Mike Sandlock

Michael Joseph Sandlock (born October 17, 1915) is a former utility in Major League Baseball who played for three different teams between 1942 and 1953. Listed at 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m), 180 lb., he was a switch-hitter and threw right-handed. He was born in Old Greenwich, Connecticut.

Basically a catcher, Sandlock also saw action at shortstop and at second and third bases. He entered the majors in 1942 with the Boston Braves, spending one year with them before serving during World War II (1943). After his discharge, he returned to Boston (1944) and later played for the Brooklyn Dodgers (1945–46). He also spent time in the Pacific Coast League with the Hollywood Stars (1949–1952) and returned to major league with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1953, his last major league year. His most productive season came in 1945 with Brooklyn, when he hit .282 with two home runs and 17 runs batted in in 80 games played, all career-highs.

In a five-season career, Sandlock was a .240 hitter (107-for-446) with two home runs and 31 RBI in 195 games, including 34 runs, 19 doubles, two triples, and two stolen bases.

Sandlock (98) is recognized as one of the oldest living major league ballplayers. As of November 2013, he is considered to be the second-oldest living former major league player.

He was an active golfer into old age and stays very active in the BAAT organization, which helps older baseball players that do not have health insurance and may need some medical assistance.

Fact

• Sandlock and Warren Spahn were roommates and they were called up together by the Braves in September 1942.

References

• Career statistics and player information from Baseball-Reference, or Baseball-Reference (Minors)
• BR Bullpen
• Retrosheet

External sources

• "At 97, the Oldest Living Brooklyn Dodger Reflects," by LOUIE LAZAR, The New York Times, April 3, 2013