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Clint Courtney
circa 1953
Catcher
Born:(1927-03-16)March 16, 1927
Hall Summit, Louisiana,U.S.
Died:June 16, 1975(1975-06-16)(aged 48)
Rochester, New York,U.S.
Batted:Left
Threw:Right
MLB debut
September 29, 1951, for the New York Yankees
Last MLB appearance
June 24, 1961, for the Baltimore Orioles
MLB statistics
Batting average.268
Home runs38
Runs batted in313
Teams

Clinton Dawson Courtney(March 16, 1927 – June 16, 1975), nicknamed "Scrap Iron",was an American professional baseballcatcherwho played inMajor League Baseball(MLB) for theNew York Yankees(1951),St. Louis Browns / Baltimore Orioles(1952–1954, 1960, 1961),Chicago White Sox(1955),Washington Senators(1955–1959) andKansas City Athletics(1961). He batted left-handed and threw right-handed.

Courtney was born inLouisiana,growing up there and inArkansas.After serving in theUnited States ArmyduringWorld War II,he was signed as a catcher by theNew York Yankees.Playingminor leaguebaseball for them for the next few seasons, he was involved in several fights. After one game with the Yankees in 1951, he was traded to the Browns in 1952 at the urging ofRogers Hornsby,St. Louis'smanager.Courtney wonThe Sporting NewsAmerican League Rookie of the Year,batting.286. Both that season and the next, he was involved in on-the-field fights withBilly Martin,whom he had battled in the minor leagues several seasons before. Courtney remained the starting catcher for the Browns when they moved to Baltimore in 1954 and became the Orioles. Then, he was traded to the White Sox.

Used as the backup toSherm Lollarby Chicago, Courtney only lasted half a season with the White Sox before he was traded to the Senators. He finished out the 1955 season with Washington and spent the next four years there, appearing in a career-high 134 games for the ballclub in 1958. Injuries afflicted him in 1959, and he was traded back to Baltimore for the 1960 season, where he became the first catcher to wear an oversized mitt while catchingknuckleballpitcherHoyt Wilhelm.Traded to Kansas City for 1961, he was returned to Baltimore after playing one game for the Athletics. Accepting an assignment to the minor leagues halfway through the 1961 season, he played minor league ball for the next few seasons, following Oriole managerPaul Richardsinto theHouston Colt.45'sorganization.

Once his playing career ended, Courtney managed in the minor leagues, first in Houston's organization, and then for affiliates of theAtlanta Braves.He hoped to be a major league manager one day and came close to being named Atlanta's manager in 1974, though the team settled onClyde Kinginstead. However, while serving as the manager of theRichmond Bravesin 1975, Courtney died of a heart attack while on a road trip with the team.

Early life

[edit]

Clinton Dawson Courtney was born on March 16, 1927, inHall Summit,avillagein tinyRed River Parish,Louisiana.His parents, C.D. and Ethel Murray Courtney, divorced when Clint was about three or four. Courtney had a sister named Fleta, as well as two stepsisters, Cecil and Jo, from his father's remarriage to Gladys Woods.[1]

The Courtneys did not have much money.[2]"I was so poor as a boy, my shoes were so bad that I could step on a dime and tell you if it was heads or tails," Courtney recalled in 1958.[3]The Courtneys lived in Louisiana until Clint had completed the eighth grade, at which point they moved to Arkansas so C.D. could get a job in the oilfields. Clint attended Standard-Ulmstead High School inSmackover,where he garnered All-State recognition playing for thebasketballteam. He had also playedbaseballsince his days in Halls Summit. After graduating, he joined his father working in the Smackover oilfields. He then moved toOrange, Texas,where he worked as a shipyard welder.[1]

In 1944, Courtney was drafted by theUnited States Armyto serve inWorld War II.He served initially atFort RobinsonandFort Chaffee,playing with the latter's baseball team at the 1945National Baseball Congress.[1]After that, he served as part of the occupation forces in Korea, the Philippines, and Japan.[2]Courtney continued to play baseball with service teams. Originally an outfielder, he started playingcatcherduring his army years.[1]To better accomplish the position change, the left-handed Courtney taught himself to throw right-handed, which would make it easier to make a play to first base.[4][5]Courtney still batted left-handed.[6]He was discharged from the Army in 1947.[2]

Playing career

[edit]

Early minor league career

[edit]

