Karl Drews was an effective pitcher and maybe one of the worst hitters of all time his lifetime batting average was .083 but he was an effective pitcher , But big strong pitchers don't need to hit especially if they can throw a fastball as hard as Drews could.
His major league career consisted of pitching for the 1946-48 Yankees, 1948-49 Browns, 1951-54 Phillies, 1954 Reds. The Highlight of his career was most likely in helping the 1947 Yankees win the pennant and aiding in their World Series Victory over Brooklyn.
August 15th marks the 51st anniversary of Drew's untimely demise at the age of 43 years old. Considered one of the toughest post WW II Yankees autographs.
On August 15th 1963 in Dania Florida he was driving his 17 year old daughter to an athletic event when his car stalled in a construction area. He got out to summon help while Geraldine remained in the car.
The first car he tried to stop was a drunken driver from Hollywood Florida who struck Drews flush hurling his body almost 18 feet through the air in full view of his daughter who witnessed the accident helplessly from inside the car.
On the day that Drews pitched his first World Series game Oct 2nd 1947 his son Ron was born. He saved the Yankees cap he wore that day for him. His son went on to become a two sport star at Old Dominion and was eventually drafted by the 1969 Mets but instead chose a professional career. So every autograph tells a story and every story has a lesson in it somewhere.
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jim@stinsonsports.com
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