Two 1950s sluggers pass away

[sox83cubs84]

As nt_eagle pointed out in another thread, Gus Zernial has passed away (January 20) at age 87. He played from 1949-59 with the White Sox, Athletics (Philly and KC) and the Tigers. Zernial hit 42 home runs for the A's in 1953, and, in '51, clubbed 129 RBIs in a season which saw him play in 4 games with the Chisox before being dealt to Philadelphia. He set a then-record for the White Sox by smacking 29 round-trippers for them in 1950.

Also, George Crowe died on January 18 at age 89.

Crowe played for 9 seasons in the Majors; 3 each with the Braves (1952-53 and 1955), the Redlegs (1956-58) and the Cardinals (1959-61). With Cincinnati in 1957, he was a regular, and took pitchers' offerings to the tune of 31 HRs and 92 RBI. Frank Robinson creited Crowe with being one of his mentors (along with Bob Thurman) when the three were together with the Redlegs.

Dave Miedema

[earlywynnfan]

Sadly, 2 more WWII Vets. Crowe was one tought living Negro Lg autograph, too.

Ken
earlywynnfan5@hotmail.com

[ironmanfan]

Nice tribute on Zernial from a Fresno, CA news station where he was a sports anchor:

http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?se...rts&id=7912575

[nt_eagle]

Nice tribute! Much thanks, ironman!!!