Claude Crocker

Claude Crocker
Crocker as a player for the North Carolina Tar Heels, 1944
Pitcher
Born: (1924-07-20)July 20, 1924 Caroleen, North Carolina, U.S.
Died: December 19, 2002(2002-12-19) (aged 78) Clinton, South Carolina, U.S.
Batted: Right Threw: Right
MLB debut
August 1, 1944, for the Brooklyn Dodgers
Last MLB appearance
September 30, 1945, for the Brooklyn Dodgers
MLB statistics
Win–loss record	0–0
Earned run average	6.75
Strikeouts	2
Stats at Baseball Reference
Teams
Brooklyn Dodgers (1944–1945)

Claude Arthur Crocker (July 20, 1924 – December 19, 2002) was a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1944 and 1945. The 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m), 185 lb (84 kg) right-hander was a native of Caroleen, North Carolina.

Crocker is one of many ballplayers who only appeared in the major leagues during World War II. He pitched a total of three games, all in relief, and his last one was his best. On September 30, 1945, the last day of the season, Crocker pitched two scoreless innings to earn a save in a 4–1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies at Shibe Park. Totals for his brief career include 2 games finished, 4 earned runs allowed in 51⁄3 innings pitched, and an ERA of 6.75. He was perfect at the plate and on defense, going 1-for-1 (1.000) and recording 1 assist without making an error.

Crocker was also the head basketball coach at Presbyterian College for one year during the 1949–50 season. He coached the Blue Hose to a 14–15 record.

Crocker died at the age of 78 in Clinton, South Carolina.

External links

• Career statistics from MLB, or Baseball Reference, or Baseball Reference (Minors), or Retrosheet
• Historic Baseball