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Tommy Byrne
From BR Bullpen
Thomas Joseph Byrne
- Bats Left, Throws Left
- Height 6' 1", Weight 182 lb.
- School Wake Forest University
- Debut April 27, 1943
- Final Game September 21, 1957
- Born December 31, 1919 in Baltimore, MD USA
- Died December 20, 2007 in Wake Forest, NC USA
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[edit] Biographical Information
An erratic southpaw who managed to stick around for 13 seasons despite his wildness, Tommy Byrne averaged nearly one walk per inning during his career - once walking 7 Tigers in one inning before being lifted. Led the A.L. in walks three times, hit-batsmen 5 times, and holds the A.L. record for most walks in an extra-inning game with 16. He won 15 or more games three times for the New York Yankees.
Byrne was an an excellent hitter who was often called on to pinch-hit. His playing career concluded with Game 7 of the 1957 World Series when he singled with two outs in the ninth inning, but was left on base when Lew Burdette retired Bill Skowron to win the Series for the Milwaukee Braves.
Byrne missed the 1944-1945 seasons due to military service. After his playing career, he later managed the 1963 Raleigh Mets. He returned to his alma mater in Wake Forest, NC after his retirement and served as mayor of the city from 1973 to 1987. He died in 2007 at the age of 87.
Byrne's main teammates were Yogi Berra, Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio, Phil Rizzuto, Hank Bauer, Tommy Henrich, Ed Lopat, Gil McDougald, Vic Raschi and Allie Reynolds.
[edit] Notable Achievements
- AL All-Star (1950)
- AL Winning Percentage Leader (1955)
- 15 Wins Seasons: 3 (1949, 1950 & 1955)
- 200 Innings Pitched Seasons: 1 (1950)
- Won four World Series with the New York Yankees (1943, 1949, 1950 & 1956; he did not play in the 1943 and 1950 World Series)
[edit] Records Held
- Most bases on balls per 9 innings, season, 8.22, 1949
- Bases on balls allowed, game, 16, August 22, 1951 (tied)
