This article describes the 1940 suicide death of Willard Hershberger, a reserve catcher for the Cincinnati Reds. Hershberger was a good batter & talented catcher, & his team seemed destined to win. The author explores short-term & long-term reasons for his suicide, for example, a record-breaking heat wave caused Hershberger to dehydrate & play badly. Hershberger’s family history, including his father’s suicide, is also detailed. (VM)