Billy Bruton: Defensive Wizard

Cleveland hurler Mel Harder pitched for 20 seasons and still holds the club record for career games pitched at 582. He later became an outstanding pitching coach.

Billy broke in with the Milwaukee Braves and led the NL in stolen bases his rookie year and the next two seasons. In the 1958 World Series vs the Yankees he was 7 for 17 at the plate for the Braves.

Earl Battey put on a clinic catching throughout his career in the Big leagues. The four time All Star compiled a .990 career fielding percentage behind the plater throwing out 43.44 percent of base runners attempting to steal.

A low profile netted high offensive numbers for the 1949 AL Rookie of the Year. The 5 time All-Star led the league in Home runs and RBI in 1957.

Jack Buck was an American original. The voice of the St. Louis Cardinals for close to a half century. He displayed his versatility calling games for the NFL, NHL, and NBA. Mr. Buck served in the Army during WWII earning a Purple Heart.

Wilbur Wood is known for his knuckleball and durability. The three time All-Star led the American League twice in wins in 1972 and 1973. Many believe he was the best ever left handed knuckle ball pitcher in Major League history.

With the game on the line relief pitcher Dick Radatz is not someone you would want to see staring down at you from the pitchers mound. In 1964 Dick established a MLB record for strikeouts in a season by a relief pitcher with 181.

Gene Woodling knew what it took to win ballgames and the bigger they were the more he excelled. He was a strong contributor during the New York Yankees dynasty that won five consecutive Fall Classics.

Lew Burdette always appeared as if he was nervous in the service of his team. However, the right hander was a superb pitcher who anchored the Milwaukee Braves pitching staff when they won it all.

Bob Purkey was a right hander with a big heart. He was the mainstay of Cincinnati’s pitching staff in the early 1960’s.