Former pitcher Bobby Shantz is MLB's second oldest living ballplayer. He is 99. Born in Pottstown in 1925 and raised in Philadelphia, he is the last living member of the Philadelphia Athletics (he played under Connie Mack) and the last to have played Major League baseball in the 1940s. He remains a Philadelphia area resident to this day.

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Shantz is part of Phillies history too. His final season was with the Phils in 1964 and his final win came against Dodgers Hall of Famer Don Drysdale. He even made a brief pitching appearance during the team's infamous 10-game losing streak -- a losing streak that cost them the pennant and still stands as the most horrendous collapse in MLB history.

 

Bobby Shantz was a standout ballplayer. His career included an AL MVP award with the Athletics, 8 Gold Glove awards, 3 All-Star Game appearances, and a World Series title (with the Yankees).

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Philly Willie salutes you, Bobby Shantz!