Vinegar Bend Mizell
A solid, if unspectacular, left-handed pitcher in the National League in the 1950s and early 1960s, Vinegar Bend Mizell is remembered mostly for his nickname, which comes from his hometown in rural Alabama. Tall and gangly, Mizell had control problems and was very poor at keeping runners from stealing bases off him, with his high leg kick and slow move. His shining season was 1960, when he won 13 games for the Pirates after being dealt to them in mid-season, helping them win the pennant and World Championship.
Played For
St. Louis Cardinals (1952-1960)
Pittsburgh Pirates (1960-1962)
New York Mets (1962)
Best Season: 1960
Acquired in May from the Cardinals, Mizell played a big role for the Pirates, who, at the time of the trade, were battling the Giants for first place. the southpaw won five straight games in mid-summer, including back-to-back shutouts (over the Cubs and Giants). He tossed four consecutive complete games, allowing two earned runs in those contests, as he defeated the Giants twice. At the close of the regular season, he won five of his last six starts. He started Game Three of the World Series at Yankee Stadium, but didn't get out of the first inning. He faced just five batters, allowing three hits, a walk, and four runs.
Factoids
After his playing career ended in 1962, pitcher Vinegar Bend Mizell entered politics. From 1969-1975, he was a congressman, representing his North Carolina district in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Born
Wilmer David Mizell was born on August 13, 1930, in Vinegar Bend, Washington County, AL.
Died
February 21, 1999, Kerrville, TX
Batted: Right
Threw: Left
Primary Position: P
Primary Team: SLN
Major League Debut
April 22, 1952
Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 1952
Eddie Mathews
Dick Groat
Harvey Kuenn
Johnny Temple
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Hoyt Wilhelm
Ron Kline
Stu Miller
Dusty Rhodes
Post-Season Appearances
1960 World Series
Post-Season Notes
In 2 1/3 innings, Mizell's World Series ERA is a lofty 15.43.
Transactions
Before 1949 Season: Signed by the St. Louis Cardinals as an amateur free agent.
May 28, 1960: Traded by the St. Louis Cardinals with Dick Gray to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Julian Javier and Ed Bauta.
In the long-term, Javier paid dividends for the Cardinals, playing a role on three pennant-winning teams in St. Louis. But short-term, Mizell was spectacular, going 13-5 for the Bucs, and helping them win the pennant in '60.
May 7, 1962: Traded by the Pittsburgh Pirates to the New York Mets for Jim Marshall.
August 4, 1962: Released by the New York Mets.
All-Star Selections
1959 NL
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