Al Benton

From BR Bullpen

John Alton Benton

Bats Right, Throws Right
Height 6' 4", Weight 215 lb.
Debut April 18, 1934
Final Game September 21, 1952
Born March 18, 1911 in Noble, OK USA
Died April 14, 1968 in Lynwood, CA USA

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[edit] Biographical Information

Al Benton was the only pitcher to have pitched to both Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle during his career. He was also the only pitcher to have pitched against Lou Gehrig, Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle. Gehrig and DiMaggio hit a total of 5 home runs off Benton.

Benton was the Dick Tidrow of his time, according to similarity scores. He had a 14-year career (interrupted by the War), all in the American League, and is credited with 66 saves, which is lot considering that the concept didn't exist then. His record was 98-88. There were times when he was a starter; in particular, he had a very good year in 1945, when the Detroit Tigers won the pennant. His ERA was 2.02, and he had a record of 13-8 with 3 saves. In the Series, he appeared in 3 games in relief with a 1.93 ERA. During his career, he was twice second in the league in ERA, and he was also twice an All Star. In 1949 Benton set a major league record with 39 consecutive scoreless relief innings. This record was tied in 2008 by the A's Brad Ziegler.

Benton entered the Navy in November 1942 and was discharged in November 1944.