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Mark-Littell

In Loving Memory

Littell, Mark Alan

 

Mark Alan Littell

January 17th, 1953 – September 5th, 2022

Mark Alan Littell, 69, passed on Monday, September 5th, 2022 in Saint Louis, Missouri.

Viewing will be on Monday, September 12th, 2022 from 4-7pm at Kutis Funeral Home, 10151 Gravois Rd.

Funeral Services will be on Tuesday, September 13th, 2022 at 10am at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 1755 Des Peres Rd.

Burial will follow at Bellefontaine Cemetery.

Mark was born on January 17th, 1953, son of Alan Littell and Jeanne Reiffer Littell in Cape Girardeau.  Mark and his brother, Eric, grew up on their farm in the Bootheel of Missouri and there are numerous stories of the antics those two boys got into – Mark instigating and leading all the way.  People are amazed they survived their childhood!  From, Mark on the roof of barn throwing shingles down on Eric, splitting his head open – to blowing up the pump house, blowing up a tree stump that broke all the windows of the nearby truck.

During the high school National Physical Fitness Drive where they measured how far you could throw a baseball and then charted the statistics, Mark threw so hard that the ball flew off the school grounds, across the street, bounced off the Dairy Queen, never to be found!

His nephew, Todd, said, “You’ve heard of American tall tales about someone that can throw something 100MPH and lived in the woods in a cabin he built in Daniel Boone country, that was Mark.  He seemed like an urban legend – but that’s what made him special – it was all true.

Mark graduated from Gideon High School and began his professional baseball career.  He pitched for Kansas City Royals from 1973 – 1977 and for the St Louis Cardinals from 1978 – 1982.  Most people knew him as “Country” and later as “Ramrod”.  He would enter the game to the John Denver song “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” while tens of thousands of fans sang along.  His last year with the Cardinals in 1982 they won the World Series!

After 1982, Mark continued in baseball.  Coaching in the Minor League for LA Dodgers, San Diego Padres and Milwaukee Brewers.  One day he asked his players how many were wearing their protective cup?  Answer, not many.  So on his next off-season he invented an “anatomically correct, comfortable sports cup”.  Calling it the Nutty Buddy.  And his sizes weren’t S, M or L – NOPE! He has 5 sizes called, Hammer, Boss, Hog, Trophy and MONGO!

He was a big promoter of his product and it won numerous awards.  He appeared on Fox and Friends in Times Square, the late night shows and Fox Sports Science.  You can view him on YOUTUBE where he takes a shot from the pitching machine at 90 MPH at 6′ away!  He challenged all CEO’s of sport cups to take a shot wearing their cup…NO ONE took him up on it!!

Throughout Mark’s life he continued to teach children through baseball and public speaking.  Many of his teams produced players that went on to Major League teams.

Mark traveled throughout the world with baseball.  Going to Australia, Puerto Rico, Panama, Dominican Republic and Cuba.  He would return home to the Bootheel and his parent’s farm with teammates.  His mom, Jeanne, would make him ‘hot’ or ‘mild’ raccoon, possum or squirrel pie!  Mark would say, “I’ll eat anything that’s dead and got the hair off”!

After retirement from baseball, Mark decided to start writing.  Telling stories of growing up in the Bootheel and Major League adventures both on and off the field.  He has three books: “On The Eighth Day God Made Baseball”, “Country Boy Conveniently Wild”, and “What’s Up Ramrod?”.

He, also, volunteered his time to the Wake Foundation where he met with Vets at hospitals and nursing homes always sharing his stories and intently listening to theirs.

Mark met Sanna (Osgood) through best friends in baseball and after their first date they both knew they were destined to spend the rest of their lives together.  They married in Scottsdale, Arizona on February 5th, 2000.  Never was there a dull moment!

Mark’s strength is in relating to people on many levels.  He kept in touch with those he knew and those he met on Facebook and people he met through his travels.  He would call at all hours of the day or night just to see how you were doing.  Every person Mark met, was his friend.

Mark is funny, a giver, a teacher, an author, a builder, a product promoter, a lender of help for good causes, a winner and an Orthodox Christian.

Mark is survived by his wife of 22 years, Sanna; brother Eric (Susan) Littell; two nephews, Todd Littell and Neil (Dana) Littell and two great nieces, Adelaide and Victoria.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alan and Jeanne Littell.

