Steve Macko

Steven Joseph Macko (September 6, 1954 in Burlington, Iowa – November 15, 1981 in Arlington, Texas) was a professional baseball player.

In the Major Leagues, he wore number 12 and played three infield positions in 25 games for the Chicago Cubs during the 1979 and 1980 seasons. His rising baseball career ended when he died as a result of testicular cancer in November 1981.

Steve Macko's father, Joe Macko, had played and coached in the minor leagues and later worked as the longtime clubhouse manager for the Texas Rangers.

As a child, Steve Macko was a batboy for the Rangers. He attended high school at Bishop Dunne Catholic School where their baseball field is dedicated in his name.

Macko was an All-American at Baylor University and was a key part of the team that made it to the College World Series in 1977.^[1] That year, the Cubs selected him in the fifth round of the draft. He played in the minors and was called up from AAA in 1979 and 1980.^[2]

In his 25 games with the Cubs, he hit .250 with fifteen hits (three of them doubles), four walks, and eleven strikeouts. Playing second base, third base, and shortstop, he made 32 putouts, 47 assists, and no errors.

In 1980, Macko's promising career stalled due to what became a terrible injury when he incurred a bad bruise in a collision with Bill Madlock. Thereafter he was unable to play again, as doctors discovered he had testicular cancer.^[2] Macko died of the disease on November 15, 1981.^[3]

His family has endowed several scholarships in his name at Baylor University, Bishop Dunne Catholic School, and other institutions.

See also

• Chicago Cubs all-time roster
• List of baseball players who died during their careers

References

External links

• Career statistics and player information from Baseball-Reference
• Retrosheet
• The Steve Macko Scholarship Fund