This article discusses the suicide of Cincinnati Reds backup catcher, Willard Hershberger. Hershberger was depressed & mentioned suicide often during the 1940 season. In July, the Reds’ catcher sprained an ankle, & Hershberger took over. The Reds won 4 games, but then lost 5 in a row. The Reds were still 6 games up in the National League but Hershberger blamed himself for the losses. His father had committed suicide, & on August 3, 1940, Hershberger did the same. (VM)