Soon after his 1947 discharge, Courtney was signed to play for theNew York YankeesbyscoutAtley Donald,another Louisiana native.[2]He began his career with theBeaumont Exportersof theClass AATexas League,playing four games before being assigned to theBisbee Yanksof theClass CArizona-Texas League.[1]In a game against thePhoenix Senators,Courtney slid hard into second base, spiking and breakingplayer-managerArky Biggs's hand. This started a small fight between the teams. SenatorBilly Martinswore to target Courtney in future games whenever he got the chance.[1][2]In 114 games for Bisbee, Courtneybatted.319 with 71runs scored,136hits,fivehome runs,and 80runs batted in(RBI).[7]

According to Rory Costello of theSociety for American Baseball Research,Courtney began the 1948 season with Beaumont before being sent down to theAugusta Tigersof theClass ASouth Atlantic Leaguein late April.[1]Statistics of his time for Beaumont are not available, but in 64 games with Augusta, he batted.250 with 21 runs scored, 47 hits, 0 home runs, and 25 RBI.[7]In July, Augusta sent him to another Yankee affiliate, theNorfolk Tarsof theClass BPiedmont League.[1]Courtney batted.229 with 22 hits and 1 home run in 29 games for the Tars.[7]

Courtney split 1949 between two Class B teams, Norfolk and theManchester Yankeesof theNew England League.In 58 games for Manchester, he batted.349 with 33 runs scored, 73 hits, 5 home runs, and 32 RBI. For Norfolk he played 48 games, batting.243 with 24 runs scored, 41 hits, 5 home runs, and 24 RBI.[7]Over the 1949–50 offseason, Courtney played winter ball with the Guaymas Ostioneros of the Mexican Winter League, leading the league with a.371 average while also serving as the team'smanager.[1][8]

Back with Beaumont in 1950, Courtney was one of two players unanimously selected to the league'sAll-Starteam. He made a positive impression on managerRogers Hornsby,who would also manage him with the Ponce Leones in the Puerto Rican Winter League over the offseason.[1]In 146 games, Courtney batted.263 with 137 hits, four home runs, and 79 RBI.[1][7]In winter ball over the offseason, Courtney was the leading vote-getter for the All-Star Game.[1]

Invited tospring trainingby the Yankees in 1951, Courtney made the team'sOpening Dayroster. However, shortly after the season started, he was sent down to theKansas City Bluesof theClass AAAAmerican Associationwithout having played.[9]He served as Kansas City's starting catcher, playing well but drawing attention for conflicts during the year.[1]Against theMilwaukee Brewerson June 25, he led with his elbow when sliding into second base, knocking outJohnny Logan's front teeth.[9][10]Later in the season, when Kansas City played theSt. Paul Saints,Courtney had a fight withDanny Ozark.[9]He was suspended indefinitely and fined $100 after a September 3 game when he spat twice in the face of umpire John Fette and struck him with his baseball bat.[9]In 105 games with Kansas City, Courtney batted.294 with 34 runs scored, 101 hits, eight home runs, and 35 RBI.[7]

Major league career

[edit]

MLB debut and trade to Browns (1951)

[edit]

Despite his suspension, Courtney was called up by the Yankees in late September 1951.[9]He made his major league debut on September 29, starting behind the plate for the second game of adoubleheaderagainst theBoston Red Sox.He was hitless in two at bats, though he did reach base in the sixth inning when he washit by a pitchfromMickey McDermott.New York won 3–1.[9][11]Courtney did not play any other major league games in 1951.[6]With his debut, Courtney likely became the first MLB catcher to weareyeglassesduring a game.[a][1]He had been wearing them since either his time in the military or his time in the minor leagues because he wasmyopic,a condition that probably resulted from his time as a welder.[4][5]Courtney would use tape to keep the frames on his head as the glasses sat underneath the catcher's mask. He wore ones with shatter-proof lenses, but due to the rough nature of his position, he had broken about a dozen pairs by 1958.[12][13]

After the season, on November 23, Courtney was traded to theSt. Louis Browns.[6]Yankeegeneral manager(GM)George Weissdisliked the catcher for his on-the-field incidents.[9]Courtney's teammateGil McDougaldthought another reason for the trade was that Martin, now in the majors with the Yankees, could not stand Courtney.[14]Meanwhile, Hornsby, who had just been named St. Louis's manager, was excited to acquire one of his favorite players from Beaumont for his team.[4]Four days after acquiring Courtney, the Browns tradedSherm Lollarto the White Sox, paving the way for Courtney to be their starting catcher in 1952.[1]Baseball historian Frank Russo wrote, "In restrospect, Courtney's trade to St. Louis was the best thing that could have happened to his career."[14]

