Rollie Sheldon, a New York Yankees pitcher who won two World Series titles in pinstripes, has died at the age of 89.
The team announced Sheldon’s passing, which occurred back on August 31 in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. No cause of death was given.
‘The Yankees mourn the passing of Rollie Sheldon and extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and loved ones,’ read a statement from the team on social media.
Sheldon was born in 1936 in Putnam, Connecticut and served four years in the United States Air Force in his late teens and early 20s.
After his service ended, Sheldon spent one semester at Texas A&M before transferring to UConn where he played baseball and basketball.
The Yankees signed him in 1960 at the age of 23 after he played just one season in college. At the time, a scout believed that he was just 20 years old.
Rollie Sheldon (R), who won two titles with the Yankees, has died at the age of 89
‘If [scout Henry Hesse] thought I was 20, I wouldn’t say anything because I didn’t want to blow this opportunity to play pro ball. I interrupted my parents’ “coffee break” and asked them to sign for me,’ Sheldon said.
‘They knew I had always wanted to play pro ball but were surprised I would sign with the Yanks when I was a Red Sox fan…I believe anyone would have done the same thing…keep quiet.’
Sheldon played in the New York Penn League in 1960 and impressed enough to make his MLB debut in April of 1961.
That season, he pitched to an 11-5 record with a 3.60 ERA in 35 starts with two shutouts as the Yankees went on to win the World Series.
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