Art Schallock, Yankees World Series Champion and Oldest Living MLB Player, Dies at 100
Art Schallock, a World War II veteran and former pitcher for the New York Yankees who amassed three World Series rings during the team’s dominant run in the 1950s, has passed away at the remarkable age of 100. Schallock held the distinction of being Major League Baseball’s oldest-living player since July 2022, a testament to his longevity and enduring connection to the sport he loved.
The news of Schallock’s passing was announced by Major League Baseball in a social media post on Saturday, expressing their sadness at the loss of a cherished member of the baseball community. The league had celebrated Schallock’s milestone 100th birthday the previous year, a testament to his enduring legacy. He would have celebrated his 101st birthday next month.
Born on April 25, 1924, in Mill Valley, California, Arthur "Art" Schallock demonstrated his athletic prowess early on, excelling in baseball, golf, and tennis at Tamalpais High School. However, his burgeoning athletic career was soon interrupted by the call to serve his country. In 1943, just weeks after graduating from high school, Schallock was drafted into the U.S. Navy.
His service took him far from the baseball diamond, as he served as a radio operator aboard the USS Coral Sea during World War II. The war years saw him separated from his passion, as he later recounted, "I went in the Navy and I didn’t see a baseball for three years."
Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, Schallock resumed his pursuit of a baseball career. He attended Marin Junior College and subsequently garnered the attention of professional scouts, ultimately signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1946. While he never reached the major leagues with the Dodgers, his time in their minor league system honed his skills and prepared him for the opportunity that awaited him.
The defining chapter of Schallock’s baseball career began on July 12, 1951, when the Dodgers traded him to the New York Yankees. Just four days later, on July 16, 1951, he made his major league debut for the Yankees, fulfilling a lifelong dream. The Yankees saw immense potential in Schallock, a left-handed pitcher with a promising skillset.
Interestingly, Schallock’s arrival on the Yankees roster came at the expense of another legendary player – Mickey Mantle. In order to create a roster spot for Schallock, the Yankees made the difficult decision to option Mantle to the minor leagues.
Schallock recounted the anecdote with a touch of humor, stating, "To get on the Yankees’ roster, they had to send someone down and it turned out to be Mickey Mantle. He came back quickly, but for many years Mickey and I would joke about it. … Later, when I was pitching for the Orioles, he hit a monster home run against me and smiled all around the bases."
During his time with the Yankees (1951-1955), Schallock played a part in one of baseball’s greatest dynasties, winning three World Series rings in 1951, 1952, and 1953. While he only made one appearance in a World Series game, in 1953, he contributed to the team’s overall success during that period.
In 1955, Schallock’s career took him to the Baltimore Orioles, where he concluded his major league tenure. Over his MLB career, Schallock appeared in 58 games, starting 14 of them. He pitched a total of 170.1 innings, allowing 199 hits, 76 earned runs, and 11 home runs, while recording 77 strikeouts. While his statistics may not place him among the all-time greats, his contribution to a legendary Yankees era and his longevity within the sport were truly remarkable.
Despite the ups and downs inherent in a professional baseball career, Schallock looked back on his time in the majors with fondness and gratitude. "I had a great career; I can’t complain. I played with some of the best that ever played and I have three World Series rings," he said during a 2019 interview with "This Great Game" (TGG). "Sure, playing in the majors was stressful at times, but overall I loved every minute of it and I always look back fondly."
Art Schallock’s impact on baseball extends beyond his playing days. His story serves as an inspiration, reminding us of the dedication, perseverance, and passion required to succeed in the sport. He also represented a generation of players who served their country in wartime before returning to pursue their athletic dreams.
Following the death of George Elder in July 2022, Art Schallock became the oldest-living former MLB player, a position he held until his passing. With Schallock’s death, pitcher Bill Greason, born on September 3, 1924, now assumes the title of oldest-living former player at 100.
The baseball world mourns the loss of Art Schallock, a World War II veteran, a three-time World Series champion, and a man who lived a long and fulfilling life, deeply connected to the sport he loved. His legacy will endure, remembered for his contributions to the New York Yankees dynasty and his remarkable longevity in the game.
