Tuesday, July 26, 2022

Hoyt Wilhelm 100 -- July 26, 2022


Right handed relief pitcher Hoyt Wilhelm was born 100 years ago today, on 26-July-1922. He threw a knuckleball.  This allowed him to pitch in the major leagues until he was nearly 50.  I remember being amazed a few years before he retired learning that a former New York Giant was still pitching. 

He was called Ol' Sarge because he was a veteran of World War Two; he served in the Battle of the Bulge and reached the rank of Staff Sergeant. 

His success with the Giants and other teams inspired many managers to rely on a relief ace. 

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