Bobby Doerr died Monday. He was the current oldest living major league player and the oldest Hall of Famer. He died five months short of turning 100:
Doerr was a celebrated presence at Fenway Park, along with Ted Williams and Dom DiMaggio in the outfield and Johnny Pesky at shortstop. He was the last surviving major league player from the 1930s, having begun his career with the Red Sox in 1937.
His death leaves Red Schoendienst, 94, best known for his years with the St. Louis Cardinals, as the oldest living Hall of Famer.
Doerr lacked the tempestuousness of a Williams and the celebrity name of a DiMaggio. He went about his business quietly and became a team leader through his steady excellence.
My thoughts go out to his family and friends.
Doerr’s career ended at seasonal age 33, but he managed to play 14 seasons as he came to the majors at age 19 and only lost one year to World War II. His .288/.362/.461 slash line was likely outstanding for a second baseman of the day. At the time, second base was a defensive position, so those number likely stood out. Note that his Hall of Fame status came from the veterans committee, not the baseball writers.
His death leaves Chuck Stevens the oldest living player, also at 99 years old, born July 10, 1918. There are now only four living ball players older than my father, who turned 97 in September.
from baseballmusings.com http://ift.tt/2mqNtKn
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