Jim Delsing, former Eau Claire Bear and major league ballplayer died of cancer last week at the age of 80 in his home in Chesterfield, MO.
Born and raised in Rudolph, WI, Delsing is probably most famous for his role in one of the most bizarre moments in modern baseball history. He pinch ran for Eddie Gaedel, the midget who walked on four pitches from the Tigers' Bob Cain in 1951. He was also a fantastic outfielder and steady hitter. He smashed the ball at a .377 clip for Eau Claire in 1946--one of the highest averages in Eau Claire's Northern League history. The minor league Milwaukee Brewers called him up at the end of July, and by 1948 he was in the majors.
One of the nicer guys I've had the pleasure of interviewing. I was hoping to bring him up this summer for the Cavaliers' "Old Timers" night, but he had a fishing trip to Canada already planned.
Jim's son, Jay, is a professional golfer. One of his grandsons, Taylor Twellman, was the MVP in Major League Soccer last year.
My deepest condolences to all of Mr. Delsing's family and friends.
