|
Woody Crowson (D. August 14, 1947 at the age of 28) was an American Major League Baseball pitcher. He played for the Philadelphia Athletics during the 1945 season.
From the SABR website:
Stretched out across a seat near the rear of his minor-league team’s bus, Woody Crowson hoped to relax on the ride back home after he watched his Greensboro Patriots teammates drop a tough Class C Carolina League game to the last-place Martinsville Athletics on August 13, 1947.
It had been over two years since Crowson made his sole major-league appearance, with the Philadelphia Athletics on Opening Day of the 1945 season, but at age 28, it was fair to assume the nine-year minor-league veteran had a chance to make it back to the big leagues—even if just for another short stint. He had pitched eight innings in a no-decision the night before against the Durham Bulls and figured to be back on the mound for the next homestand, when the dependable right-hander would try to improve his 12-13 season’s ledger.
But as Greensboro third baseman James “Sheepy” Lamb—who doubled as the team’s bus driver—traversed a curve on a downgrade through the dark roads of North Carolina just before midnight, a melon delivery truck sideswiped the bus in Mayoden.1 The impact sent Crowson from his seat and knocked him unconscious.
None of the other 14 passengers aboard the bus suffered major injuries, nor did the melon truck driver, Steve Laney. But the vehicles collided precisely where Crowson was sleeping, causing him to receive the full brunt of the impact. He suffered a compound skull fracture and extensive brain trauma. Crowson succumbed to his injuries a few hours later at Wesley Long Hospital in Greensboro.
“Woody was one of our best players,” said manager Charlie Carroll. “He was well liked by all the players and was a fine team man. He was always ready to go into the game at any time and do his share in winning the game.
Offered is a SUPER RARE 1945 Toronto Maple Leafs team signed Official International League (Frank Shaughnessy) baseball by 21 members of the team including the elusive Woody Crowson (who split the season between Toronto and his lone Major League appearance, the Philadelphia Athletics), Les McCrabb, Luke Hamlin (D. 1978), Chet Morgan, Harry Davis, Jim Pruett, and Bill Norman (D. 1962 at age 51 – played for the 1931 & 1932 White Sox).
The ball and autographs and in phenomenal condition.
Full LOA PSA/DNA
Item: 13256
|