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Ralph Caballero Obituary

Ralph "Putsy" Caballero passed away peacefully on December 8, 2016 at the age of 89. Born in New Orleans in 1927, Putsy was a star on his Jesuit High School team when he was signed by the Philadelphia Phillies at the age of 16. He made his major league debut with the Phillies at 3rd base on September 14, 1944. He still holds the major league record for being the youngest 3rd baseman ever to play in the big leagues and is the second youngest player ever to play in all of major league baseball. He was a member of the 1950 Phillies "Whiz Kids" who captured the National League pennant from the heavily favored Brooklyn Dodgers on the last day of the season. He appeared in three World Series games against the New York Yankees. Putsy, when asked what is his fondest memory, states "when I tagged Jackie Robinson out at 3rd base." Caballero was honored twice by his home town. He was a 1994 inductee into the All State Sugar Bowl Greater New Orleans Hall of Fame and a 2009 inductee into the New Orleans Professional Hall of Fame. After baseball, Putsy was co-owner of a pest control company until he retired. He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Caballero and Thelma Perrier Caballero and his three brothers, Roy, Raymond and Monroe Caballero and his brother-in-law, Dan Levy. Putsy is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Clare Levy Caballero. Putsy has always said "I fell in love with her the first time I saw her." He is also survived by his 7 children, Rickey Caballero (the late Angelle), Ralph "Cabby" Caballero, Jr. (Barbara), Danny Caballero (Orlean), Steve Caballero (Connie), Johnny Caballero, Clare Caballero, and Audrey Caballero Nuss (George); 9 grandchildren Kelli Doussan, Dusten, Jennifer, Rachael, Stephanie, Carly, Christopher Caballero, Jordan & Kristen Nuss; 1 great grandson River Doussan. The family would like to give special thanks to Maria, Melvin and Terry from Lakeside Hospice. They were a blessing to the family. Services were held privately for the family. To view and sign the family guestbook please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The New Orleans Advocate from Dec. 13 to Dec. 18, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Caballero

Not sure what to say?





Harry T. Begg, III

June 18, 2017

"Putsy was truly a gift from God to us all. His love of life and people, made the world a better place. His influence on me, will never die. Your family was truly blessed by having Putsy. He will be in my prayers always, as will your family." ~ Harry T. Begg, III

Harry T. Begg, III

June 18, 2017

Mrs. Caballero , Rick, Dan, Cabby,Steve, Claire and family. As I am sure you know, my mom and I have both been very ill. Nevertheless, we want to express, our deepest sympathy re: the loss of Putsy. There is no excuse for such late sympathy, but we speak from our hearts and Putsy is in our prayers. The loss of Mary Begg, was not only unexpected but like the loss of Putsy, was overwhelming. Putsy was like a father to me (Harry), and I think of him often. Over the years, not once was Putsy "not there" for me whenever I needed him. Putsy had the ability to always find the good in everyone and I was no exception. I personally miss him dearly and will never forget all that he meant to me. He always encouraged me during the toughest of times, and never looked at my faults, but rather my true self. While my vision is gone, my memories of Putsy, will remain with me as long as I live. The world would be a better place if there were more men like him. Respectfully, Harry T. Begg, III & Mrs. Harry T. Begg, Jr.

Ralph PUTSY Caballero - January 2013

Cliff Welch

March 19, 2017

I was able to meet you when I was in New Orleans for the Super Bowl. I came by to visit you and though you & your lovely wife did not know me, you welcomed me into your home and we talked baseball, family, New Orleans and we talked about your wife's favorite football team...the Saints. I just found out about this and I am very sad to say the least. My prayers are with all of your friends and family. Thank you for the great memories that I will always cherish!

Lois with Putsy 1999, New Orleans

Lois Christy

December 22, 2016

To Clare and the family,
I was saddened to hear of Putsy's death. I realize he was ill and I was trying to plan a trip to New Orleans in early 2017 to visit. I last saw him when he was 70, a long time ago and one of my greatest joys. My husband and I visited the day after his 70th and shared a piece of birthday cake together.I have always called myself his "#1 fan" and have followed him throughout the years.Number 3 is our favorite number because of him and all 8 of my children understand why. I proud to have grown up in Philadelphia, to have witness the 1950 World Series and had the honor staying in contact with Putsy all these years.

