Brownie Hurler Rollie Stiles Becomes Oldest Big Leaguer

[Brownieand45sfan]

Congrats Rollie!

From the St. Louis Post-Dispatch:

"NEWS ITEM: According to the Society of American Baseball Research, Rollie Stiles, who pitched for the St. Louis Browns, has become the oldest living major leaguer after the death of former Pittsburgh Pirates player Howie Groskloss, who died at 100 in Vero Beach, Fla., last month. Stiles, who pitched in 85 games for the Browns from 1930-32, will be 100 on Nov. 17.

HUMMEL'S TAKE: Here's hoping that Stiles, who lives here, will be able to be one of the honorees at the annual St. Louis Baseball Writers' dinner next January. Finally, the Browns have won something."

http://tinyurl.com/oz22l

Emmett McAuliffe

[Brownieand45sfan]

http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/news/local/states/california/15265130.htm

Another interesting stat for someone to look up is who has the record for longest period of time reigning as oldest living former big-leaguer. Howdy Grossklos had the title for 11 mos., 15 days.

And then oldest living former big-leaguer. Did someone live to 101? 102?

[Brownie31]

Another long living former Brownie, pitcher Eldon Auker,
recently died at age 95. The Browns endure!:clapping

Brownie31

[VIBaseball]

http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/news/local/states/california/15265130.htm

Another interesting stat for someone to look up is who has the record for longest period of time reigning as oldest living former big-leaguer. Howdy Grossklos had the title for 11 mos., 15 days.

And then oldest living former big-leaguer. Did someone live to 101? 102?

Considering he lasted till age 107, I believe Chet Hoff may well be the answer to both questions.

[Brownieand45sfan]

Yes Brownie Chet Hoff lived to be the oldest (107) but was only the second-longest reign as oldest. First longest if you count 20th Century players only.*

Still and all, Chet's longevity was impressive. To think that until as recently as 1998 you could shake hands with a guy who was teammates with Frank Chance (Tinkers to Evers to Chance), pitched against Cy Young and played for a pro team called the Highlanders. Hoot mon!

*See the same thread I posted in 'Trivia': http://baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=48787