Johnny Babich
From BR Bullpen
John Charles Babich
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Weight 185 lb.
- Debut June 19, 1934
- Final Game August 28, 1941
- Born May 14, 1913 in Albion, CA USA
- Died January 19, 2001 in Richmond, CA USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Pitcher Johnny Babich grew up in the San Francisco area and began his pro career with the San Francisco Seals of the Pacific Coast League in 1931. In 1933, he was traded to the San Francisco Missions and went on to win 20 games. He won 10 games the next season before being acquired by the Brooklyn Dodgers, for whome he was 7-11 as a big league rookie. After posting a 6.66 ERA for the Dodgers the next year, he was sent back down to the minors.
The following year, Babich spent most of the season in the PCL and played in 3 games for the Boston Bees. After going 19-17 with a 3.27 ERA for the Hollywood Stars in 1938, he was acquired by the New York Yankees, who sent him to the minor league Kansas City Blues. One year later, he was acquired by the Philadelphia Athletics in the Rule V draft. With the 1940 Athletics, he went 14-13 with a 3.73 ERA and posted a 5-0 record against the Yankees. He played one more year in the majors, going 2-7 for the 1941 Athletics.
Following his big league career, Babich managed in the minors and continued to pitch as well. He led the 1947 Stockton Ports to the California League title while going 5-2 on the mound.
