We performed a site update on April 16, 2013. Please let the admin know if you User_talk:Admin#APRIL_16.2C_2013 encounter any issues. All updates have been performed.
Len Church
From BR Bullpen
Leonard Church
- Bats Both, Throws Right
- Height 6' 0", Weight 190 lb.
- Debut August 27, 1966
- Final Game September 4, 1966
- Born March 21, 1942 in Chicago, IL USA
- Died April 22, 1988 in Richardson, TX USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Pitcher Len Church attended Lane Tech High School in Chicago, where one of his teammates was future big leaguer John Felske. He went on to play pro ball from 1963 to 1971. While pitching for the Wenatchee Chiefs of the Northwest League in 1964, he threw a two-hitter, striking out nine in the process. He went 11-16 with a 3.45 ERA and 190 strikeouts for the Chiefs that year but missed most of the following season due to a shoulder injury.
Church earned a brief cup of coffee in the majors with the 1966 Chicago Cubs. He only appeared in four major league games, but he faced five Hall of Famers: Joe Morgan, Phil Niekro, Hank Aaron, Roberto Clemente, and Bill Mazeroski. He retired Niekro, Aaron, and Clemente, Morgan singled off him, and Mazeroski got a double.
Church had one career decision, a loss on September 4, 1966 against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He replaced Bill Hands in the bottom of the fourth inning with the Cubs ahead 5 to 4, and gave up 6 hits and 4 runs in 2 innings as the Cubs lost the game 8 to 5.
Church returned to the minors and went 8-2 with a 3.74 ERA with the Tacoma Cubs in 1969.
After his career ended, Church became a golf pro in Texas.
