Barney Mussill
From BR Bullpen
Bernard James Mussill
- Bats Right, Throws Left
- Height 6' 1", Weight 200 lb.
- School Bowling Green State University
- Debut April 20, 1944
- Final Game July 26, 1944
- Born October 1, 1919 in Bower Hill, PA USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Eighteen-year-old pitcher Barney Mussill was signed as an amateur free agent by the Connie Mack of the Philadelphia Athletics while a student at Bowling Green State University in 1938. Records show he attended the school until 1943. Mr. Mack gave him train fare and directions to Federalsburg, MD of the class D Eastern Shore League. Mussill is listed on the roster of the Federeralsburg team in both the 1938 and 1939 seasons and also the Lexington Indians of the North Carolina State League in 1939, however records are unavailable as Mussill only saw limited action.
He appeared with statistics for the Trenton Senators of the class B Interstate League in 1940, winning ten and losing nine with a 3.25 ERA in 27 appearances. He was back with the same club in 1941, going 13-7 with a 2.79 ERA in 26 games and his reward came when Mr. Mack dealt him to the New York Yankees for the 1942 season. We all know what happened on December 7, 1941 and instead of showing up for spring training with the Yankee Stadium club in 1942, Barney had his with the United States Army.
Mussill was discharged from the military service in time to make the 1944 opening with the Philadelphia Phillies and made his debut in the Major Leagues on April 20, 1944. He appeared in 16 games that year, pitching 19 1/3 innings with a 6.05 ERA and a 0-1 record. Barney made the decision that he had responsibilities that were more important to his family and their future than his current life. Barney pitched his final game in the Major Leagues on July 26, 1944.
"Barney speaks, "I elected to go into business with my family," he says. "We are still in business today. I feel I've enjoyed everything I've done."
Bernard James Mussill left the playing field to pursue a career in the sporting goods field. Barney has been involved with this industry since the mid-40's. Along with his personal knowledge of sports equipment, Mussill has dedicated his time to research the origin and evolution of the baseball bat.
At 92 years and 32 days of age, as of this date, November 2, 2011, Barney Mussill is number 31 on the list of oldest living Major League Baseball players alive. Mussill is also number 6 on the list of oldest living Philadelphia Phillies players alive.
