Art Schallock, a little-known New York Yankees left-hander who treasured his late-in-life fame as the oldest living former major-league ballplayer, died Wednesday at age 100.
Schallock pitched a few dozen games for the Yankees from 1951-54, long enough to leave him with charming and oft-told tales of friends like Yogi Berra and Mickey Mantle. Schallock spent his final years at a senior living facility in Sonoma, Calif., where he delighted listeners by spinning yarns about facing Ted Williams or pitching in Game 4 against the Brooklyn Dodgers as the Yankees went on to win the 1953 World Series.
“I thought I had two strikes against me because of my size,’’ Schallock, who played at 5-foot-9 and 155 pounds, told The Athletic as he approached his 100th birthday last April. “But I made it. I mean, you can’t get any higher than the Yankees — world’s No. 1 team.”
With Schallock’s passing, Bill Greason, 100 years and 186 days old as of Saturday, becomes the oldest living former major-league player. Bobby Shantz (99 years, 163 days) is No. 2 on the list.
As a pitcher for the New York Yankees, he was part of a historic era in the sport, contributing to multiple World Series championships. Beyond baseball, Schallock was known for his kindness, humor, and deep appreciation for the people around him. He lived a life filled with cherished friendships, family, and a passion for the sport that defined much of his journey.
His family released a statement Saturday saluting his remarkable life: “While we mourn his loss, we also celebrate the memories and legacy he leaves behind. We are grateful for the love and support he has always received from the many communities he was a part of.”
Schallock threw three complete games during a career in which he amassed a record of 6-7 with a 4.02 ERA. He spent much of his 58 career big-league games associating with baseball’s most legendary names. Consider that when Schallock got called up from the minors for his major-league debut on July 16, 1951, the Yankees made room on the roster by sending down a disappointing rookie named Mickey Mantle.
(Usual patter continues…)
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