Donations in lieu of flowers to go to Veterans group: thewakefoundation.org

Condolences

42 thoughts on “Littell, Mark Alan”

  1. Mark was a good man, everyone in Gideon was proud of him. When I was on the park board at Gideon we took a bus load of little leagues to St. Louis to see a ballgame, Mark brought himself and three more Cardinals out to the bus after the ballgame and meet all the kids. Prayers for Marks wife and Eric. RIP Mark

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  2. Mark was a good man, everyone in Gideon was proud of him. When I was on the park board at Gideon we took a bus load of little leagues to St. Louis to see a ballgame, Mark brought himself and three more Cardinals out to the bus after the ballgame and meet all the kids. Prayers for Marks wife and Eric. RIP Mark

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  3. He’ll be missed by many. I wonder who will take on the next three books with all of our stories about Mark? I guarantee they would be worth collecting …

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  4. He’ll be missed by many. I wonder who will take on the next three books with all of our stories about Mark? I guarantee they would be worth collecting …

    Reply
  5. Mark was a tremendous friend to our family, in fact he was family to us. He was supremely talented athletically and creatively as well. Most of all he was honest and caring. He was an original, no one will ever be like him.

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  6. Mark was a tremendous friend to our family, in fact he was family to us. He was supremely talented athletically and creatively as well. Most of all he was honest and caring. He was an original, no one will ever be like him.

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  7. Mark truly embodied the phrase “larger than life!” The world has lost a generous man who would stop at nothing to either make you laugh or warm your heart with gratitude for his caring nature. We shall miss you Country!

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  8. Mark truly embodied the phrase “larger than life!” The world has lost a generous man who would stop at nothing to either make you laugh or warm your heart with gratitude for his caring nature. We shall miss you Country!

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  9. Mark was great. After I retired from teaching I continued to tutor. I mentioned to Mark I had an 11-year old Little League pitcher I was teaching that was homebound and getting cancer treatments. In a heartbeat an envelope arrived and with it several nice pictures and signed items plus a beautiful inspirational note to the boy. The smile on the boy’s face was priceless. Things must have been getting too serious in heaven, so I guess that’s why God needed him. Must be a lot of laughs there now. Thank God for the “Eighth Day” and Mark Littell.

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  10. Mark was great. After I retired from teaching I continued to tutor. I mentioned to Mark I had an 11-year old Little League pitcher I was teaching that was homebound and getting cancer treatments. In a heartbeat an envelope arrived and with it several nice pictures and signed items plus a beautiful inspirational note to the boy. The smile on the boy’s face was priceless. Things must have been getting too serious in heaven, so I guess that’s why God needed him. Must be a lot of laughs there now. Thank God for the “Eighth Day” and Mark Littell.

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  11. We are second cousins, as my mother was a Rieffer. I interviewed Mark for the Rieffer book I was researching and writing. He didn’t act ‘famous’ at all. He was so friendly and easy going, I’m proud to be related to Eric and him. Although I never met him in person, I feel great regret and grief upon his death. I’m glad to know he’s in heaven now.

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  12. We are second cousins, as my mother was a Rieffer. I interviewed Mark for the Rieffer book I was researching and writing. He didn’t act ‘famous’ at all. He was so friendly and easy going, I’m proud to be related to Eric and him. Although I never met him in person, I feel great regret and grief upon his death. I’m glad to know he’s in heaven now.

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  13. My mother, Agnes Littell Evans, Mark’s great aunt, would have been so saddened .as I am. My heart goes out to Mark’s wife , Sanna and Eric , Mark’s brother.

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  14. My mother, Agnes Littell Evans, Mark’s great aunt, would have been so saddened .as I am. My heart goes out to Mark’s wife , Sanna and Eric , Mark’s brother.

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  15. Mark loved people. He loved baseball. Mark
    Was a pleasure to cover when he pitched in Kansas City and St. Louis. I just wish I could have spent more time with him. A true winner on the field who off the field enriched the lives of so many.
    Rest In Peace Mark.

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  16. Mark loved people. He loved baseball. Mark
    Was a pleasure to cover when he pitched in Kansas City and St. Louis. I just wish I could have spent more time with him. A true winner on the field who off the field enriched the lives of so many.
    Rest In Peace Mark.

