Freddy Schmidt

Frederick Albert Schmidt (February 9, 1916 – November 17, 2012) was a pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for three different teams between 1944 and 1947. He was born in Hartford, Connecticut. Listed at 6ft 1in, 185 lb, he batted and threw right-handed.

Schmidt entered the majors in 1944 with the St. Louis Cardinals, playing for them one year before joining military service during World War II. In his rookie season, Schmidt went 7–3 with a 3.15 earned run average, two shutouts, and five saves to help his team to clinch the National League pennant. He also pitched 3.1 scoreless innings of relief in Game 3 of the 1944 World Series, won by the Cardinals over the St. Louis Browns in six games.

After his discharge, Schmidt rejoined St. Louis in 1946 but he was not the same after that. He divided his playing time with the Cardinals, Phillies and Cubs in 1947, his last major league season.

In a three-season career, Schmidt posted a 13–11 record with 98 strikeouts and a 3.75 ERA in 85 appearances, including 15 starts, three complete games, two shutouts, five saves, and 225.1 innings.

Schmidt died on November 17, 2012. He is survived by his wife Ellen, two step-children, and several step-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

At the time of his death, Schmidt (96) was recognized as the fourth oldest living major league ballplayer. From November 2011 until his death, he was the oldest to have played for a World Series–winning team. He was also the oldest living player for the Cardinals and Phillies.