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Merkle923 · 08-08-2019, 12:24 AM

It's not a new find, just a cleaner copy, of this unique player whom the A's signed off the Oklahoma sandlots in 1935. Brought east by scout and former catcher Ira Thomas to start against the White Sox at Shibe Park on Friday the 13th of September, he gave up seven runs but his teammates scored 19 and he got credit for the victory. The September 18, 1935 Akron Beacon Journal reported that Huckleberry was to start the second game of that day's doubleheader against Cleveland, but without explanation the A's went with George Caster instead.

So Huckleberry's first start was not just his only major league appearance, but also his only professional one. There's no indication he even went to Spring Training in 1936, and by April '36 he's found starting for a Shawnee, Oklahoma semi-pro club against Oklahoma City of the Texas League.

Pitched one game. For the A's. Not a day in the minors, before or after.

The shot of Huckleberry with the A's is from the 9/14/35 Philadelphia Inquirer and the grainier one, from the Daily Oklahoman of 8/15/35. The Philly picture has been seen before, but never this clear.

08-08-2019, 12:24 AM	#33417
Merkle923 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 2,156	Earl Huckleberry 1935 It's not a new find, just a cleaner copy, of this unique player whom the A's signed off the Oklahoma sandlots in 1935. Brought east by scout and former catcher Ira Thomas to start against the White Sox at Shibe Park on Friday the 13th of September, he gave up seven runs but his teammates scored 19 and he got credit for the victory. The September 18, 1935 Akron Beacon Journal reported that Huckleberry was to start the second game of that day's doubleheader against Cleveland, but without explanation the A's went with George Caster instead. So Huckleberry's first start was not just his only major league appearance, but also his only professional one. There's no indication he even went to Spring Training in 1936, and by April '36 he's found starting for a Shawnee, Oklahoma semi-pro club against Oklahoma City of the Texas League. Pitched one game. For the A's. Not a day in the minors, before or after. The shot of Huckleberry with the A's is from the 9/14/35 Philadelphia Inquirer and the grainier one, from the Daily Oklahoman of 8/15/35. The Philly picture has been seen before, but never this clear. Attached Images Last edited by Merkle923; 08-08-2019 at 12:46 AM.