May he rest in peace...Lois Christy

New Orleans 2000

Janet and Steven Bright

December 22, 2016

My whole life my mothe Lois (Putsy's greatest fan) spoke of him and the 1950 Phillies. My family grew up with memories of my mother growing up in Philadelphia, her favorite player and the number 3 will always be the best. My husband Steven
and I will always cherish our visit to your home & the stories he shared with us.
Wishing your family the peace and grace that his love and memories will continue to bring.

Emmie and Eddie Tabor

December 17, 2016

Cabby
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Emmie and Eddie Tabor

Pat Morris

December 16, 2016

Rickey,
I am sorry for your loss. Please extend my condolences to your family

Herb Anderson

December 16, 2016

We are very sorry for your loss.

December 15, 2016

Our deepest sympathy to the Caballero and Nuss family. Bernie Beth and Brett Hocke

December 15, 2016

Dear Mrs. Caballero, Rickey, Cabby, Danny, Steve, Johnny, Clare and Audrey

Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. Please know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers. Knowing Putsy, each of you and other families like yours is what made growing up in Lakeview so special to me and many others.

George Hebbler

Taylor and Tricia Casey

December 15, 2016

Cousin Clare, our deepest sympathy to you and your family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Mike Feehan

December 15, 2016

Ms. Clare and all the Caballeros: The world has lost a great man ! I'm so glad I got to see him one last time at Wesley's daughter's wedding ! May he REST IN Peace....

Gloria solorzano

December 15, 2016

Danny and the entire family, So sorry to hear of his passing, The loss of your father is huge. We send you prayers and sincere thoughts of comfort and love. Francisco and Gloria

December 14, 2016

Cabby, I am very sorry to hear about your dad's passing. May he rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your entire family. Ellen Parks Roche

December 14, 2016

Dear Mrs.Clare, Audrey,Rickey, Danny and the rest of the family. We were so sorry to hear about Mr. Putsy's passing. He will truly be missed by all and especially by the Treasure Chest. Our Thoughts and Prayers go out to all.

Cheryl and Michael Mulligan

December 14, 2016

DEAR Rickey, Danny, Cabby and family, I am so sorry to hear about Putsy passing. Ya'll are in my thoughts and prays.

Sincerly,

Anthony Taranto ( TD )

Beverly Bankston

December 14, 2016

Dear Rickey and Family
Sorry for your lost.
We lost a great man.
Beverly Bankston

December 14, 2016

A true Jesuit legend to this day and a quintessential New Orleanian. Bob Angelle

December 14, 2016

DEAR CLARE AND FAMILY, WE ARE SO SORRY TO HEAR OF PUTSY'S PASSING. YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. HE HAS NOW EARNED HIS REWARD IN HEAVEN. GOD NLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. GERRY AITKEN AND JERRY, JR.

Kurt Forshag

December 14, 2016

Dear Mrs. Caballero and the entire Caballero family,

I'm so sorry for your loss. I have so many wonderful memories of spending time at the Caballaro house when I was younger. Mr. Putsy was a joy to be around and always had the time to discover how I was doing, talk sports and always offer words of encouragement. I will always hold closely my memories of him. Your family is in my prayers.

Sincerely,

Kurt and Lisa Forshag

December 14, 2016

we lost a treasure.. So sorry for all of his family. He will be missed. But I'm sure they have baseball and casinos in Heaven. Billy Kraus

December 13, 2016

Ricky and Steve, Sorry to hear of your Dad's Passing....our Prayers are with you! Ricky and Kendra Chong

Walter and Cheri Tomeny

December 12, 2016

Dear Mrs Caballero and family,

Please accept our most heartfelt sympathy for your loss, you have been in our thoughts and prayers ever since we heard the very sad news. God will help you through this difficult time; take heart knowing that you all will be together again one day. How proud of him you must be knowing that not only did he have a very positive impact on the sport of baseball but he was an inspiration to young people who love the game. Thanks to the Baseball History books, his name will NEVER be forgotten. Sincerely, Walt and Cheri Tomeny

Brandon Muro

December 12, 2016

I always enjoyed your fun, playful, happy & joking nature. You will be missed. I'll never forget how much you loved your grandchildren as it showed with each and every interaction you had with them.

Desiree Willoz Drake

December 11, 2016

Mrs. Clare and family, we are thinking of you and extending our love and sympathy. My dad is so glad he got to visit with Mr. Putsy this past year after many years apart. My mom sends her love and condolences as well.....
Desiree Willoz Drake
Beryl Willoz
Jimmy "Jim" Willoz

December 9, 2016

May God's loving kindness comfort you and help you through this sad time Psalms 29:11

Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results

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