Rookie season (1952)

[edit]

Towards the end of 1952 spring training, Courtney tripped and fell during a foot race against sportswriterMilton Richmanin a railway yard, and the broken glass and rocks in the yard resulted in a number of cuts. Despite the mishap, he played the next day'sexhibition gamecovered in bandages, getting three hits againstEarly Wynn.Either teammateDuane Pilletteor Browns announcerBuddy Blattnerdubbed him "Scrap Iron", a nickname that would stick with him throughout his career and would well describe the tough, confrontational Courtney.[1][14]

Courtney was the Opening Day starting catcher for the Browns. In the fourth game of the year, he had his first major league hit, atriplewith the bases loaded againstBob Kennedy,helping the Browns defeat theChicago White Sox7–1.[1][15]On May 6, he hit his first major league home run, a go-ahead, two-run blast againstBob Hooperas St. Louis beat thePhiladelphia Athletics5–1.[1][16]Courtney missed 16 games from June 13 through June 28 after discovering a split finger on his right hand during a game against theBoston Red Soxon June 12.[17][18]On July 12, in the second inning of a game against the Yankees, Courtney spiked Martin when he slid into second. When Courtney attempted the play again in the eighth inning, Martin hit him with the hand that had been holding the baseball. Courtney got up and tried to retaliate, which resulted in a shower of punches from Martin. A brawl ensued, during which umpireBill Summerswas knocked to the ground with a punch. Courtney was ejected from the game, but Summers allowed Martin to stay in because he thought Martin had merely been defending himself. The Yankees won 5–4 in extra innings, and Courtney was suspended three games and fined $100.[1][19]He had a game-ending RBI in painful fashion on September 9, gettinghit by a pitchbyRay Scarboroughwith the bases loaded to force in the winning run in the bottom of the ninth, as the Browns defeated the Yankees 5–4.[20]

In 119 games as a rookie, Courtney batted.286 with 38 runs scored, 118 hits, 5 home runs, and 50 RBI.[6]His.996fielding percentageledAmerican League(AL) catchers.[6]He finished second in ALRookie of the Yearvoting toHarry Byrd,also ranking 24th in ALMost Valuable Player(MVP) voting.[21]Courtney also wonThe Sporting NewsAL Rookie of the Yearaward.[4]Oscar Fraley ofUnited Press Internationalwrote that Courtney was "a rarity in succeeding as a freshman catcher."[22]

Sophomore season, move to Baltimore (1953–1954)

[edit]
1954Bowmancard of Courtney with the Orioles

Courtney sought a $4,500 raise for 1953, which would bring his salary to $12,000. When ownerBill Veeckcountered with an $11,000 offer, Courtney wrote a short letter saying, "Dear Veeck: I changed my mind. I want $14,000, not $12,000. Clint."[1]On April 28, the Browns faced the Yankees atSportsman's Park.In the top of the 10th inning, McDougald jarred the ball loose from Courtney at the plate, scoring a run. When the Browns were up to bat that inning, Courtney retaliated by spikingPhil Rizzutoas he tried to stretch asingleinto adouble.Martin jumped on Courtney in a wild melee. Fans threw soda bottles onto the field, the game was paused for 17 minutes, and umpireJohnny Stevensdislocated his shoulder.[4]Afterwards, AL presidentWill Harridgedoled out a record $850 in fines, including $250 to Courtney alone.[1][4]Courtney was involved in another fight in the third inning of the first game of a doubleheader on July 5, whenJohnny Buchaof theDetroit Tigerscrashed into him while trying to score. Bucha was ruled out to end the inning, but a bench-clearing brawl ensued. The Tigers ultimately won the game by a score of 10–7.[23][24]

In the first game of a doubleheader on July 16, the Browns hit three successive home runs during the first inning of an 8–6 victory over the Yankees. Courtney started the feat, followed byDick KryhoskiandJim Dyck.This was an MLB record at the time.[25][26]Courtney "produced much less with the bat" in 1953 according to Costello, who attributed the diminished performance to broken fingers suffered early in the year.[1]In 106 games, Courtney batted.251 with 28 runs scored, 89 hits, 4 home runs, and 19 RBI.[6]Over the offseason, he managed the Ciudad Obregón Yaquis of the Mexican Winter League, again getting selected to the All-Star Game.[1]

