Hugh Casey
From BR Bullpen
Hugh Thomas Casey (Fireman)
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 1", Weight 207 lb.
- Debut April 29, 1935
- Final Game September 23, 1949
- Born October 14, 1913 in Atlanta, GA USA
- Died July 3, 1951 in Atlanta, GA USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Nicknamed "Fireman", Hugh Casey was one of the best relivers of his era. During his career, he posted a 51-20 record out of the pen for a winning percentage of .718 -- the highest in history for a reliever with at least 50 decisions. Unfortunately, he was only 24-22 as a starter.
Casey began his pro career in 1932 and briefly reached the majors with the Chicago Cubs in 1935, appearing in 13 games out of the bullpen. Back in the minors, he posted a 2.56 ERA for the Birmingham Barons in 1937 to lead the Southern Association. Following the 1938 campaign, he was selected by the Brooklyn Dodgers in the Rule V draft.
Casey joined the Dodgers in 1939 and won 15 games in 40 appearances, mostly as a starter. By 1941, he was primarily pitching in relief, and Brooklyn won the National League pennant. However, he struggled in the World Series, taking the losses in both Games Three and Four. He bounced back the next summer, leading the National League with 13 saves. He then entered the Navy in January 1943.
After three years away from baseball during World War II, Casey was discharged by the Navy in December 1945. He picked up where he left off with the Dodgers, posting a 1.99 ERA in 1946 and leading the NL with 18 saves in 1947. He pitched in 6 games of the 1947 World Series, earning 2 wins and allowing only 1 earned run. However, after posting an 8.00 ERA in 22 games for Brooklyn in 1948, he was released.
Casey split the 1949 season between the Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Yankees. He spent one last pro season in the minors with the Atlanta Crackers (the same team with which he began his career years earlier) in 1950.
Casey took his own life in 1951. While talking on the phone to his estranged wife from an Atlanta hotel room, he shot himself with a 16-gauge shotgun. He was 37 years old.
