Deaths on April 14

Al Benton, American baseball player (b. 1911)

John Alton Benton, born on March 18, 1911, and passing away on April 14, 1968, was an accomplished American professional baseball pitcher whose career spanned an intriguing period of Major League Baseball (MLB) history. Known for his imposing presence on the mound, the right-hander was officially listed at 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 meters) tall and weighing 215 pounds (98 kilograms), a significant stature for a player during his era, suggesting he would have been a formidable figure on the diamond.

Benton’s journey in professional baseball saw him don the uniforms of several prominent franchises. He pitched for Connie Mack’s Philadelphia Athletics, a team with a rich history, before moving on to play for the Detroit Tigers, the Cleveland Indians, and finally, the Boston Red Sox. His career highlights reflect not just longevity but also a fascinating statistical uniqueness that has cemented his place in baseball lore, making him a memorable figure even amongst casual fans and historians alike.

A Career Spanning Eras: Facing Legends

One of the most remarkable distinctions in John Benton's career is his unique position as the only pitcher ever to have faced both Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle. This accomplishment alone speaks volumes about the impressive length and generational reach of his time in the big leagues. He squared off against the legendary Babe Ruth in 1934, during the twilight of the "Sultan of Swat's" illustrious career. Ruth, a towering figure who redefined hitting and symbolized baseball's golden age, was a pioneer in the sport's ascent to national prominence. Nearly two decades later, in 1952, Benton found himself on the mound against Mickey Mantle, the budding superstar for the New York Yankees. Mantle, known as "The Commerce Comet," was at the beginning of what would become a Hall of Fame career, symbolizing the new era of post-war baseball heroes with his electrifying power and speed.

This rare feat underscores Benton's ability to remain competitive and effective across significant shifts in baseball's landscape, bridging the gap between two of the game's most iconic sluggers and their respective eras, truly making him a unique footnote in baseball's expansive narrative.

An Unprecedented Inning: The Sacrifice Bunt Record

Beyond facing baseball royalty, Benton also holds a quirky, yet remarkable, individual record that highlights a different facet of his game. On August 6, 1941, in a game against the Cleveland Indians, John Benton became the only player in MLB history to execute two sacrifice bunts in the same inning. A sacrifice bunt is a strategic offensive play where a batter intentionally makes an out by bunting the ball into play, with the primary goal of advancing one or more baserunners into scoring position. Performing this maneuver twice within a single inning is an exceedingly rare occurrence, typically requiring specific game situations, such as multiple runners on base and perhaps a long, drawn-out offensive frame where opportunities arise. This unique achievement showcases not only his proficiency with the bat, despite being a pitcher, but also his commitment to team strategy and advancing runners, even at the cost of his own statistical batting average, highlighting a selfless approach to the game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When did John Alton Benton play in Major League Baseball?

John Alton Benton played professional baseball from the 1930s through the early 1950s, a career that notably allowed him to face both Babe Ruth (in 1934) and Mickey Mantle (in 1952).

Which MLB teams did John Benton play for?

He played for the Philadelphia Athletics, Detroit Tigers, Cleveland Indians, and Boston Red Sox during his Major League Baseball career, contributing to several historic franchises.

What is unique about John Benton's pitching record?

John Benton is the only pitcher known to have faced both Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle, two of baseball's most legendary figures from vastly different eras, a testament to his career longevity and the fascinating span of his playing days.

What is the significance of his sacrifice bunt record?

Benton holds the distinction of being the only player in MLB history to record two sacrifice bunts in a single inning, a rare strategic feat demonstrating his skill and team-first approach as a hitter, even as a pitcher, by effectively advancing baserunners.

Was John Benton considered a power pitcher?

While his exact pitching style isn't explicitly detailed in his notable records, his physical stature of 6 feet 4 inches and 215 pounds suggests he had an imposing presence on the mound, which often correlated with power pitching during his era in Major League Baseball.