Here’s a treasure from my archives, circa 2000. At the time, I began looking hard at all the Minnesota natives who had made the majors. Among that list was Gordie Sundin, a teen who savored the smallest cup of coffee with the 1956 Orioles. He wrote:
“Hi, Tom —
Thanks for your inquiry and interest. It’s hard to believe you found me.
I did grow up in Mpls. I was ALL STATE in football, basketball and baseball at Washburn HS. I signed with the Orioles right out of HS and was on the active roster when I was 17 yrs old (in 1955, I was born 10/10/37).
Brooks Robinson and I signed together and remain good friends.
My elbow went bad (nerve damage) my first season and I was operated on in Baltimore in 3/56. Again, my elbow went bad and I was cut on in 1959.
I had some great experiences and for awhile I threw well out in the coast league for Vancouver 1957-59. I was on the Orioles Active roster in ’55 and all of ’56.
I married my H.S. sweetheart, the former Mary Ann Dorsey — who was on the ’56 Olympic and world figure skating teams. We were also married in ’56. Big Year.
God bless. Thanks for the inquiry.
Gordie”