Willie Ramsdell
From BR Bullpen
James Willard Ramsdell (Willie the Knuck)
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 5' 10", Weight 180 lb.
- Debut September 24, 1947
- Final Game July 15, 1952
- Born April 4, 1916 in Williamsburg, KS USA
- Died October 8, 1969 in Wichita, KS USA
[edit] Biographical Information
"Willie the Knuck" Ramsdell was, as might be expected, a knuckleball pitcher. He was in the majors for five years, posting better-than-average ERA's in the last three.
His minor league career began in 1938 and ended in 1954. He had three seasons where he won at least 20 games. He began with four seasons in the West Texas-New Mexico League, leading the league with 23 wins in 1940 and 25 wins in 1941. He was a combined 20-11 in 1942, then was voluntarily retired in 1943. He served in the military in 1944-1945, then went 17-7 and 21-5 for the Fort Worth Cats in 1946-1947.
Ramsdell was a 31-year-old rookie in 1947, pitching a couple games for the pennant-winning 1947 Dodgers. His best year was his last, 1952 at age 36, when he posted a 2.42 ERA for the Cubs.
In between his major league stints, he went 18-12 for the Hollywood Stars in 1949. The book The Hollywood Stars has a photo of him and some text about him.
He managed at Iola in 1954.
