James Michael Hegan

1942 - 2013

FUNERAL HOME

The Island Funeral Home & Crematory

4 Cardinal Road

Hilton Head, South Carolina

James Hegan Obituary

James Michael (Mike) HeganJames Michael (Mike) Hegan, 71, passed away peacefully on Christmas morning in Hilton Head, S.C., surrounded by his family. Mike was born July 21, 1942 in Cleveland, Ohio and grew up in Lynn, Mass., and Lakewood, Ohio. He was the son of Jim Hegan, former catcher for the Cleveland Indians. After graduating from St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland, Mike played baseball and football at Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass., before signing in 1961 with the New York Yankees, for whom his father had recently become a coach. He made his big-league debut in September 1964. From 1964 to 1977, Mike played for the Yankees, the Milwaukee Brewers, the Seattle Pilots, and the Oakland A's. Best known for his defensive skill as a first baseman, Mike played 178 consecutive games without committing an error from Sept. 24, 1970 as a Brewer until June 3, 1973 when he was with the A's. This major league record for first basemen stood until 2008. He was the first Brewers' player to hit for the cycle -a single, double, triple and home run in the same game. Mike was an All-Star in 1969 and played in two World Series - with the Yankees in 1964 and with the A's, who defeated the Cincinnati Reds in 1972. Mike retired from the Brewers in 1977 and worked as a television color commentator for the team. He returned to Cleveland in 1989 and broadcast Indians games on TV and radio for 23 seasons before retiring in 2011. Mike is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Nancy; sons Shawn (Betsy) and J.J. (Kathy); and his four grandchildren: Jack, Casey, Brigit and Connor. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Mike Hegan at 10:30 am, Friday, January 3rd at St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church. A reception will follow at the Country Club of Hilton Head. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice Care of the Lowcountry, PO Box 3827, Bluffton, SC, 843-706-2296. The Island Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements. www.theislandfuneralhome.com.

Published by The Island Packet from Dec. 29, 2013 to Jan. 29, 2014.
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Memories and Condolences
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Valenda Newell

November 9, 2016

I first met Mike when his father Jim ,who at the time was a pro bb player,made visits to the Parmadale orphanage to help us kids.he would bring his young son along(Mike).this was in the forties. We were ecstatic that such a famous person would actually care to visit us. Mike fit right in with us. The Hegans were definitely first class people. I also went to the same HS as Mike but 4years ahead of him.

Jack Greene

July 8, 2014

Like father, like sons. Mike and dad Jim were alike on and off the field. Class, sure-handed,dedication, talent, but always family first. Mike and his father were big names in Lynn, Massachusetts before they joined the Indians teepee. Mike was playing for the Yanks in the last game at original Yankee Stadium and he kindly left two tickets for me and my mother in our first visit to the Big Apple. We got his tickets via wife Nancy's great Dad and enjoyed seeing Mike become the last batter in "original" Stadium history. We also met Mrs. Babe Ruth there that day. Mike played against me in youth baseball in Lynn and hit two long home runs in a lopsided victory over my squad.I visited Mike in the Indians radio both at Fenway Park years later and he gave me an autograph with a message saying: "Bob, we have great memories from those days". Great for him ... but not for me when his team beat us 22 to 6. It was Mike's humanity, style, skill, and family that made him shine. As a boy, Mike played for first-ever East Lynn Little League city champs and Dad watched some of Mike's games standing in the crowd with Hall of Famers Bob Feller, Bob Lemon, Early Wynn and Lou Boudreau. Mike's kid team was named the "Giants" and it must have hurt Dad Jim when his Indians got scalped in four straight games by the NY "GIANTS" in the 1954 world series. Lynn's Fraser Field still honors Mike and Jim with nice photos and stories in the Clubhouse Hall of Fame, and a while back, Mike's mom Clare came to Fraser Field before a Lynn game and received copies of Mike and Jim's hall of fame awards. I am the curator. God has blessed the world with the wonderful Hegan family of Lynn and Cleveland fame. God's baseball team in Heaven will go 162-and-O now that He has dad Jim catching and son Mike playing first base.

