Deaths on March 13

Ducky Detweiler, American baseball player and manager (b. 1919)

A Life on the Diamond: The Story of Robert "Ducky" Detweiler

Born Robert Sterling Detweiler, but affectionately known throughout his life and career as "Ducky," this American professional baseball infielder and manager graced the diamond from February 15, 1919, until his passing on March 13, 2013. A right-handed batter and thrower, Ducky stood at 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 m) and weighed 178 pounds (81 kg). His journey, like that of many talented young ballplayers of his generation, saw a promising career trajectory abruptly interrupted by the profound impact of World War II.

Early Years and Professional Debut

Hailing from Trumbauersville, Pennsylvania, Detweiler completed his high school education at Quakertown in 1938. The following year, in 1939, he made a pivotal move to Federalsburg, Maryland, where he swiftly became a prominent local sports figure. His athletic prowess extended beyond baseball, encompassing basketball and football, and he actively contributed to the community by serving as an official, umpire, and assignor of games. It was also in 1939 that Ducky inked his first professional contract, signing with the renowned Philadelphia Athletics. This pivotal moment launched his professional journey with their affiliate team, the Federalsburg Athletics of the Class D Eastern Shore League. Receiving a monthly salary of $75 during the 1939 ESL season, Detweiler immediately proved his worth, delivering a robust .292 batting average and smashing 10 home runs in 98 games as a versatile second baseman and outfielder. His contributions were instrumental in helping the Federalsburg team clinch the coveted league pennant.

Rising Through the Ranks and Major League Dreams

Ducky Detweiler's talent quickly caught the eye of scouts, earning him a promotion in 1940 to the Wilmington Blue Rocks of the Class B Interstate League. Here, he seamlessly transitioned to third base, showcasing his adaptability and power with an impressive .313 batting average and a .472 slugging percentage across 93 games. The following year, 1941, saw him traded to the Boston Bees organization. He began the season with the Bradford Bees in the PONY League before moving to the Bridgeport Bees in the Interstate League mid-season, concluding the year with a combined .310 average and a .448 slugging percentage over 106 games.

The year 1942 marked a significant milestone for Ducky. Playing with the Evansville Bees of the Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League, a year after baseball legend Joe DiMaggio's historic 56-game hitting streak, Detweiler embarked on a remarkable hitting rampage of his own. He hit safely in an astonishing 40 consecutive games in the Three-I League, leading Evansville with a stellar .341 average. His dominance extended across the board, as he also led the team in hits (149), home runs (16), runs batted in (106), extra-base hits (46), total bases (237), slugging (.520), and games played (120). This incredible performance rightfully earned him a call-up to the big leagues with the renamed Boston Braves, where he made his Major League debut in late September. In 12 appearances, Ducky batted a respectable .318 (14-for-44), collecting two doubles, one triple, driving in five runs, and scoring three times, offering a glimpse of his potential at baseball's highest level.

World War II and Its Impact

However, like countless young American men of his generation, Ducky Detweiler's burgeoning baseball career was put on hold. He was drafted into military service, serving as a Private First Class in the United States Army from 1943 to 1945. Initially assigned to the 1301st Service Unit, he continued to play baseball, representing the New Cumberland Reception Center team alongside fellow talents like Tommy Hughes, Pat Mullin, Fred Caligiuri, and Harry Marnie. Later, he was transferred to Camp Siebert in Alabama, a critical replacement training center for the Chemical Warfare Service. It was here, with Hughes, Mullin, and Steve Sundra, that Detweiler helped forge the legendary "Camp Siebert Gashouse Gang," a formidable force that dominated southern states military baseball between 1944 and 1945. His service was a testament to his patriotism, but undoubtedly cost him crucial years in his professional athletic development.

Returning to the Field and Beyond

Upon his return from military service, Detweiler rejoined the Braves in 1946. His Major League comeback was brief, appearing hitless in just one pinch-hitting role before being assigned to the Indianapolis Indians of the American Association. Mid-season, he was dealt to the St. Louis Cardinals organization, finishing the year with the Rochester Red Wings of the International League, where he posted a combined .230 average over 99 games.

In 1947, demonstrating his independent spirit, Ducky requested his release and made a heartfelt return to Federalsburg of the Eastern Shore League, the very place where his professional journey had begun eight years prior. This homecoming proved to be a spectacular success, as he delivered an outstanding season, batting .352 with an impressive 29 home runs and 133 RBIs. As his playing career wound down, Detweiler transitioned into a player/manager role, notably with the Red Springs Red Robins of the Tobacco State League in 1950, a farm club for his original team, the Philadelphia Athletics. He continued to play and manage in the minor leagues until 1952, concluding his eleven minor league seasons with a remarkable .316 batting average and a .502 slugging percentage. In addition to his playing prowess, he compiled a managing record of 207 wins against 290 losses (.416 winning percentage) over a four-season span between 1948 and 1952.

Life After Baseball and Lasting Legacy

After hanging up his cleats and retiring from professional baseball, Robert "Ducky" Detweiler embarked on a new chapter. From 1960 to 1969, he ran a local establishment aptly named "Ducky's Tavern," a business he proudly took over from his father-in-law. Following his time as a tavern owner, he found a fulfilling career as a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, a role he dedicated himself to for two decades before retiring in 1984.

In his personal life, Ducky married Jean Cahall in 1944. Together, they raised a daughter, Gina, and were blessed with two granddaughters and two great-grandchildren. A cherished, long-time resident of Easton, Maryland, Robert Sterling "Ducky" Detweiler passed away in 2013 at the age of 94, leaving behind a legacy not just as a gifted baseball player and manager, but as a dedicated serviceman, a respected community figure, and a loving family man.

Frequently Asked Questions about Robert "Ducky" Detweiler

Who was Robert Sterling "Ducky" Detweiler?

Robert Sterling "Ducky" Detweiler was an American professional baseball infielder and manager, best known for his minor league career, a significant Major League debut, and his military service during World War II.

When was Ducky Detweiler born and when did he pass away?

He was born on February 15, 1919, and passed away on March 13, 2013, at the age of 94.

What baseball teams did Ducky Detweiler play for professionally?

Ducky Detweiler played for various minor league teams including the Federalsburg Athletics, Wilmington Blue Rocks, Bradford Bees, Bridgeport Bees, and Evansville Bees. He also had a brief stint in Major League Baseball with the Boston Braves in 1942 and returned for a single game in 1946.

What was his military service during World War II?

He served as a Private First Class in the US Army from 1943 to 1945, assigned to the 1301st Service Unit and later Camp Siebert. He played baseball for military teams, notably helping form the "Camp Siebert Gashouse Gang."

What was a notable highlight of his playing career?

A significant highlight was his 40-consecutive-game hitting streak in the Three-I League with the Evansville Bees in 1942, a performance that led to his Major League call-up.

What did Ducky Detweiler do after retiring from baseball?

After his baseball career, he owned and operated "Ducky's Tavern" from 1960 to 1969 and then worked as a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service for 20 years, retiring in 1984.