In addition to its rarity, this date is definitely one that I find intriguing from events, births and deaths .
While it’s a day often associated with birthdays or world events that occurred on 29 February, it’s also a more sombre date for the families who had a death that day.
So who has died on this day?
Here’s 5 peeps that I found online who passed into the Spirit world on this day.
I’ll start with…
LENA BLACKBURNE
Who was he?
He was an American baseball infielder, manager, coach to the Chicago White Sox and an inventor who was born on October 23, 1886, in Clifton Heights, Pennsylvania, USA.
What is he best remembered for?
He discovered rubbing clay onto baseballs, removed their slick sheen therefore making them easier to grip. Taking the shine off baseballs with his technique is now known as “Blackburne’s Rubbing Mud”.
Prior to the ‘Blackburne’s Rubbing Mud’, coaches, players, and equipment managers were constantly on the lookout for ways to improve the grip on baseballs.
They had experimented with various substances, including dirt, saliva, and even tobacco juice, to roughen the surface of the balls to provide better grip. To no avail longterm though. These solutions were often inconsistent or ineffective.
How did Lena discover this technique?
I’ve read that during a fishing trip along the Delaware River in New Jersey, he noticed the smooth, gritty texture of the mud on the riverbank. Inspired by this observation, he decided to experiment using the mud to rub down baseballs.
Through trial and error, he refined his method of applying the mud to eventually find the optimal consistency and technique for achieving the desired result — a improved grip without compromising the integrity of the baseball.
It has now become an essential part of baseball equipment giving new baseballs the right texture for pitchers to grip effectively.
Why was this discovery so welcomed?
New baseballs when they arrive from the manufacturer, they often have a slick sheen on their surface, making them difficult for pitchers to grip properly. So by applying the rubbing mud, the balls gain a slightly rough texture that allows pitchers to better control their pitches.
The result? Improved accuracy and performance on the field.
Also the consistency in the grip of the baseballs helps maintain fairness and integrity in the game, preventing any team from gaining an unfair advantage due to variations in equipment.
Its effectiveness and consistency of his technique, led to its adoption by Major League Baseball and its continued use to this day.
Lena Blackburne died February 29, 1968
Next is:
RUTH PITTER
Who was she?
Emma Thomas “Ruth” Pitter was a British poet born on November 7, 1897, in Ilford, Essex, England.
What is she remembered for?
She was the first woman to receive the Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry in 1955.
Her interest in the natural world often influenced her poetry, as she frequently incorporated themes of nature and the environment into her work. She was a traditionalist poet, avoiding most of the experimentations of modern verse and preferred the meter and rhyme schemes of the 19th century and because of this, she was frequently overlooked by critics of her day.
She started publishing some of her poems whilst still at school with her first collection appearing in 1920. However it was the publication of A Mad Lady’s Garland (1934) that made her poetry become more widely reviewed.
She had a close friendship with Clive Staples Lewis aka C.S. Lewis, The Chronicles of Narnia author (which is a series of seven portal fantasy novels). Their friendship influenced each other’s work.
Ruth dedicated her poem “The Bridge” (1945) to Clive in which she told her journey through bombarded London to factory work across Battersea Bridge.
He dedicated his poem “The Dolphin” to Ruth. The Dolphin is a poignant poem that explores themes of longing, loss, and the passage of time through the metaphor of a dolphin swimming gracefully through the sea.
On February 29, 1992, in Wantage, Oxfordshire, England Ruth died.
Are you a poetry fan?
My next one, Davy Jones, always has me humming to the song, ‘Daydream Believer’, where he took the lead vocal.
He contributed to 305 songs in total!!! (How did he remember the words?)
DAVY JONES
Who is Davy Jones?
What is he remembered for?
He was a singer, guitarist, and actor born December 1945 in Lancashire, England.
His birth name is David Thomas Jones but he was more popularly know as Davy Jones.
Shortly after making his first acting debut on 6 March 1961 in a popular UK television series called Coronation Street, (a UK drama series that transmitted live on Friday 9 December 1960 and still going in 2024), he emigrating to America. There, from 1966 to 1971, he became a member of the four-man pop rock group called the Monkees.
You can watch a brief You Tube clip of his audition for the Monkees by clicking this link
The group consisted of four members: Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, and Peter Tork.
They had a television show of the same name, where the episodes, followed the comedic adventures of the band members as they pursued fame and success in the music industry.
Then they released a series of albums and singles that had very catchy melodies and an upbeat, pop-rock sound. My favourite songs are ‘I’m a Believer’, ‘Daydream Believer’ and ‘Last Train to Clarksville’,
The Monkees went on to win two Emmy Awards for their television show and disbanded in 1971.
Owing to coronary artery disease, on 29 February 2012, Davy complained of chest pains and difficulty with breathing. He died in Martin Memorial South Hospital in Stuart, Florida USA.
Do you have a favourite Monkee’s song?