    Reply
  17. Words cannot describe how lost the Wake Foundation feels with the passing of our friend Mark Littell. I travelled with Mark to several veteran homes, veteran hospital’s and military bases honoring our veterans and active duty military. Thanks for being a baseball legend to our Veterans.We had one veteran dying of cancer who wanted to meet Mark and he took the time to go have lunch with him. Mark never met strangers. He was very kind and compassionate to everyone. He was always laughing and was a lot of fun to be with. I will truly miss him and I’m very thankful for all that he did for the Wake Foundation. Sanna your in our hearts and prayers and we want to thank you for sharing Mark with our Veterans. One of the last things that he told me was that if he doesn’t make it through this surgery he would be in Heaven. He was a true friend that I’m going to really miss We will see you again Country. Save a place for me in Heaven.

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  18. Words cannot describe how lost the Wake Foundation feels with the passing of our friend Mark Littell. I travelled with Mark to several veteran homes, veteran hospital’s and military bases honoring our veterans and active duty military. Thanks for being a baseball legend to our Veterans.We had one veteran dying of cancer who wanted to meet Mark and he took the time to go have lunch with him. Mark never met strangers. He was very kind and compassionate to everyone. He was always laughing and was a lot of fun to be with. I will truly miss him and I’m very thankful for all that he did for the Wake Foundation. Sanna your in our hearts and prayers and we want to thank you for sharing Mark with our Veterans. One of the last things that he told me was that if he doesn’t make it through this surgery he would be in Heaven. He was a true friend that I’m going to really miss We will see you again Country. Save a place for me in Heaven.

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  19. Mark and I had great conversations about Tallapoosa, MO. My whole family loved him, and these last few years was always happy when he stayed with us. He never called without checking on our daughter that he called “Sass.” Sanna, I am so glad we got to meet you because of Mark. You made him a better man. Blessings of comfort.

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  20. Mark and I had great conversations about Tallapoosa, MO. My whole family loved him, and these last few years was always happy when he stayed with us. He never called without checking on our daughter that he called “Sass.” Sanna, I am so glad we got to meet you because of Mark. You made him a better man. Blessings of comfort.

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  21. During the mid 1970s when Mark was in Kansas City, Mark and my father John struck up an unusual friendship that included hunting and fishing excursions that would border on the extreme. He was a great friend to our family and he will be missed by many. Thank God he was a “Country Boy”

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  22. During the mid 1970s when Mark was in Kansas City, Mark and my father John struck up an unusual friendship that included hunting and fishing excursions that would border on the extreme. He was a great friend to our family and he will be missed by many. Thank God he was a “Country Boy”

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  23. I was truly blessed with the opportunity to get to know Mark over the last several years (because of his brother, Eric). Mark called, after my last Fantasy camp, just to see how it went, and would call every so often just to talk baseball, life, etc. Frankly I don’t know how he had enough time to keep up with everyone, but he was amazing in that regard and I’m going to miss those calls. Once, when they were coming through KC, he and his amazing wife Sanna stopped and met me for lunch where he signed my Ramrod book (I was the first to get that amazing book signed), he also signed my Nutty Buddy, and he also brought me a signed 8×10 (which I wasn’t expecting, and is a cherished memento)

    My heart goes out to Sanna, Eric and his whole family. RIP Mark, you are and always will be missed.

    Reply
  24. I was truly blessed with the opportunity to get to know Mark over the last several years (because of his brother, Eric). Mark called, after my last Fantasy camp, just to see how it went, and would call every so often just to talk baseball, life, etc. Frankly I don’t know how he had enough time to keep up with everyone, but he was amazing in that regard and I’m going to miss those calls. Once, when they were coming through KC, he and his amazing wife Sanna stopped and met me for lunch where he signed my Ramrod book (I was the first to get that amazing book signed), he also signed my Nutty Buddy, and he also brought me a signed 8×10 (which I wasn’t expecting, and is a cherished memento)

    My heart goes out to Sanna, Eric and his whole family. RIP Mark, you are and always will be missed.

    Reply
  25. Mark was a true friend, and will be dearly missed. He was a brother in baseball with me. Rest In Peace – Country, prayers for your family.

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  26. Mark was a true friend, and will be dearly missed. He was a brother in baseball with me. Rest In Peace – Country, prayers for your family.