Courtney remained the starting catcher in 1954, as the Browns moved to Baltimore and became the Orioles.[8]In the first MLB game atMemorial Stadium,on April 15, Courtney hit the first home run in the stadium's history, a solo shot againstVirgil Trucksin a 3–1 win over the White Sox.[1][27]Against theWashington Senatorson August 29, Courtney had five hits and two RBI in a 5–0 victory.[28]In 122 games, he batted.270 with 25 runs scored, 107 hits, 4 home runs, and 37 RBI.[6]Hestruck outa mere 7 times in 397at bats(1.8 percent of the time), setting a franchise record for lowest strikeout percentage.[1][29]On November 17, the Orioles made a 17-player trade with the Yankees, acquiring catchersHal W. SmithandGus Triandos.[1][8]This made Courtney expendable, and he was traded to the White Sox on December 6.Jim BrideweserandBob Chakaleswere part of the trade, which brought BaltimoreMatt Batts,Don Ferrarese,Don JohnsonandFred Marshin return.[6][8]

White Sox and Senators (1955–1959)

[edit]

Courtney initially held out for a higher contract from Chicago, but he agreed to a deal with the team on January 21, 1955.[30]"This is a good club to be with — providin’ they gimme some work to do," he told reporters during spring training.[31]However, Courtney played only 19 of the team's first 44 games, serving as the backup to Lollar.[32][33]In those 19 games, he batted.378 with 7 runs scored, 14 hits, 1 home run, and 10 RBI.[6]On June 7, he was traded to the Senators with Chakales andJohnny GrothforJim Busby.[6]With Washington, Courtney got the bulk of the playing time for the rest of the season.[32]In 75 games, he batted.298 with 26 runs scored, 71 hits, 2 home runs, and 30 RBI. He played 94 games combined between Chicago and Washington, batting.209 with 33 runs scored, 85 hits, 3 home runs, and 40 RBI.[6]

Courtney with the Senators in 1959

Catchers Courtney,Lou Berberet,andEd Fitz Geraldall played at least 60 games for Washington in 1956, though Courtney's 101 appearances were the most of the three.[34]He had three RBI as well as a triple on July 19 in a 5–4 victory over theCleveland Indians.[35]On August 5, he had three hits, two runs scored, and three RBI in a 10–4 victory over theKansas City Athletics.[36]His three-run home run againstBob Keeganin the first game of an August 28 doubleheader helped Washington beat the White Sox 6–2.[37]Courtney ended the season batting.300 with 31 runs scored, 85 hits, 5 home runs, and 44 RBI.[6]

Washington used the same trio of catchers in 1957. Fitz Gerald played only 45 games, but Berberet played slightly more than Courtney this year, 99 to 91.[38]Courtney broke his hand on afoul tipon May 1, not playing again until May 31.[39]Shortly after his injury, he was fined $100 by managerChuck Dressenfor "insubordination".[40]On August 3, he had three hits, two home runs, and four RBI, though the effort came in a 13–4 loss to the Tigers.[41]Courtney ended the season batting.267 with 23 runs scored, 62 hits, 6 home runs, and 27 RBI.[6]

With the return ofSteve Korcheckfrom Army service in 1958, the Senators had more than enough catchers. Rumors suggested that Courtney would be traded, but it was Berberet who was dispatched before the year.[1]Used as the starter, Courtney set a career-high with 134 games played in 1958.[6]Against the Tigers on September 10, he had two hits and four RBI, including a two-run home run off ofPaul Foytackin the eighth inning that turned a 4–3 deficit into a 5–4 victory.[42]Three days later, he had five RBI, including agrand slamagainstKen Johnsonin an 8–5 victory over Kansas City.[43]Courtney finished the season with career highs in runs scored (46), home runs (8), and RBI (62). He batted.251 and recorded 113 hits.[6]Defensively, he led AL catchers with 64assistsand 17double playsturned, ranking third in the league with a.991 fielding percentage.[6]

In February 1959, Courtney was admitted to a hospital with fears that he had suffered aheart attack,but doctors instead diagnosed him withpleurisy.[44]During a spring training game, he collided with Smith at home plate and sustained ahairline fractureto his leg, but he missed only a few games and was ready for Opening Day. His bad luck came to a head when a bout of themumpskept Courtney off the field until mid-May. In his absence, the Senators acquiredHal Naragon,who split catching duties with Courtney for the rest of the year.[1][45][46]Courtney had four three-hit games during the year but never recorded more than two RBI all season.[45]In 72 games, he batted.233 with 19 runs scored, 44 hits, 2 home runs, and 18 RBI.[6]

