George Cisar is one of the oldest living Major League Baseball players- 5th on the list. He was born on August 25, 1912 in Chicago, Illinois. He recently turned 97 years old.
Cisar only played in the Majors for one season, 1937, at the age of 25, but got to do it for the Brooklyn Dodgers. He played in 20 games; scoring 8 runs, getting 6 hits and 4 RBI's. George Cisar also stole 3 bases and did not commit a error as an outfielder.
"I didn't play too many full games, I wish I did. It wasn't my fault, I was ready anytime." - George Cisar (Interview, Justin Murphy, 06/07/2007)
Uber Fan Roy gets a great letter from this old-timer as they happen to have a common connection.
(click to enlarge)You may not know it, but I finished my pro ball career right in your old home town with the Anniston Rams of the old South Eastern League (1940). Bill Rodda was our manager and Larry Gilbert Jr. was the business manager. I joined them in June of that year and they were in last place where we eventually finished up.How fortuitous George must have thought it was to get a letter from a lad who comes from a town he played in.
I wish I could think of some names of the many friends I made there but time and the war gradually erased that. I do remember a "Doc Tom" who worked in a drug store, but he and his wife may not even be their anymore.
Well anyway, it brought back fond memories even if we finished in last place. Best of luck and very Merry Christmas.
(click to enlarge)P.S. I still can't figure how we finished in last place. We had Joe Hatton who later starred for Brooklyn, Ralph Hamner (later White Sox), Frank Papish (later White Sox) (all good pitchers).One of the unfortunate realities of growing old is that memories can sometimes fade away. That is why letters like these are important to record, keep and share for the sake of family, friends and history.
I just wondered if Tommy O'Brien who later starred foor the Boston Red Sox still makes Anniston his home. He was one of us Anniston Rams.
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