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  27. Our family wishes to send our deepest condolences to Sanna, Mark’s family, friends, and all who knew Mark.
    Mark was a very loved member of The Best Ever You Network. Our family had the honor, as many did, of calling Mark a friend. We became a part of his extended baseball family and he ours as he loved keeping a watchful eye on our son Cam Guarino, now pitching for the Georgetown Hoyas. Mark was proud of his achievement. Personally, I loved interviewing Mark on the BEY podcast and promoting his insightful books. It was privilege to interview him and great fun to hear all about Mark’s adventures. He was especially passionate when speaking about the Wake Foundation helping wounded Veterans. Mark did many good deeds and his energy and passion for those he called friends and family will be missed dearly. Our family made a donation to the Wake Foundation in Mark’s honor and will continue to support the Foundation where and when possible.
    God Bless    

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  28. Our family wishes to send our deepest condolences to Sanna, Mark’s family, friends, and all who knew Mark.
    Mark was a very loved member of The Best Ever You Network. Our family had the honor, as many did, of calling Mark a friend. We became a part of his extended baseball family and he ours as he loved keeping a watchful eye on our son Cam Guarino, now pitching for the Georgetown Hoyas. Mark was proud of his achievement. Personally, I loved interviewing Mark on the BEY podcast and promoting his insightful books. It was privilege to interview him and great fun to hear all about Mark’s adventures. He was especially passionate when speaking about the Wake Foundation helping wounded Veterans. Mark did many good deeds and his energy and passion for those he called friends and family will be missed dearly. Our family made a donation to the Wake Foundation in Mark’s honor and will continue to support the Foundation where and when possible.
    God Bless    

    Reply
  29. I am a Cardinals fan, only met Mark one time at a sports memorabilia show in Bridgeton, MO, where he was signing copies of his book, “On the Eighth Day, God Made Baseball.” It was getting later in the day, crowd was getting light, and stopped by to have Mark sign an 1982 Cardinals Championship poster that I was having players from that team sign. I must have picked the perfect time because after me there was no one else in the line. So Mark and I struck up a conversation. He asked me about myself, we spoke about St. Louis and he asked my recommendations on places to live there since he was considering a move to St. Louis at that time. I don’t believe we even discussed baseball at any time. We just chatted like two old friends catching up for about 20 minutes. He was just as nice, funny and personable as anyone you would ever want to meet and I have never enjoyed meeting a professional athlete as much as I enjoyed meeting Mark that day. It stayed with me and will continue to do so. He just had a larger than life personality! Really, I just wanted to express my extreme sadness at learning of his passing and let you know how Mark taking some extended time to speak with a fan really meant something to me and is such a warm memory in my life. God bless you and I know God has a wonderful angel watching over us all.

    Reply
  30. I am a Cardinals fan, only met Mark one time at a sports memorabilia show in Bridgeton, MO, where he was signing copies of his book, “On the Eighth Day, God Made Baseball.” It was getting later in the day, crowd was getting light, and stopped by to have Mark sign an 1982 Cardinals Championship poster that I was having players from that team sign. I must have picked the perfect time because after me there was no one else in the line. So Mark and I struck up a conversation. He asked me about myself, we spoke about St. Louis and he asked my recommendations on places to live there since he was considering a move to St. Louis at that time. I don’t believe we even discussed baseball at any time. We just chatted like two old friends catching up for about 20 minutes. He was just as nice, funny and personable as anyone you would ever want to meet and I have never enjoyed meeting a professional athlete as much as I enjoyed meeting Mark that day. It stayed with me and will continue to do so. He just had a larger than life personality! Really, I just wanted to express my extreme sadness at learning of his passing and let you know how Mark taking some extended time to speak with a fan really meant something to me and is such a warm memory in my life. God bless you and I know God has a wonderful angel watching over us all.

    Reply
  31. Mark was a wonderful man who will always be remembered as a great friend and a truly remarkable person for all the great deeds he did for my son and our family in great times of need. He was and still will always be a great inspiration to our family.

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  32. Mark was a wonderful man who will always be remembered as a great friend and a truly remarkable person for all the great deeds he did for my son and our family in great times of need. He was and still will always be a great inspiration to our family.

    Reply
  33. Sanna, So Sorry to see Marks passing in 2022. I hope you are doing well, would like to be Facebook friends so I could make you laugh!
    Kirk Davidson Reno Nv (775) 846-9239. Can only receive texts due to hearing disability. I hope you get this and reply.

    Reply
  34. Sanna, So Sorry to see Marks passing in 2022. I hope you are doing well, would like to be Facebook friends so I could make you laugh!
    Kirk Davidson Reno Nv (775) 846-9239. Can only receive texts due to hearing disability. I hope you get this and reply.

    Reply

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