Next to be included is:
ARON BURTON
Who is he?
A notable figure in the American electric and Chicago blues genre.
He was born on June 15, 1938, in Senatobia, Mississippi, USA where he was immersed in the sounds of blues, gospel, and soul music from an early age.
Blues legends such as Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, and B.B. King, influenced his skills as a performer and songwriter from the beginning.
Moving to Chicago in the 1960s, he quickly established himself as a versatile and in-demand bass guitarist, performing with numerous local blues bands and artists.
What was he known for?
His solid, driving bass lines that provided the foundation for countless blues recordings and live performances. He characterized them with groove, precision, and his ability to lock in with the rhythm section beautifully. He had collaborations with many prominent blues musicians, including Albert Collins, Junior Wells, and Koko Taylor.
He eventually progressed to a solo career as a bandleader and recording artist, releasing several albums under his own name. His albums showcased his soulful vocals, dynamic bass playing, and heartfelt original compositions.
His albums ‘Past, Present & Future’ (1994) and ‘Good Blues to You’ (2000) received critical acclaim and solidified Burton’s reputation as a leading figure in the Chicago blues scene.
I’ve included him here because he played a vital role in preserving and perpetuating the traditions of the blues, ensuring that it continues to thrive and evolve for future generations.
On February 29, 2020 he died in Chicago, Illinois, USA
Next is…
FRANK ALBERTSON
Who was he?
An actor
He was born February 2, 1909 in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. USA.
What is he remembered for?
He appeared in several films often portraying affable, everyman characters and was known for his versatility and ability to bring warmth and authenticity to his characters.
His involvement in memorable movies and television productions showcases his longevity and versatility as an actor. His career spans from the silent movies into the Hollywood beginnings.
He appeared in the 1923 silent film “The Ten Commandments,” directed by Cecil B. DeMille. This epic biblical film is renowned for its grand scale pioneering special effects and lavish sets, particularly in the depiction of the biblical plagues. It is still considered to be the landmark movie in cinema history and one of the most ambitious silent films ever made.
In this film, Frank played the role of an Israelite man named Miriam’s suitor and even though he is not one of the main characters, he contributed fully to the portrayal of the Israelite community and their journey.
What is his memorable role?
I think the Alfred Hitchcock film “Psycho” (1960), answers this question, where he played the character named Tom Cassidy and contributed to the enduring legacy of this film to this day.
If you’ve never heard of it. Psycho is a psychological thriller that follows the disturbing story of Marion Crane (Viven Leigh), a secretary in a real estate office in Phoenix, Arizona, who steals $40,000 cash from her employer to start a new life with her boyfriend, Sam Loomis (John Gavin).
Tom Cassidy had entrusted Marion to deposit it at the bank on his behalf leting her know that the money was intended to purchase a house as a wedding gift for his daughter.
However, instead of going to the bank, Marion goes on the run where she encounters Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins), the owner and manager of the Bates Motel.
This film is one of Hitchcock’s most celebrated works in the thriller genre and he has directed and produced many as you know.
You can see Frank Albertson playing Tom Cassidy, in this You Tube clip. Whilst watching, can you spot Alfred’s daughter Pat Hitchcock?
Also in the opening scene you’ll see Hitchcock (in a cowboy hat) standing outside the office! (He was a cheeky character, wasn’t he?)
Click here to watch Tom Cassidy in a YouTube clip of the film Psycho. He’s at George Lowrey’s real estate office.
In also appeared in television roles.
In a Perry Mason episode, (a series that ran from 1957 to 1966) he played the character Howard Hopkins.
Frank appeared in the episode titled: ‘The Case of the Blushing Pearls’ (March 1960) as a jewelry designer who becomes a suspect when valuable pearls, he was supposed to deliver, are found missing and replaced with fakes. Howard knew he would be found innocent when Perry Mason (Raymond Burr) takes on his case. Of course it ends well for Howard because Perry uncovers crucial information that points to the true culprit thereby exonerating Howard.
Did he ever get an Oscar or Academy Award?
No.
He was nominated though for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in “Roman Scandals” (1933), but he did not win.
The nomination was for the role he played in a musical comedy film directed by Frank Tuttle about a man named Eddie (played by Eddie Cantor), being transported back in time to ancient Rome. The film is known for its lavish musical numbers, witty humor, and satirical take on both ancient Rome and contemporary society.
Frank played the role of Josephus who assists Eddie in navigating the comedic chaos of ancient Rome.
Even so, to be even considered for a nomination demonstrates that his talent was recognised within the film industry, I think.
On February 29, 1964 Frank Albertson died in Santa Monica, California, USA.
Have you watched Pyscho or any of the films with Frank Albertson playing a role?
Okay
You’ve arrived at the end of this Medium article on 29 February deaths.
Did you learn something new?
It goes without saying, you have to be born to have died. Have you seen my write up here on 29 February birthdays? It’s on this page…
Laters…
