How/why did Jimmie Foxx get the chance to pitch in 1945?

[Blackout]

i'd understand if he pitched one inning in a blowout game or something, but he pitched 22 innings that year

anybody know why they even thought about using him as a pitcher at age 37?

[leecemark]

--Alot of odd things happened during the war. Compared to playing a one armed outfielder and pitching a 15 year old boy letting an aging superstar pitch a few games is hardly surprising.

[graybeard]

Although it was only for a few innings, he actually did better than quite a few other relievers they've signed. But, an attempt to sell a few extra tickets is the obvious answer.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/f/foxxji01.shtml


Graybeard