Tiny Bonham

From BR Bullpen

Ernest Edward Bonham

Bats Right, Throws Right
Height 6' 2", Weight 215 lb.

Debut August 5, 1940
Final Game August 27, 1949
Born August 16, 1913 in Ione, CA USA
Died September 15, 1949 in Pittsburgh, PA USA

[edit] Biographical Information

After pitching in a game, Ernie Bonham of the Pittsburgh Pirates was taken to a hospital complaining of pains. He was diagnosed with appendicitis and surgery was performed. Complications arose, and he died a few weeks later at age 36. He was reputed to weigh considerably more than his listed weight.

Bonham started in professional baseball with the Oakland Oaks in 1935. He became quite successful in the starting rotation of the New York Yankees in the early 1940's, leading the American League in wins in 1942 and appearing in the World Series in 1941-43. His career eventually began to slide due to chronic back problems.