Births on April 26

Sal Maglie, American baseball player and coach (d. 1992)

Salvatore Anthony Maglie, born on April 26, 1917, and passing away on December 28, 1992, was a memorable figure in American Major League Baseball. Known affectionately and somewhat fearfully as "Sal the Barber," he carved out a remarkable career not just as a pitcher but later contributed to the sport as a scout and pitching coach. His playing years spanned from 1945 to 1958, a period during which he graced the mounds for several iconic franchises, including the New York Giants, Cleveland Indians, Brooklyn Dodgers, New York Yankees, and the St. Louis Cardinals.

The moniker "Sal the Barber" wasn't merely a playful nickname; it perfectly encapsulated his pitching style. He was renowned for giving hitters "close shaves," meaning he consistently pitched tight to the inside part of the plate, often making batters uncomfortable and creating a menacing presence. This on-field intensity stood in stark contrast to his gentle personality off the field, a duality often unnoticed by opponents staring down his foreboding physical appearance from the batter's box. Maglie holds a unique place in baseball history as the last of only 14 players to have played for the New York Giants, Brooklyn Dodgers, and New York Yankees during an era when all three legendary teams were based in New York City, fueling one of baseball's most fervent rivalries. Over his impactful 10-year major league career, Maglie compiled an impressive record of 119 wins, tallied 862 strikeouts, and maintained a solid 3.15 earned run average.

Early Life, Unconventional Path, and the Mexican League Ban

Born and raised in Niagara Falls, New York, Salvatore Maglie's early passion for baseball was met with parental disapproval, forcing him to pursue his love for the game in secret. Despite these challenges, his talent shone through, leading him to sign with the Buffalo Bisons of the International League in 1938. He honed his skills in the minor leagues for five years, demonstrating promise before his career was temporarily put on hold by the tumultuous events of World War II. During this critical period, he contributed to the war effort by working in a defense plant back in Niagara Falls, a common sacrifice for many athletes of his generation.

Upon his return to baseball, Maglie resumed pitching with the Jersey City Giants in 1945. Later that same year, at the age of 28, he finally made his much-anticipated Major League debut with the New York Giants, starting 10 games. However, his journey to becoming a full-time major league fixture would be anything but straightforward. In 1946, seeking better financial opportunities—a common issue for many players under the restrictive reserve clause system of the time—Maglie made the controversial decision to join the Mexican League. This move, while offering more immediate remuneration, came at a severe cost: he was subsequently banned from Major League Baseball for five years by Commissioner Happy Chandler. This infamous ban, a stark reminder of the power wielded by MLB leadership in that era, meant that Maglie lost five crucial years of his career, effectively delaying his true arrival in the big leagues until he was 33 years old in 1950.

Major League Stardom: From Giants Ace to Dodger Hero

When Sal Maglie finally returned to Major League Baseball in 1950, he made up for lost time with astonishing speed. Initially pitching out of the bullpen for the New York Giants, he quickly proved his mettle. Midseason, he was moved into the starting rotation, a decision that would prove pivotal. Maglie responded by delivering an incredible performance, throwing shutouts in four consecutive starts and pitching an astounding 45 consecutive scoreless innings. His meteoric rise continued into 1951, where he truly emerged as the Giants' ace. That year, he led the National League with a remarkable 23 wins, playing a central role in the Giants' dramatic run to the 1951 World Series, a season forever etched in baseball lore for Bobby Thomson's "Shot Heard 'Round the World"—a game in which Maglie was indeed on the mound.

He followed his breakout season with an impressive 18-win performance in 1952. However, adversity struck in 1953 when debilitating back trouble threatened to derail his career. Displaying characteristic resilience, Maglie found a unique solution, inserting a lift into one of his shoes to correct a tilted pelvis, allowing him to make a triumphant return in 1954. That season, he pitched the decisive game that clinched the National League pennant for the Giants, ultimately helping them secure victory in the 1954 World Series. After one more season with the Giants in 1955, Maglie was claimed off waivers by the Cleveland Indians on July 31st. His stint in Cleveland was brief, as he was seldom used, leading him to join the Brooklyn Dodgers in May 1956, a move that would reignite his career in spectacular fashion.

