Today, April 25, 2004, is the 100th birthday of the oldest living former major league ballplayer, Art Schallock. Schallock finished his career as an Oriole, so that makes him the oldest living former Oriole as well.
A left-handed pitcher, Schallock played in the majors from 1951 through 1955. He was with the Yankees for most of that time, but was acquired by the Orioles early in 1955 and finished the year with them. Schallock won three games and lost five, with an ERA of 4.15 with Baltimore.
Schallock was originally signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers organization, but did not reach the majors until he was traded to the Yankees. He was added to the roster to replace a rookie named Mantle, whom the Yankees decided needed a little more seasoning at the AAA level. Wonder whatever happened to that guy?
Schallock's final major league game was on September 23, 1955, when he entered a game against the Washington Senators as part of a double switch in the sixth inning. He took the place in the batting order of the third baseman, who had made the last out in the top of the sixth, as the center fielder moved in to play third base.
The starting third baseman had been a struggling rookie named Robinson. Wonder whatever happened to that guy?