Catching the knuckleball, final MLB season (1960–1961)

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During spring training in 1960, Courtney was traded back to the Orioles, along withRon Samford,as the Senators acquiredBilly Gardner.The trade upset Oriole fans, who liked Gardner. "Ah got a hunch Ah’ll play more than a lot of people think. Ah can hit and Ah ain’t as bad a catcher as a lot of people think," Courtney responded to criticisms.[47]Though Triandos was the main catcher for the Orioles, he was on thedisabled listpart of the year with a sore thumb, giving Courtney more playing time.[1]

Courtney also made history catchingknuckleballpitcherHoyt Wilhelm.The unpredictable nature of a knuckleball made it notoriously difficult not just to hit but to catch, and catchers often allowedpassed ballswhen Wilhelm was throwing. Baltimore managerPaul Richardshad been trying since the previous season to help his catchers deal with Wilhelm's pitches, and in 1960, he decided to have his catchers try wearing an oversizedmitt.The glove, nicknamed "Big Bertha", was 42 inches in circumference and weighed 30 ounces; most gloves were only 33–34 inches in circumference and weighed just 27 ounces, for comparison.[b][8][48]On May 27, Courtney became the first catcher to wear the oversized mitt when he caught Wilhelm in a game against the Yankees. Baltimore won 3–2, and there were no passed balls. Courtney liked the glove but still found Wilhelm challenging. "Boy is he rough to catch. I don’t see how anybody ever hits him."[1][49]The glove did not solve all problems with catching the knuckleball; in the first game of a doubleheader against Detroit on June 19, while catching Wilhelm, Courtney was twice called forcatcher's interference.[50]Against the Yankees again on August 15, Courtney dropped a foul pop up hit byMickey Mantle,who then hit a two-run home run to defeat Baltimore.[1]Still, the mitt was legal until the end of 1964, when MLB's Rules Committee declared 38 inches to be the maximum size for a mitt.[51]

During the 1960 season, Courtneystruggled to throw the ball from home plate back to the pitcher,often having to resort to throwing the ball to the third baseman to relay or walking the ball part of the way back to the pitcher. This condition was short-lived.[1]Courtney appeared in 83 games for the Orioles in 1960, batting.227 with 14 runs scored, 35 hits, 1 home run, and 12 RBI.[6]

On January 21, 1961, Courtney was traded to Kansas City withJim Archer,Bob Boyd,Wayne Causey,andAl PilarcikforWhitey HerzogandRuss Snyder.[6]He made one appearance for Kansas City, pinch-hitting forHaywood Sullivanin a 5–3 loss to the Yankees in the first game of an April 15 doubleheader, before the Athletics returned him to Baltimore the same day.[6][52]With Baltimore, he again backed up Triandos.[53][54]Courtney played his last game for the Orioles on June 24, pinch-hitting forMarv Breedingin a 4–1 loss to theLos Angeles Angels.[6][55]On July 1, the Orioles demoted Courtney to theRochester Red Wings,who were in need of catching help. "You don’t have to go back to the minors if you don’t want to, but if you did you’d be doing the organization a big favor," pleaded Richards.[56]Richards also made a promise that wherever he was employed, Courtney would be able to catch.[56]Courtney did go, playing 30 games for the Red Wings for the rest of the season. He batted.217 with 5 runs scored, 13 hits, 0 home runs, and 4 RBI.[7]In 22 games for Baltimore, he had batted.267 with 3 runs scored, 12 hits, 0 home runs, and 4 RBI.[6]

Career statistics and playing style

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In an 11-season career, Courtney was a.268 hitter with 260 runs scored, 750 hits, 38 home runs, and 313 RBI in 946 games. As a catcher, he recorded 3,556putoutswith 379assistsand only 50errorsin 3,985chancesfor a.987fielding percentage.[6]He also had a 41%caught stealingpercentage, throwing out 198 of 478 would-be base stealers.[1]Richards thought Courtney was underrated as a catcher. "You know, Courtney is about three times better a catcher than anyone has ever given him for being. He hops around out there, but he gets the job done. He’s one of the fellows who doesn’t mind winning."[47]Courtney had a reputation for "burning" the ball back to the pitchers when he returned it to the mound.[1]