With the Dodgers, Maglie rediscovered his dominant form. He finished second in both the National League Most Valuable Player (MVP) voting and the inaugural Major League Baseball Cy Young Award voting, a testament to his exceptional pitching. A highlight of this resurgent season came on September 25th, when he threw a memorable no-hitter against the Philadelphia Phillies. He once again found himself pitching on baseball's biggest stage, contributing to the Dodgers' efforts in the 1956 World Series, a series famously remembered for Don Larsen's perfect game—another historic contest in which Maglie participated. He spent three more seasons in the major leagues, playing for the Dodgers, Yankees, and Cardinals, before officially retiring in 1959. Throughout his career, Maglie compiled a 1–2 record in four World Series starts, forever linking his name to some of the sport's most legendary moments.

Post-Playing Career and Lasting Legacy

Even after hanging up his cleats, Sal Maglie remained connected to the game he loved. He served for a year as a scout for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1959, bringing his keen eye for talent to the front office. His expertise on the mound was further utilized during two separate stints as a pitching coach for the Boston Red Sox (1960–62 and 1966–67), where he helped mentor a new generation of hurlers. He also lent his coaching insights to the Seattle Pilots for one season in 1969. Following his professional baseball career, Maglie returned to his hometown of Niagara Falls, New York, where he held various jobs before retiring fully in 1979.

His impact on his hometown was recognized in 1983 when Hyde Park Stadium, a local landmark, was deservedly renamed Sal Maglie Stadium, a lasting tribute to a local legend. Salvatore Anthony Maglie passed away on December 28, 1992, at the age of 75, due to complications from bronchial pneumonia, leaving behind a legacy as a fiercely competitive pitcher whose journey through baseball was as compelling as his performances on the mound.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sal Maglie

What was Sal Maglie's nickname and why?

Sal Maglie was famously known as "Sal the Barber" because of his pitching style. He was known for giving hitters "close shaves," meaning he consistently threw pitches very tight to the inside part of the plate, making batters uncomfortable and establishing an intimidating presence on the mound.

Why was Sal Maglie banned from Major League Baseball?

Maglie was banned from MLB for five years by Commissioner Happy Chandler in 1946 after he left to play in the Mexican League. Many players sought better pay in the Mexican League during that era, but MLB commissioners enforced severe penalties, including bans, to maintain control over player contracts under the reserve clause.

Which iconic baseball games did Sal Maglie play in?

Sal Maglie participated in two of baseball's most famous games: Bobby Thomson's "Shot Heard 'Round the World" game in the 1951 National League pennant playoff, and Don Larsen's perfect game in the 1956 World Series.

What were some of Sal Maglie's career highlights?

Among his many achievements, Maglie led the National League with 23 wins in 1951, helped the Giants win the 1954 World Series, and in 1956, finished second in both NL MVP and the inaugural Cy Young Award voting while also throwing a no-hitter against the Philadelphia Phillies.

For which teams did Sal Maglie play during his MLB career?

Sal Maglie played for the New York Giants, Cleveland Indians, Brooklyn Dodgers, New York Yankees, and St. Louis Cardinals. He holds the unique distinction of being one of only 14 players to have played for the Giants, Dodgers, and Yankees when all three teams were based in New York City.

What did Sal Maglie do after his playing career?

After retiring as a player, Maglie served as a scout for the St. Louis Cardinals and had multiple stints as a pitching coach for the Boston Red Sox and the Seattle Pilots. He later retired to his hometown of Niagara Falls, New York, where Hyde Park Stadium was renamed Sal Maglie Stadium in his honor.