Del Crandall was al All-Star catcher for the Boston/Milwaukee Braves, and the last living player from the Boston Braves.
- Died: May 5, 2021 (Who else died on May 5?)
- Details of death: Died at an assisted living facility in Mission Viejo, California of Parkinson’s disease at the age of 91.
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MLB career
Crandall made his MLB debut with the Boston Braves in 1949. He played two seasons for the team – interrupted by his military service during the Korean War – before the Braves moved to Milwaukee in 1953. Crandall remained with the Braves until 1963, and he was an All-Star 11 times during those years. He helped lead the Braves to the World Series championship in 1957, with a solo home run in Game 7. Crandall later played briefly for the San Francisco Giants, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Cleveland Indians before retiring from his playing career in 1966. He later managed the Milwaukee Brewers and Seattle Mariners, and he was an announcer for the Chicago White Sox and the Brewers.
Notable quote
“I always looked at myself as a defensive catcher first. I think it was the enthusiasm I had playing the game. I din’t get tired and tried to be alert to anything that happened on the field. Hitting did not detract from my catching.” -from “That’s Joy in Braveland! The 1957 Milwaukee Braves”
Tributes to Del Crandall
Full obituary: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
