Friday, October 11, 2013

Deaths: Andy Pafko-- The Forlorn Outfielder At "Shot Heard Round the World"


From Oct. 9, 2013, AP.

ANDY PAFKO, 92

Played on the LAST CUBS TEAM to go to the World Series, 1945. Also the "famously forlorn outfielder who watched Bobby Thompson's 'Shot Heard Round the World' sail over the left-field wall during the 1951 National League playoff."

Died Oct. 8th.

Started with the Cubs at age 19 in 1945 and batted .298, helping them to the pennant. All-Star from 1947-1951. In 1950 hit .304 with 36 home runs and 92 RBI. Played with Brooklyn in 1950, then Milwaukee in 1953 and retired in 1959. Had three other World Series appearances against the Yankees.

In 1998, his 1952 Topps baseball card (in mint condition) sold for $84,000. Babe Rith's 1933 card sold at the same auction for $32,485.

Unfortunately, Mr. Pafko played before I was interested in baseball, but I'd heard of him.

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