Mike Sandlock
From BR Bullpen
Michael Joseph Sandlock
- Bats Both, Throws Right
- Height 6' 1", Weight 185 lb.
- Debut September 19, 1942
- Final Game September 27, 1953
- Born October 17, 1915 in Old Greenwich, CT USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Mike Sandlock was a catcher for the Braves, Dodgers and Pirates. He also spent time in the Pacific Coast League with the Hollywood Stars (1949-1952). Mike was roommates with Warren Spahn and they were called up together in September 1942. Mike had a single in his only at-bat in the majors that year. His season was cut short because of World War II.
Sandlock, born in 1915, was nearly 27 when he first came up with the Braves, and nearly 38 when he closed out his major league career with the Pirates.
Mike’s best year came in 1945 with the Dodgers when he batted .282. Interestingly, he played 47 games at catcher and 22 games at shortstop (plus a few at third and second). He had come up as an infielder but was being converted to a catcher.
His nickname on the Dodgers was “the commuter” since he grew up and commuted from near-by Connecticut.
Mike's career was cut short in spring training of 1953 when a rookie tried to impress his coaches by attempting to score from second on an infield single. He slid into home and Sandlock injured his knee on the collision.
Mike is an active golfer and stays very active in the BAAT organization. BAAT helps older baseball players that do not have health insurance and may need some medical assistance.
As of the start of December 2007, he is one of the oldest living ex-major-leaguers.
