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Dennis Kissane passed away recently (June 2014). The world is a lesser place for his passing. We had long telephone conversations a couple of times over the past year. He suffered from adult onset diabiates. Personally, I do not like the thought of a world without Dennis. He was highly intelligent, thoughtful, and very insightfull in unconventional ways. Life can be difficult for such people, but they make life much more meaningful and challenging for those of us who are more conventional. We shared many a hearty laugh over life and its absurdities. He was a wonderful athlete, a boon companion, and a great human being. I will miss him greatly. Rest in Peace dear friend.
James Heitsch
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John Skipper
I did not know Dennis well but I remember him from my days writing up Oak Park HIgh School sports for Oak Leaves, the weekly newspaper. As I recall, he was a "walk on" on the baseball team and added colorful moments not only through his pitching but his personality. His old teammates could tell you better than I can, but I remember his as being a real character and pretty sure of himself. Dizzy Dean used to say, "It ain't bragging if you can do it" and Dennis could do it. I would love to read some reflections from some of his old teammates
Randy Kadlec
No one who played baseball with Denny could ever forget him. From the iconic "tryout" on the old baseball diamond (striking out the entire starting team in street shoes and hitting a mammoth drive into the stadium door, prompting Jack Kaiser to ask him what classes he was enrolled in), to seizing the moment and telling opposing batters what pitch was coming, to goofing around on the sidelines with the finest knuckeball this backup catcher has ever had the pleasure to try to get a mitt on, to engaging us all with his offbeat, but quick intelligence-- to hearing about his pinnacle pro moment, striking out Harmon Killebrew at an exhibition game in Milwaukee for his triple A team. So sorry to hear about the passing of one of the most unique members of our class.
James Nicolai
God bless Denny. Played some baseball with him, marveled at his talent and if I remember correctly he played for the White Sox for a while. Amazing speed on his fastball, amazing talent and a really good guy! :
Kathleen Bacom
Jim, you're right! Dennis did play for the Chicago White Sox system, minor leagues! How cool is that!
http://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Dennis_Kissane
http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.cgi?id=kissan001den
Rest in peace, Dennis.
James Nicolai
I agree with James!
Les Golden
I know this is tardy, but one day years ago I asked Coch Kaiser who was the best ballplayer he ever coached and he said Kissane. I'm pretty sure my memory is accurate on this. A relative of his, perhaps by marriage, Sharon Kissane, lives in Barrington. A writer's agent and also a bit of a character. I've been trying to get the park district to create a real stadium at Ridgeland Common and name it Jack Kaiser Stadium. I even created a mockup architect's sketch. To no avail.