him until the ambulance arrived.  Larry considered his duty to save a life the same as his duty to save a soul.  His actions embodied the priesthood of the laity.

Larry’s mother was a resourceful homemaker, using available land to grow fruits and vegetables. She made everything from scratch and coached her children to always lift a cake because the heavy one had better ingredients.  Larry would always choose the heavy cake.  Hence, he had fruit cakes on hand in July!  He liked a good homecooked meal better than dining out.  “God bless the cook and the provider,” ended every meal. During the Depression years, his parents shared any excess with neighbors in need and helped them with home projects.  His father explained that you never know what someone is going through.  Larry learned empathy and compassion during the Depression. These traits helped him in his later profession as a probation officer.

Larry was a product of a strong Catholic education, and he ensured his 12 children each received a Catholic education through high school. A strapping 6’4” by eighth grade, he was a scholar-athlete, winning a scholarship to Fordham Prep and lettering in three sports – football, baseball, and basketball.  He excelled at baseball, playing in minor league games at the Polo Grounds while still in high school.  Larry was the Valedictorian of his 1943 class.

Following graduation from Fordham Prep, Larry received a football scholarship from the University of Pittsburgh.  While at Pitt, he met Honus Wagner, who urged him to try out with the Pittsburgh Pirates.  The tryout led to a contract with Larry’s beloved New York Giants. His father’s blessing upon Larry’s leaving home was “stay close to the priests.” World War II interrupted his baseball career and education, while he served in the Merchant Marines.  His cargo often contained prisoners of war.  Larry returned to the Giants’ farm team in Jersey City, and on April 23, 1946, Larry was playing third base for Jersey City when Jackie Robinson played his first professional game as a Montreal Royal.  Larry was the last living player from that game. He also played for the Jacksonville Tars, Columbia Reds, Minneapolis Millers, Sioux City Soos, Omaha Cardinals and Columbus Red Birds.

Larry continued in the minor league system, with his greatest success playing for the Houston Buffs.  He was a star on the Buffs 1951 Texas League champion team. He was a legend for crooning an Irish song for the fans during the 7th inning stretch. After that season, Larry was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals, where he was a teammate with Hall of Famer Stan Musial who became a lifelong friend.  Larry’s friend and fellow Fordham Prep alum Vin Scully called Larry’s first major league home run (against Preacher Roe) in Ebbets Field. Scully called this improbable coincidence one of the highlights of his broadcasting career.  Larry was inducted into the SUNY Maritime College Hall of Fame, the Texas Baseball Hall of Fame, and the Fordham Prep Hall of Fame.  He received the inaugural Bill Dorrill Distinguished Service to Baseball Award from the Larry Dierker Chapter of SABR in Houston in 2016.   At the time of his death, Larry was the third oldest living MLB player.

Baseball significantly influenced Larry’s life, the biggest impact happening in 1952.  During a road trip with the Cardinals to play the Cubs, Larry met the beautiful. native Irish, Kathleen McMahon, who worked at the Irish Consulate. They were introduced at a dance by a mutual friend, a priest.  Being Irish and Catholic was central to Larry’s identity. He knew right away that Kathleen was his soulmate. Her charm, love of music, and deep faith prompted him to call her “lovely lady” and “the cause of my joy” during their entire 70 years of marriage.

Larry retired from baseball in 1954 and began his career with the Federal Courts in Houston as a probation officer.  Before long, he was elevated to Chief until mandatory retirement at age 55.  Thereafter, he worked with the Houston Municipal Courts for 10 years, retiring in 1990.  Larry saw the good in people and believed rehabilitation was possible with a strong belief system.  Larry freely gave people the benefit of the doubt. 

Because education was important to Larry, he obtained a BA from the University of St. Thomas in 1952, through the progressive leadership of Fr. Vincent Guinan who allowed Larry to take correspondence classes during baseball season.  He later received a Masters degree in Criminology from Sam Houston State University.   He was proud that all 12 of his children earned college degrees.

Larry lived his life with a strong faith, reciting an old-fashioned Morning Offering prayer which identified his daily task as “laboring for the salvation of my soul.”  His children know this prayer by heart.   He and Kathleen lived it, daily.   If they were burdened, they seldom showed it.

