Oldest Living Ballplayer Dies

Or is that headline an oxymoron? In any case, Bill Werber, a one-time teammate of Babe Ruth, has died at the age of 100. See the story here in a fascinating article by the Associated Press. For some reason, none of the articles about him included his birth (6/20/1908).

Isn't it amazing that we can go on-line at any time and see the lifetime statistics for a player such as Werber? What a cool time we live in! Here are some of Werber's career highlights:

• Werber played for 12 years after his All American collegiate career at Duke. His career began in 1930 and concluded in 1942.
• Werber played for the Yankees, Red Sox, Philadelphia Athletics, Cincinnati Reds and New York Giants.
• Werber had a lifetime Batting Average of .271 and an On Base Percentage of .359 (not bad!).
• Werber stole 215 bases and led the league in that category three times.
• Werber scored over 100 runs three times in his career and more than 80, seven times (in a 154 game schedule).
• His best year came in 1934 for the Red Sox when he batted .321, with 200 hits and 129 runs scored. He hit 41 doubles, 10 triples and 11 homers that year and added 77 walks for a .388 On Base Average.
• He didn't appear to be a very good fielder (primarily a third baseman) with a lifetime .940 fielding percentage.

Werber lived a long and wonderful life. He became a millionaire after his stint in baseball by selling insurance. We salute you, Mr. Werber.