Bill Moisan

William Joseph Moisan, Jr. (July 30, 1925 – April 9, 2010) was a pitcher in Major League Baseball who played briefly for the Chicago Cubs during the 1953 season. Listed at 6ft 1in, 170 lb., he batted left-handed and threw right-handed.

Moisan was the son of William J. and Beatrice A. (Currier) Moisan. He was born in Bradford, Massachusetts, and grew up in Newton, New Hampshire. In his youth he was interested in baseball, and aspired to become a major leaguer. He graduated at Sanborn Seminary, Kingston, and went on to attend MacIntosh Business College before entering military service in December 1943.

A decorated veteran of World War II, Moisan was stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia, and then Fort Bragg, North Carolina, before going overseas with Company G of the 398th Infantry Regiment, 100th Infantry Division. As a technician fifth grade, he served in France in 1944, and was part of the Allied advance into Germany in May 1945, earning the Silver Star at Jagstfeld. He also received the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, and battle ribbons with two stars. After being captured by the German forces and as a prisoner of war, Moisan endured a 32-day forced march across Germany into Austria. He suffered frozen feet and his weight dropped from 185 pounds to just 95 pounds. When he was discharged in December 1945, his feet were so tender that he was unable to cope with the infield work required around first base, his normal position, but still wanted to pursue a career in professional baseball.

Following his military discharge, Moisan signed with the Chicago Cubs organization as a free agent in the spring of 1946. Due to the nature of his injury and his inability to remain as a first baseman, he had the Cubs support when he made the decision to transition to a pitcher. Basically a knuckleballer, he also was used in pinch-hitting duties.

In his professional debut, Moisan posted a combined record of 15–12 and a 3.11 earned run average in 36 games while pitching in the PONY and Tri-State leagues. He would spend the next six years in the minor leagues before gaining a promotion to the majors with the 1953 Cubs. In three-relief appearances, he allowed three earned runs on five hits and two walks while striking out one batter in 5.0 innings of work. He did not have a decision.

Moisan continued pitching in the minors until 1956. His most productive years came in the Pacific League with the PCL Los Angeles Angels, averaging for them 12 wins per season from 1950 to 1953, with a career-high 16 wins in 1952. In ten minor league seasons, he had a 98–96 record with a 3.81 ERA in 329 games, 135 as a starter. A .222 lifetime hitter, he enjoyed his best season in 1953, posting career numbers in average (.284), runs (15), hits (40), home runs (four), RBI (23), OBP (.327) and SLG (.418).

Following his playing retirement, Moisan remained involved with baseball for a significant number of years, mainly coaching teams near his home in Hampshire. He also served as the nuclear materials manager at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, retiring in 1985.

Moisan died in Brentwood, New Hampshire at the age of 84.