Bob Keaney

January 9, 2014

I grew up in and spent a good portion of my life in Cleveland. I remember Mike's father Jim as a great defensive catcher for the Indians. I also listened to mike on the Indians broadcasts.Mike made you feel you at the ball game.

Barry Zuckerman

January 1, 2014

I am so sorry to hear this, we had pulmo rehab classes together and he always made me feel better about myself. always upbeat and spoke so highly of his wife, tough going through this difficult breathing problems, but we hsve angels here and out there helping us, a breathe is so priceless......

December 31, 2013

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

david mitchell

December 31, 2013

It was always a good thing to hear Mike broadcasting on radio and TV for the Indians. He always reminded me of his Dad. #4 was my very favorite player when I was growing up and rooting for the Tribe. When the Hegan family lived on Norton Ave. in Lakewood
my friend (who also lived on Norton) and I went to the door and asked if Jim was home. A very gracious Claire Hegan smiled and went to get Jim. It was a bonus day for us as Bob Lemon was staying with them so we got both Jim's and Bob's picture and autograph. Mike came from a class family and we were fortunate they were a part of Cleveland history. Safe home,Mike. Joyce Haller, Rocky River

December 31, 2013

I am sorry for your family and great loss. I saw Jim Hegan belt a grand-slam homer in Yankee Stadium for Cleveland in the late 1940's, a memorable event among my many visits to the Bronx ball-park.

norman winkler

December 30, 2013

Mike was one of the best defensive 1st basemen in MLB in the early 1970's. I remember the time he dove for the hard hit ball by Cesar Geronimo, crawled to 1st base and hit it with the ball in his hand. If he would have hit a bit better he would have beat out Mike Epstein for the position.

My wife and I will be praying for the family and if any would not know Jesus Christ as their Lord & Savior would come and accept Him through this very sad time.

Larry Kitner

December 30, 2013

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

December 30, 2013

HE is healing the brokenhearted and binding the up there painful spots.

December 30, 2013

Mike you will always be in our hearts. You were a wonderful person and will be missed by many.

Veronica Carroll

December 29, 2013

Dear Hegan Family,

I am a big Indians fan and always loved listening to Mike broadcast the games. He made them exciting.

May God be with you and comfort you at this difficult time.

Norma - Cleveland, OH

December 29, 2013

Mike was a great man and passionate about the things he loved - Nancy and the boys, baseball and golf. I had the pleasure of working with him on the WUAB telecasts for seven seasons.

I remember he missed the first two games of a road trip to Minnesota to be at his son's wedding and rejoined us Sunday thrilled by both a wonderful time with his family and his first hole-in-one!

Ave atque vale... Hail and farewell, good friend.

Brian Johnson

December 29, 2013

You were a favorite here in Milwaukee and will never be forgotten. Sympathies to your family.

louise wisinski

December 29, 2013

Rest in Peace Mike, you were a great friend all the way back to grade school.

Tim Freeman

December 29, 2013

rip

michelle plakas-kaiser

December 29, 2013

To the family of James Hegan sorry for the loss of your love one. Happ are those who mourn, since they will be comforted

December 28, 2013

Our deep, heartfelt condolences to the Hegan family for your recent loss. It must be nice to have so many people recognize Mike as a great person and an outstanding baseball professional. Our memories of him will always be cherished ones that somehow bring us comfort. Comfort can be your also if you draw close to God in prayer with the assurance that he will respond by easing your pain and filling your thoughts with pleasant memories. Also remember that Mike will remain in God's memory because he is precious in His eyes.

The Carters

December 28, 2013

Mike was truly a class friend family man and athlete. Peace to his family and friends.Rest in Peace Mchael

Bryan Masterson

December 28, 2013

A great ball player that will be truly missed.Take comfort in God's answer to the question, If a man dies can he live again?God will call our loved ones name and he will answer.What a wonderful promise from God!

