The Murder of Tommy Ball

[UsualSuspect]

Just read the Murder of Tommy ball which is basically a booklet written by paul lester and covers Tommy's murder and the fact that he was/is the only professional footballer to be murdered.

I must admit I had never heard of him, just wondered if any one else had read this booklet and if anyone knew if his grave was still in a state of dis-repair?

[curiousorange]

I must admit, when I saw the topic title I thought it was to do with the crap comedian, before remembering it was TOMMY Cannon and Bobby BALL.

To answer your questions, no to both of them.

[Bent Neilsens Screamer]

Just read the Murder of Tommy ball which is basically a booklet written by paul lester and covers Tommy's murder and the fact that he was/is the only professional footballer to be murdered.
I must admit I had never heard of him, just wondered if any one else had read this booklet and if anyone knew if his grave was still in a state of dis-repair?

Never heard of him.

Andreas Escobar was murdered!

[Greg N'Ash]

There was a big article in the mail about it a few months back. Very sad story. they showed the grave, and its looks in decent nick considering

[UsualSuspect]

Sorry should have said English/british

He was a great prospect and was murdered in Perry Barr in i think 1923. The book covered the fact that whilst Duncan Edwards grave in Dudley is a fitting tribute to him (and rightly so) Tommy's grave (i think from memory in Aston) is overgrown and desecrated

[UsualSuspect]

Greg as this book was written in 1996 do u think it would have been given a new lease of life??

[Greg N'Ash]

Greg as this book was written in 1996 do u think it would have been given a new lease of life??

trying to remember. from memory they showed the inscription from the villa players on the grave. could have been cleaned up since i guess

[pauliewalnuts]

My grandad used to take me down to see the grave and tell me the story of Tommy Ball.

It always looked in ok state to me.

This was in about 1974, mind.

[Chico Hamilton III]

didn't we once have a relative of Tommy Ball post a message on here, many many years ago? Unless I dreamt it

Mac'll tell us

[Hookeysmith]

The grave is in St Johns church in Church lane Perry Barr if anyone is interested

Not sure of the state of it as i have not seen it for a good few years

[ADVILLAFAN]

I think I read about it in the Miscellany, or Villa Who's Who book.

Killed by his neighbour (possibly Landlord?).

[Bent Neilsens Screamer]

I think I read about it in the Miscellany, or Villa Who's Who book.

Killed by his neighbour (possibly Landlord?).

Ah, now you've said that it rings a bell.

[Mac]

Chico's right.  Tommy Ball's story crops up on the website every couple of years.  The last time, or time before prompted a relation of Tommy's to post - they were suprised that we cared about the story.

[TheSandman]

I think I read about it in the Miscellany, or Villa Who's Who book.

Killed by his neighbour (possibly Landlord?).

I definitely remember it being in the Miscellany.

[Vancouver]

My money is on professor plum. Usually it is mustard but plum has a dark streak