Dick Wantz

Dick Wantz
Pitcher
Born: April 11, 1940
South Gate, California
Died: May 13, 1965 (aged 25)
Inglewood, California
Batted: Right Threw: Right
MLB debut
April 13, 1965 for the California Angels
Last MLB appearance
April 13, 1965 for the California Angels
Career statistics
Win–loss record 0–0
Earned run average 18.00
Strikeouts 2
Teams

Richard Carter (Dick) Wantz (April 11, 1940 – May 13, 1965) was a relief pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the California Angels. He batted and threw right-handed.

Signed out of California State University, Los Angeles, Wantz worked his way through the Angels' minor league system over the years 1961-1964, beginning in Class D ball in 1961. By the end of the 1964 season, he was with the Angels' Triple-A affiliate in Hawaii.

Wantz made the Angels’ Opening Day roster in 1965. He made his major league debut on April 13. In one inning of relief, he struck out two Cleveland Indians and allowed three hits and two earned runs. He reported severe headaches afterward, only to be diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor shortly thereafter.

Wantz died exactly one month after making his first and only major league appearance, in Inglewood, California, at the age of 25.[1]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Nemec, David (2008). This Day in Baseball: A Day-by-Day Record of the Events That Shaped the Game. United States: Taylor Trade Publishing. p. 336. ISBN 9781589793804.

External links