Cheryl

December 28, 2013

Hegan Family,

We are sorry for your loss. We are praying for the Family and hoping that James precious memories will help you be at peace at this difficult time. May the God who gives peace be with all of you.-RO.15:33

December 28, 2013

We were honored to have him as part of our Indians broadcasts for many years. He was professional, accurate, and extremely funny when Hegan and Hamilton would do the west coast games in the middle of the night here in the east. He came across as a pro's pro, a really gentleman, proud of his Dad and of his family and his accomplishments. May he rest in peace, job well done my servant, time now to rest(but probably on the golf course). Have a big scoop of rocky road in the clubhouse on us your fans.

Robert Piechowski

December 27, 2013

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

DStallings

December 27, 2013

Nancy, you & your family are in our thoughts & prayers. Mike was a special person.

Ken & Mary Ann Sanders

December 27, 2013

Mr. Hegan was a great guy, fun to be around and always had time to tell a story or two. Blessings to Mrs. Hegan and Family

Jason Freels

December 27, 2013

Was very saddened to hear of the passing of a great broadcaster, he really brought excitement to the Indians broadcasts. So thankful that I have baseball cards of both Mike and his father Jim. I can only imagine he is doing play by play in heaven now. May the love of our dear savior be with Mikes family during this time of sorrow. Rest in Peace Mike and many thanks for your contributions to baseball.

Victor Checketts

December 27, 2013

Mike, you will be missed. Just a great guy like his dad, Jim. All true tribe fans salute you both and offer our thanks and prayers for having you with us.

Joe Fusco

December 26, 2013

This is a sad time for all true Indians' fans... Mike Hegan was truly one of the best announcers especially with Jack Corrigan. We will are truly sorry for the Hegan family's loss and we know all will miss him. A true "Class Act" on and off the field. Thanks for the memories!!
- Lisa and Mike Hug

December 26, 2013

summertime and the radio, on the back porch with Mike.That too has passed but sometimes you think you hear it.... "Hit high, hit deep, track, wall looking up, gone."

Mark Cross

December 26, 2013

MIKE IT WAS ALWAYS NICE LISTENING TO YOU ON AND OFF THE AIR THANKS A CLASS ACT ! PLAY CATCH WITH ALL THE GREATS,HERB BOB FELLER THE BABE STAN LOU LUKE EASTER,JOLTIN JOE !!

PETER JAGIELLA

December 26, 2013

So sorry to hear. He was one of my favorites especially as a broadcaster. My sympathies to the family.

louise wisinski

December 26, 2013

Classy guy.

TOM MCKINNEY

December 26, 2013

Spent many trips travelling on the road listening to Mike broadcast the Indians games on the radio. Sometimes you don't even have to meet someone in person to have them as a friend!

Rick Lindenberger

December 26, 2013

To the Hegan Family:

Baseball fans were lucky enough to have father and son play baseball for us.

May God shower you with many blessings in the days ahead.

You will be remembered in my prayers.

Mike Dugan

December 26, 2013

My deepest sympathy to the families of Mr. Hegan

December 26, 2013

Sorry to hear my condolences to family and friends

Ernest Caissie

December 26, 2013

I have fond memories of Mike not only broadcasting Indian games but also speaking with him at Progressive Field several times. He once autographed a photo for my Mom and even gave her a get well shout out during a broadcast. She still remembers and talks about that special message. May you Rest in Peace. Your family is in my prayers.
Thank you for sharing Mike with us.

Don Gentile

December 26, 2013

In God's care rest in peace

Dwayne Bickham

December 26, 2013

I played against Mike in 1963. He was with the Idaho Falls Yankees & I pitched for the Magic Valley Cowboys(Phillies) in Twin Falls Idaho. I faced him olny once & struck him out. Thanks Mike for that great memory for me. You went on to make the big time & I didn't. Rest in peace my friend.

Dave Schaller

December 26, 2013

As a life long fan of the Indians, Mike will always be remembered in my heart! Listened to so many of his broadcasts! A class person in every way! Well, Mike....you now have box seats high above every MLB park to view the sport you loved! You will be missed!

E Litz

December 26, 2013

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

DStallings

December 26, 2013

Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

Harry Simpson

December 26, 2013

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Mass of Christian Burial

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