When Courtney was with the Browns, he would hold his glove in the center of the plate as pitchers were throwing.Ned Garvernoted that Lollar andLes Moss,other Browns catchers, had moved the glove to the part of the plate where Garver wished to throw the ball. "So when Courtney always held his glove in the middle of the plate, it made it harder for me," Garver observed.[57]Courtney held the glove in this manner on instruction from Hornsby, who theorized that "the pitchers will miss it enough that they will hit the edge of the plate a lot of the time."[57]When Hornsby was not managing him, Courtney apparently was more likely to set up the pitch location; biographer Costello called him "an expert framer of pitches."[1]

Later minor league career

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MLBexpandedby creating two new franchises for the 1962 season, and Richards becoming the general manager of theHouston Colt.45's.He kept his promise by acquiring Courtney from the Orioles.[56][58]Courtney competed for the major league club but was cut in April. Initially, he was assigned to the Triple-AOklahoma City 89ersof the American Association. After just three games with them, he was sent to theDurham Bullsof the Class B Carolina League, where managerLou Fitzgeraldwanted a veteran around to help the team's catchers.[1]In 81 games for the Bulls, Courtney batted.246 with 37 runs scored, 61 hits, 9 home runs, and 57 RBI.[7]

As his career neared its end, Courtney developed a new goal: to become an MLB manager.[8]He split 1963 between Durham and the Texas League'sSan Antonio Bullets,serving as a player and coach at both destinations.[1]In 23 games for San Antonio, he batted.250 with 5 runs scored, 10 hits, 2 home runs, and 9 RBI. He played 38 games for Durham, batting.212 with 14 runs scored, 24 hits, 6 home runs, and 20 RBI.[7]At San Antonio, he worked withJerry Grote,a similar-type player who would go on to spend 16 seasons in the major leagues.[1][59]

Courtney finished his playing career in 1964 as a player-coach with San Antonio, where he served as the backup catcher toDave Adlesh.[1][7][60]In 37 games, Courtney batted.324 with 1 run scored, 12 hits, 0 home runs, and 3 RBI.[7]Over 30 years later, David King ofThe San Antonio Express-Newscalled Courtney the "heart" of the Bullets, going on to discuss how his work ethic and simple approach to the game influenced the team.[61]

Coaching career

[edit]

In 1965, Courtney returned to the major leagues as thebullpen coachfor Houston, their first season under the name Astros and their first year in the indoorAstrodome.After the season, Richards and the entire Astro coaching staff were fired. Hired by theAtlanta Bravesin 1967, Richards reemployed Courtney as a travelling catching instructor for Atlanta's minor league teams.[1]

After just over three years of instructing minor league catchers, Courtney got a chance to manage again in 1970, when he replaced Fitzgerald as manager of the strugglingShreveport Bravesof the Texas League. The move was supposed to be temporary, enabling Courtney to be near his ill father and brother-in-law. His relatives' health improved, however, and Courtney held the position for the rest of the year as Shreveport posted a 58–76 record overall.[1][7]In 1971, he managed theGreenwood Bravesof the Class AWestern Carolina League,helping the team post the best record in the league, at 85–38.[1]"Clint ‘Scraps’ Courtney is a man who means what he says and doesn't beat around the bush getting the job done,” opined Jim Joyce ofThe Greenwood Index-Journal.[1]

Courtney managed theSavannah Bravesof the Class AASouthern Leaguein 1972, guiding them to an 80–59 record.[7]He began 1973 with them but was promoted in June to manage theRichmond Bravesof the Class AAAInternational League,Atlanta's top minor league affiliate.[1][4]Richmond finished 1973 with a 53–93 record but went 75–65 in 1974. WhenEddie Mathewswas fired as Atlanta's manager in July 1974, Courtney was prominently mentioned as a possible successor toEddie Mathewsto manage the Braves. The job instead went toClyde King,and Courtney continued to manage Richmond.[1][5]Nevertheless, Courtney figured that his dreams of managing a major league team would soon be realized.[62]

Death

[edit]

On June 15, 1975, while on a road trip with Richmond to play theRochester Red Wings,Courtney was playingping pongand discussing baseball with some of his players when he suffered a heart attack. The attack proved fatal, and Courtney died at the age of 48.[63][64]He was buried in Plot N of the Mount Zion Cemetery in Hall Summit, Louisiana.[62]Bob Lemonreplaced him as the manager of Richmond, which finished the 1975 season with a 62–75 record.[7][65]

Personal life

[edit]

