From SABR Encyclopedia
| John Alton Benton
|
| Bat/Throw:
| R/R
|
| Height:
| 6' 4"
|
| Weight:
| 215
|
| Born:
| 1911-3-18 at Noble, OK (US)
|
| Died:
| 1968-4-14 at Lynwood, CA (US)
|
| Interred:
| Park Lawn Memorial Park in Bell Gardens, CA (US)
|
| Statistics: | Retrosheet
|
| SABR Searches: | Pictures of Al Benton | width:90% height:65% scrolling:auto | Pictures}} · Bibliography
|
Al Benton was a professional player.
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Profile
Personal
- Resided in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in 1953.
- Self-identified as being of Irish ancestry.
- Listed hobbies as hunting, fishing and playing golf.
- Started his pro career with Lincoln of the Nebraska State League by beating Norfolk 5-2.
- Was on the Detroit Tigers team that was managed by Del Baker which won the American League pennant in 1940.
- Suffered a fractured right ankle after being hit by a line drive in 1945 and was out of action from May 24 to July 1.
- Says his biggest thrill was taking part in the 1940 World Series; took part in three games but did not gain a win or a loss.
Pre-professional career
- Attended high school in Wayne, Oklahoma.
- Played football, basketball and baseball in high school.
- His only baseball experience before turning pro was in high school.
Achievements
- Pitched five full innings in the 1942 All-Star game but saw the decision go to another hurler.
Outside of baseball
- Spent two years in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
Career notes
Sources
- 1953 Pacific Coast League Sketch Book.
