Howdy Groskloss
As a child growing up in Pittsburgh, Howard Groskloss and his father attended games at Forbes Field. When he sat at the bedside as his father died when he was nine years old, Howard decided to honor his father by becoming a ballplayer. He also was determined to become a doctor to help others in poor health. He accomplished both goals. A six-sport star in high school and college, "Howdy" Groskloss was signed by the Pirates for $10,000, and he used that money to pay off his mother's home. While he made his way up the minor league ladder, Groskloss studied medicine at Yale. He played parts of three seasons as a middle infielder with the Pirates, before retiring to concentrate on his medical studies. He later became head of medicine at the University of Miami and the University of Minnesota.
Quotes From Groskloss
"He's one of the greatest infielders of all time. He was a very fine individual, very modest. You wouldn't have known he was one of the greatest players." — Groskloss on teammate and friend Pie Traynor
Played For
Pittsburgh Pirates (1930-1932)
Best Season: 1931
With second baseman George Grantham switched to first base, Groskloss and rookie Tony Piet shared second base. "Howdy" played in 53 games, hitting .280 with seven doubles, two triples, and 20 RBI. It was the only extended look he got at the big league level.
Factoids
In his final major league at-bat, on September 25, 1932, Howard Groskloss struck out against Carl Hubbell of the Giants.
When he turned 100 (or 99, depending on the source) in 2006, Groskloss was the oldest living ex-major league ballplayer.
During World War II, former Pirate infielder Howard Gloskloss was a Navy Flight Surgeon.
Where He Played
Second base, and some shortstop.
Born
Howard Hoffman Groskloss was born on April 9, 1907, in Pittsburgh, PA.
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
Primary Position: SS
Primary Team: PIT
College: Amherst College
Major League Debut
June 23, 1930
Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 1930
Luke Appling
Joe Kuhel
Pinky Higgins
Ben Chapman
Hank Greenberg
Lon Warneke
Tommy Bridges
Lefty Gomez
Dizzy Dean
Best Strength as a Player
Determination
Largest Weakness as a Player
Hitting major league pitching.
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