On this date in 1938, Chicago White Sox RHP Monty Stratton had his right leg amputated after a hunting accident. At the time, Stratton was just 25 years old and coming off two very impressive seasons. His 1937 season stood out the most, when he went 15-5, 2.40 in 22 games, 21 starts. He followed that up with a 15-9, 4.01 in 26 games, 22 starts. His life story was chronicled in "The Monty Stratton Story" which stars James Stewart as Stratton and also features appearances by Gene Bearden and Bill Dickey, among others.
Stratton's story could have easily been one of a man who had the ability to pitch in the major leagues, but one that was cut short because of an unfortunate accident. Stratton initially accepted his fate and began his career as a coach. After his rehabilitation, he stayed with the White Sox for several years coaching. But a burning desire remained with him to once again pitch in the major leagues. Playing with a wooden leg, he threw on the side for nearly 8 years, finally deciding to make a comeback during the 1946 season. He pitched for the Sherman Twins in the East Texas League and managed to make 27 starts, going a remarkable 18-8 and pitch 218 innings. This was all with a wooden leg! While players like Pete Gray and Jim Abbott get a lot of credit for having big league careers in spite of missing one of their arms, Stratton's story in more incredible.
The story ends on a little of a down note as Stratton failed to duplicate his 1946 success and does not make it back to the big leagues. In 1947, he made 15 starts for the Waco Dons of the Big State League, going 7-7, 6.55 in 103 IP. After that season, he battled several injuries, one forcing him to miss the entire 1948 season. He made 2 starts during the 1949 season, one for the Vernon Dusters of the Longhorn League and one for the Temple Eagles of the Big State League. He didn't give up an earned run (4 unearned) in 13 innings. Fighting injuries and the difficulty of throwing with one wooden leg, he pitched to a 2.25 ERA, winning all four of his starts (all complete games). The only downside of his season is that he gave up 31 runs (27 unearned) in two leagues that were obviously pitching him to add some ticket sales. The competition at that level was very questionable, but the complete games and wins make his run very remarkable. He did not pitch professionally during the 1951 and 1952 seasons and made one final comeback in 1953 at age 41. After struggling in his two starts, he finally ended his attempt.
It would have been an unbelievable story if Stratton made a return to the major leagues. Unfortunately, there was never enough momentum built up for it to be realistic. I wonder if Bill Veeck ever thought about signing Stratton as a publicity stunt, like a couple of the lesser professional leagues did. All kidding aside, Monty Stratton could have easily gave up his dream of pitching after losing his leg. He had a couple of very good seasons, something many MLB pitchers can never say. The five seasons he continued to pitch in the minors after his amputation should be an inspiration to many athletes who are faced with an adversity as serious. It is my hope that the story can continue to be told, 74 years after his amputation and 53 years after a movie was made about his life. Once again, the movie is called The Monty Stratton Story and was made in 1949. Stratton passed away in 1982 at age 70.
The story ends on a little of a down note as Stratton failed to duplicate his 1946 success and does not make it back to the big leagues. In 1947, he made 15 starts for the Waco Dons of the Big State League, going 7-7, 6.55 in 103 IP. After that season, he battled several injuries, one forcing him to miss the entire 1948 season. He made 2 starts during the 1949 season, one for the Vernon Dusters of the Longhorn League and one for the Temple Eagles of the Big State League. He didn't give up an earned run (4 unearned) in 13 innings. Fighting injuries and the difficulty of throwing with one wooden leg, he pitched to a 2.25 ERA, winning all four of his starts (all complete games). The only downside of his season is that he gave up 31 runs (27 unearned) in two leagues that were obviously pitching him to add some ticket sales. The competition at that level was very questionable, but the complete games and wins make his run very remarkable. He did not pitch professionally during the 1951 and 1952 seasons and made one final comeback in 1953 at age 41. After struggling in his two starts, he finally ended his attempt.
It would have been an unbelievable story if Stratton made a return to the major leagues. Unfortunately, there was never enough momentum built up for it to be realistic. I wonder if Bill Veeck ever thought about signing Stratton as a publicity stunt, like a couple of the lesser professional leagues did. All kidding aside, Monty Stratton could have easily gave up his dream of pitching after losing his leg. He had a couple of very good seasons, something many MLB pitchers can never say. The five seasons he continued to pitch in the minors after his amputation should be an inspiration to many athletes who are faced with an adversity as serious. It is my hope that the story can continue to be told, 74 years after his amputation and 53 years after a movie was made about his life. Once again, the movie is called The Monty Stratton Story and was made in 1949. Stratton passed away in 1982 at age 70.
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