RIP Lew Burdette

fsjeter

Milwaukee Braves Pitcher and MVP of the 1957 World Series passed away from lung cancer according to Fox Sports. At one time, I had a baseball signed by the 1956 Braves team that was signed by Lew Burdette on the sweet spot. It also had Eddie Matthews and an early Hank Aaron signature on it as well.

Scott

onlyanumber

My father used to tell me stories about Lew Burdette. He always felt Burdette was a better pitcher than most people thought. Hated it when Burdette pitched against the Dodgers.

RIP Lew...

jamesgotpoorman

A sad day.....

Major League Baseball1957 World Series MVP Lew Burdette dies
By Associated Press
3 hours ago

WINTER GARDEN, Fla. - Lew Burdette, MVP of the 1957 World Series when he pitched the Milwaukee Braves to their only championship, died Tuesday. He was 80.

Burdette had been ill for an extended period with lung cancer. Family members were with him when he died at home, they told the Atlanta Braves.

A two-time All-Star and a member of the Braves' Hall of Fame, Burdette was 203-144 with a 3.66 ERA from 1950-67. He also pitched a no-hitter.

Burdette's greatest success came in the 1957 Series when he went 3-0 with an 0.67 ERA while pitching three complete games against the New York Yankees. He capped his performance with a seven-hit shutout in Game 7 at Yankee Stadium, finishing off a run of 24 straight scoreless innings.

``I have a boatload of memories about Lew Burdette,'' commissioner Bud Selig told The Associated Press by telephone from Milwaukee, where he grew up rooting for the Braves. ``I think what I remember most was that he was a tremendous competitor. He pitched in pain, he pitched to win.

``Winning that Game 7 at Yankee Stadium, 5-0, Eddie Mathews fielding Moose Skowron's smash and stepping on third base for the final out. What a day that was,'' he said. ``I kept in touch with him. He came back here quite a lot. The last time I saw him was at Warren Spahn's funeral.''

Burdette started his career with the Yankees and was traded to the Boston Braves for Johnny Sain during the 1951 season. He also spent time with the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies and California.

The righty led the NL with 21 wins in 1959, ERA (2.70) in 1956 and twice led the league in shutouts. He pitched a no-hitter against the Phillies on Aug. 18, 1960.

Born Selva Lewis Burdette Jr. in Nitro, W.Va., he was called both ``Lew'' and ``Lou.'' He was 179-120 in 13 seasons for the Braves. He was Atlanta's pitching coach in 1972-73.

Burdette went 17-9 in 1957, then took over the Series. He beat the Yankees 4-2 in Game 2 and outpitched Whitey Ford for a 1-0 victory in Game 5. Burdette came three days later to clinch the title.

Burdette was 20-10 in 1958, again teaming with Spahn to pitch the Braves into the World Series against the Yankees. Burdette won Game 2 but, with chances to close out the championship, lost Game 5 and again in Game 7.

``Our thoughts and prayers go out to Lou's family, friends and many admirers,'' Braves general manager John Schuerholz said. ``Lou was a true gentleman and one of the greatest pitchers in Braves' history. We will miss him.''

Burdette was survived by his wife, Mary Ann; son Lewis; daughters Madge, Mary Lou Burdette-Wieloszynski and Elaina Fontana; a brother, a sister, eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

brianwintersfan

basestealer

That sucks. I was just going through some 59 topps last night and came across his card.

fiveniner

Another Hero from my childhood days,RIP Big LEW.