Courtney married St. Louis's Dorothy Knelange inCiudad Obregónon January 11, 1954.[66]The couple had five children: Wendell, Cynthia, Kathleen, Nancy, and Stephen.[67]During his career, Courtney owned a 200-acre ranch inCoushatta, Louisiana,renting up to 500 more acres at times as well. "I aim to own my own land ‘n’ all the cattle I can git," he told sportswriterBob Broegin 1953.[1]He grew over 10,000 peppers, eggplants, and tomato vines in greenhouses, also taking care ofThoroughbredracehorses on his property.[1]He had a country boy reputation; teammateDick Hallquipped that riding in the same vehicle as him was "like being in a barn".[1]Courtney was listed at 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) and 180 pounds (82 kg).[4][5]Despite his tough reputation during games, his temperament was more genial and affable off the field.[5]

Notes

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  1. ^Mike Gonzálezmay have worn them earlier during a game, but this has not been confirmed.[1]
  2. ^There were no official measurements for gloves at the time.

References

[edit]
  1. ^abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyzaaabacadaeafagahaiajakalamanaoapaqarasatauavawCostello, Rory."Clint Courtney".SABR.Archivedfrom the original on August 7, 2021.RetrievedJuly 18,2021.
  2. ^abcdeRusso, p. 24
  3. ^Anderson, Norris. “Sports Today.”Miami News,August 17, 1958.
  4. ^abcdefghCharlton, James; Shatzkin, Mike; Holtje, Stephen (1990).The Ballplayers: baseball's ultimate biographical reference.New York: Arbor House/William Morrow. p.228.ISBN0-87795-984-6.
  5. ^abcdeWhitman, Alden (June 17, 1975)."Clint Courtney, Fiery Catcher In Major Leagues, Dead at 48".The New York Times.Archived fromthe originalon July 19, 2008.RetrievedAugust 21,2008.
  6. ^abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvw"Clint Courtney Stats".Baseball-Reference.Archivedfrom the original on April 29, 2021.RetrievedJuly 22,2021.
  7. ^abcdefghijklmn"Clint Courtney Minor Leagues Statistics & History".Baseball-Reference.Archivedfrom the original on July 25, 2021.RetrievedJuly 21,2021.
  8. ^abcdefRusso, p. 27
  9. ^abcdefgRusso, p. 25
  10. ^Milwaukee Journal,June 26, 1951: 7.
  11. ^"Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees Box Score, September 29, 1951".Baseball-Reference.Archivedfrom the original on July 16, 2021.RetrievedJuly 21,2021.
  12. ^Broeg, Bob. “Scrappy Clint Take-Charge Guy With Mitt.”The Sporting News.September 24, 1952: 4.
  13. ^Anderson, Norris. “Sports Today.”Miami News,June 11, 1958: 3D.
  14. ^abcRusso, p. 26
  15. ^"Chicago White Sox at St. Louis Browns Box Score, April 18, 1952".Baseball-Reference.Archivedfrom the original on July 26, 2021.RetrievedJuly 26,2021.
  16. ^"St. Louis Browns at Philadelphia Athletics Box Score, May 6, 1952".Baseball-Reference.Archivedfrom the original on July 26, 2021.RetrievedJuly 26,2021.
  17. ^"Clint Courtney 1952 Batting Gamelogs".Baseball-Reference.Archivedfrom the original on July 15, 2021.RetrievedJuly 15,2021.
  18. ^"Red Sox Close Home Stand With 7 To 5 Protested Decision Over Veeck's Brownies".The Lewistown Daily Sun.June 13, 1952. p. 28.Archivedfrom the original on July 15, 2021.RetrievedJuly 15,2021.
  19. ^Russo, pp. 26–27
  20. ^"Cleveland Wins; St. Louis Browns Top Yanks".The Daytona Beach Morning Journal.September 10, 1952. p. 6.Archivedfrom the original on July 15, 2021.RetrievedJuly 15,2021.
  21. ^"1952 Awards Voting".Baseball-Reference.Archivedfrom the original on March 29, 2009.RetrievedJuly 15,2021.
  22. ^Fraley, Oscar (November 3, 1952)."Sophomore Jinx Threatens Rookies Black, Courtney".The Wilmington News.p. 10.Archivedfrom the original on July 15, 2021.RetrievedJuly 15,2021.
  23. ^"Detroit Tigers at St. Louis Browns Box Score, July 5, 1953".Baseball-Reference.Archivedfrom the original on January 25, 2021.RetrievedJuly 27,2021.
  24. ^Edelman, Rob."Art Passarella".SABR.Archivedfrom the original on October 29, 2020.RetrievedJuly 27,2021.