Together, they reared 12 children, eight sons and four daughters.  They have 35 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, with another expected in 2024.  Their children gave them such joy.  As Larry’s mobility diminished, his face lit up when his family visited.  Larry was a playful dad.  Because of his height and athleticism, he could hoist 5 – 6 squealing youngsters at a time.  He took his children with him on errands and work projects at rental properties. His children’s friends were his friends, even if he forgot their names.  He did not hesitate to give fatherly advice.  Larry coached countless little league, PONY league, and college baseball teams.  After his coaching days were over, he tremendously enjoyed watching grandchildren’s sporting events. As a coach or a grandfather, he never missed a chance to pass along the command – anticipate.  In baseball – anticipate where the ball is going.  In life – anticipate the needs of others.  He expected you to have your mind in the game.

Larry’s happy disposition and pure heart were evident in his eyes.  He had a song in his heart.  He and Kathleen knew how to have fun.  They danced.  They sang.  They entertained.  And, once they were finally empty-nesters, they travelled.  Larry and Kathleen were incredible story tellers and frequent pranksters. Larry’s jokes and games were clean, clever, and hilarious.  His children know them by label - “The Cow,” “Pig Fair,” “Magic Potato.”  They were involved in all Irish activities in Houston, including the Ancient Order of Hibernians, The Irish Society, the Center for Irish Studies at UST, and the St. Brendan Society.

Upon learning of his passing, many people have called Larry “Larger than Life.”  His neighbor, sculptor David Adickes, made this phrase literal when he prevailed upon Larry in 1990 to pose for the monumental statue of Sam Houston on I-45 in Huntsville.

Larry is survived by his beloved wife, Kathleen, his children, Eileen Hohlt (John), John Christopher Miggins (Debbie), daughter-in-law Sherl Hoeppner; Maureen Swanson (Pat), Noreen Gottschalk (Stephen), Matthew James Miggins (Penelope), Kathleen Hibbler (James), Neil Patrick Miggins, Robert Emmet Miggins (Julie), Patrick Michael Miggins (Nancy), and Michael Sean Miggins (Abby).  He is also survived by his adoring grandchildren and their spouses: Mary Hohlt (David Schneider), John (Lindsey) and Annie Hohlt; Christine Rorabaugh (Dave), Julia Proctor (Robby), and Matthew Miggins; Thomas Miggins (Jennifer) and Laura Markham (Brandon); Fiona, Patrick, Brian and Kenneth Swanson; Robert and Daniel Gottschalk; Gabriella, John James and Maria Miggins; Elizabeth, Conor, Bridget, and Rory Hibbler; Charles, Jack, and Adelaide Miggins; Lily, Carlo, Patrick, and James Miggins; James, Rory, and Bridget Miggins; Molly, Catherine, Lucille and Claire Miggins.  Larry lived to meet 9 great-grandchildren, John Rex, Bridget and Logan Rorabaugh, Luke and Joshua Miggins, Henry and Lilly Hohlt, and Emmet and Astrid Schneider.  Larry’s numerous nieces and nephews also survive him as well as a dear cousin, Col. Mike Miggins.

The family would like to thank caregivers Marta Martinez and Maria Rodriguez for the exceptional care they provided, prolonging Mr. Larry’s life until he died peacefully in his own home.

A visitation and Rosary will be held from five until seven o’clock in the evening on Monday, December 18, 2023, at St. Anne Catholic Church, 2140 Westheimer Road with the recitation of the Rosary at six-thirty o’clock in the evening. A Mass of the Resurrection will be held at one o’clock in the afternoon on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, with a reception following in St. Basil Hall. The family will hold a private burial on Wednesday.

In memory of Larry, set a good example, don’t be a bystander, choose the heavy cake, anticipate the needs of others, share your resources, enjoy a laugh, sing, and stay close to Christ.

Donations in Larry’s memory may be made to St. Anne’s Church, St Anne’s School, St Thomas High School, St. Agnes Academy, or the University of St. Thomas.