Larry Stahl, a former Major League Baseball outfielder best remembered for spoiling Chicago Cubs pitcher Milt Pappas' bid for a perfect game, died on Oct. 15, 2024, at Caseyville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Caseyville, Illinois. He was 84.[1][2]
Born in Belleville, Illinois, Stahl appeared in Major League games across 13 seasons from 1960 to 1973 for four teams: the Kansas City Athletics (1960, 1962-1967), New York Mets (1968-1969), San Diego Padres (1970-1972) and Cincinnati Reds (1973).[1][2]
In 661 career games, Stahl batted .232 with 36 home runs and 163 runs batted in.[1]
His most famous at-bat occurred on Sept. 2, 1972, at Wrigley Field in Chicago. Pinch-hitting for the Padres against right-hander Milt Pappas in the ninth inning, Stahl drew a full-count walk on a disputed checked swing call by home plate umpire Bruce Froemming. It was the 27th batter faced by Pappas, who had retired the previous 26 in order. Pappas retired the next hitter to preserve a no-hitter in an 8-0 Cubs win.[1][3]
Stahl's best statistical season was 1971 with the Padres, when he hit .253 with eight home runs and 36 RBIs in 120 games.[1]
In his final year, 1973, Stahl appeared in four regular-season games for the Reds, going 2-for-4 at the plate. Cincinnati advanced to the National League Championship Series, losing to the Mets 3-2.[1]
Sources
- Baseball-Reference.com
Title: Larry Stahl
Accessed: October 17, 2024
https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/stahlla01.shtml - Belleville News-Democrat
Title: MLB player Larry Stahl, Belleville West grad, dies at 84
Publication date: October 16, 2024
https://www.bnd.com/news/local/obituaries/article293649664.html - Baseball-Reference.com
Title: Chicago Cubs 8, San Diego Padres 0, September 2, 1972 (boxscore)
Accessed: October 17, 2024
https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHN/CHN197209020.shtml
