Eldon Auker
One of my favorite historical players passed away last week. Eldon Auker, who posted a 130-101 record in a ten-year career with the Tigers, Red Sox, and St. Louis Browns from 1933-1942, died on Friday in Florida at the age of 95.
I love watching sidearms and submariners, and Auker was one of the most extreme, and most successful. Like Chad Bradford today, Auker often brushed the dirt with this hand during his delivery. He almost certainly could have won another fifty or so games during the war years, but decided to retire after the 1942 season at the age of 32.
Auker, who was an outstanding football player at Kansas State, was a rarity as a college-educated player during the 1930's. He put his intelligence to good use, becoming a very successful business executive after his playing days. In 2001 he co-wrote a terrific book, Sleeper Cars and Flannel Uniforms, which I recommend. Unlike many players from back in the day, Auker didn't indulge in the "players back in my day were so much better" crap. And he shared our feelings about Pete Rose.
I love watching sidearms and submariners, and Auker was one of the most extreme, and most successful. Like Chad Bradford today, Auker often brushed the dirt with this hand during his delivery. He almost certainly could have won another fifty or so games during the war years, but decided to retire after the 1942 season at the age of 32.
Auker, who was an outstanding football player at Kansas State, was a rarity as a college-educated player during the 1930's. He put his intelligence to good use, becoming a very successful business executive after his playing days. In 2001 he co-wrote a terrific book, Sleeper Cars and Flannel Uniforms, which I recommend. Unlike many players from back in the day, Auker didn't indulge in the "players back in my day were so much better" crap. And he shared our feelings about Pete Rose.
posted by Jim at
10:40 PM
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