All these times I’ve crossed the cemetery on Florida Avenue on my way to Illinois Field to watch the Illini play, I never realized I was passing by the gravestone of a former major leaguer.
I learn from Kyle of the Chillini blog:
Big Jeff (Pfeffer) was born and raised in Champaign and attended the University of Illinois. He is currently buried at St. Mary’s cemetery, which is located on the southwest side of Champaign. Big Jeff will always have my respect for being a member of the Chicago Cubs (1905, 1910), but he will forever be remembered for throwing a no-hitter in 1907 as a member of the Boston Doves.
Perhaps next time, I’ll take some extra time to find his gravestone.