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  26. ^Langs, Sarah (March 14, 2019)."Four straight home runs by one team in a game".MLB.Archivedfrom the original on July 27, 2021.RetrievedJuly 27,2021.
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  29. ^"Single Season Leaders for Strikeout Percentage in the American League".Baseball Almanac.Archivedfrom the original on July 27, 2021.RetrievedJuly 27,2021.
  30. ^Prell, Edward. “Courtney and Keegan Cool to Sox ’55 Terms.”Chicago Tribune,January 22, 1955: B3.
  31. ^“Who’s Getting Soft? Not Clint Courtney.”United Press,March 29, 1955.
  32. ^ab"Clint Courtney 1955 Batting Gamelogs".Baseball-Reference.Archivedfrom the original on July 27, 2021.RetrievedJuly 27,2021.
  33. ^"Sherm Lollar 1955 Batting Gamelogs".Baseball-Reference.Archivedfrom the original on July 27, 2021.RetrievedJuly 27,2021.
  34. ^"1956 Washington Senators Statistics".Baseball-Reference.Archivedfrom the original on August 17, 2021.RetrievedJuly 27,2021.
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  36. ^"Washington Senators at Kansas City Athletics Box Score, August 5, 1956".Baseball-Reference.Archivedfrom the original on July 27, 2021.RetrievedJuly 27,2021.
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  38. ^"1957 Washington Senators Statistics".Baseball-Reference.Archivedfrom the original on July 28, 2021.RetrievedJuly 27,2021.
  39. ^"Clint Courtney 1957 Batting Gamelogs".Baseball-Reference.Archivedfrom the original on July 27, 2021.RetrievedJuly 27,2021.
  40. ^“Dressen Reveals Clint Courtney Tapped For $200.”United Press International,May 5, 1957.
  41. ^"Washington Senators at Detroit Tigers Box Score, August 23, 1957".Baseball-Reference.Archivedfrom the original on July 27, 2021.RetrievedJuly 27,2021.
  42. ^"Washington Senators at Detroit Tigers Box Score, September 10, 1958".Baseball-Reference.Archivedfrom the original on July 27, 2021.RetrievedJuly 27,2021.
  43. ^"Washington Senators at Kansas City Athletics Box Score, September 13, 1958".Baseball-Reference.Archivedfrom the original on July 27, 2021.RetrievedJuly 27,2021.
  44. ^“Courtney Released After Hospital Tests.”Associated Press,February 5, 1959.
  45. ^ab"Clint Courtney 1959 Batting Gamelogs".Baseball-Reference.Archivedfrom the original on July 27, 2021.RetrievedJuly 27,2021.
  46. ^"Hal Naragon 1959 Batting Gamelogs".Baseball-Reference.Archivedfrom the original on July 27, 2021.RetrievedJuly 27,2021.
  47. ^ab"Clint Courtney Big Help in Oriole Drive.”Associated Press,June 3, 1960.
  48. ^“Giant Glove Helps.” Milwaukee Journal, May 28, 1960: 7.
  49. ^"This Day in History".The Gettysburg Times.May 27, 2006. p. B4.Archivedfrom the original on July 15, 2021.RetrievedJuly 15,2021.
  50. ^Diles, Dave (June 20, 1960)."Baltimore Deals Punchless Detroit a Double Shutout".The Lewiston Daily Sun.p. 10.Archivedfrom the original on July 15, 2021.RetrievedJuly 15,2021.
  51. ^Maher, Charles. “No More Giant Mitts To Be Seen.”Associated Press,December 2, 1964.
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  56. ^abcRichman, Milton. “Richards Keeps Promise, Hires Courtney to Catch for Houston.”United Press International,February 13, 1962.
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  63. ^"Clint Courtney dies, 48".Spokesman-Review.(Spokane, Washington). Associated Press. June 17, 1975. p. 20.Archivedfrom the original on October 9, 2021.RetrievedAugust 26,2018.
  64. ^Richman, Milton (June 17, 1975)."'Tough – compassionate' Clint Courtney dead at 48 ".Ellensburg Daily-Record.(Washington). UPI. p. 15.Archivedfrom the original on January 26, 2020.RetrievedJuly 28,2021.
  65. ^"1975 Richmond Braves".Baseball-Reference.RetrievedOctober 10,2021.
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  • Russo, Frank (2014).The Cooperstown Chronicles: Baseball's Colorful Characters, Unusual Lives, and Strange Demises.New York: Rowman & Littlefield.ISBN978-1-4422-3639-4.
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