Joe Gantenbein
From BR Bullpen
Joseph Steven Gantenbein (Sep)
- Bats Left, Throws Right
- Height 5' 9", Weight 168 lb.
- Debut April 20, 1939
- Final Game September 28, 1940
- Born August 25, 1916 in San Francisco, CA USA
- Died August 2, 1993 in Novato, CA USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Joe Gantenbein was the starting second baseman for the 1939 Philadelphia Athletics as a rookie. In 1940, he played no games at second base, and was a backup at third base.
Gantenbein is remembered for a chance meeting he had during World War II, when he was a corporal, with Bill Dickey. He asked Dickey if Dickey remembered him, and Dickey related how it was necessary to pitch him high and inside because he was dangerous with outside pitches. Dickey then asked, "what's your name, anyhow"?
His grandson Steve Gantenbein played baseball for Stanford University, as did a more distant relative, Jay Pecci.
