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Harry Byrd

Pitcher Bobby Shantz Talks Autographs

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Bobby Shantz mentioned his brother
in the great reply he provided!

I’m one lucky hobbyist.

I hit two jackpots with my latest reply from pitcher Bobby Shantz. I shared my first letter from Bobby on the blog back in 2010.

I wanted to know how he felt about autographs today, nearly a half century after leaving the mound.

He replied:

“Tom,

I get around 50 or 60 autographs [request letters] weekly.

Career wise, I suppose I’ve received thousands.”

On why he never stopped signing?

“I like to sign autographs because I’m happy they still remember me.”

Bobby was more than kind pointing out that I hadn’t remembered his career exactly. Too quickly, I referenced his hitting record, believing that his first HR was off Harry Byrd in 1954.

Oops!

“It was my brother Wilmer, who hit the home run off Harry Byrd, with the bases loaded, not me.

I did hit one home run off Allie Reynolds in Yankee Stadium. Allie later told me I was too damn little to him a home run. HA!

Thanks for the nice letter.

Bobby Shantz”

Thank you, Bobby. We will always remember you!

Coming Wednesday: Stay tuned Yankees fans for a book review of The Juju Rules!

Rocky Krsnich: Surprising 1953 ChiSox Milestones

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Rocky (born “Rocco”) Krsnich enjoyed brief stays with the Chicago White Sox in 1949, 1952 and 1953. He couldn’t nail down the third base job, despite showing some power at the plate.

His first career dinger came off Ralph Buxton at Yankee Stadium. A second four-bagger came courtesy of Harry Byrd. Krsnich’s last shot was against Eddie Lopat. Would Krsnich nominate one for an evening newscast, a sight he’d enjoy replaying?

“None ‘prettiest’ come to mind,” he wrote.

The Krsnich career highlight reel would have to include July 18, 1953. His ChiSox claimed a 10-6 win over the Senators, thanks to Rocky’s four RBI.

What does he remember most about his best-ever day at the plate? Krsnich wrote:

“My son Jim born that day!!! Also met Nat King Cole that day!”

Four RBI and the game-winning hit just a footnote? There aren’t enough statistics available to rank Rocky’s greatest day.