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 Edward Gaedele Posted by:  Shorelander
N 41° 43.812 W 087° 42.630
16T E 440910 N 4620065
The final resting place of an unexpected baseball player.
Waymark Code: WM4211
Location: Illinois, United States
Date Posted: 06/25/2008
Views: 17
The marker lies in the eastern side of the cemetery, and is at ground level. Please look at the description section below for more on Mr. Gaedel.
Description:
Edward Gaedele, better known as Eddie Gaedel, made headlines on Sunday, August 19, 1951. Mr. Gaedel was a little person, standing only 3'7" (1.09 m) tall. As part of a publicity stunt by St. Louis Browns owner Bill Veeck, he was signed by the Browns the Friday two day earlier. The contract was approved without scrutiny by the commissioner's office, clearing the way for his appearance against the Tigers.
Wearing the number 1/8, Gaedel surprised everyone, including the Tigers pitcher, Bob Cain, and the home plate umpire, Ed Hurley. Owing to his short stature, the strike zone was under three inches tall. As a result, Gaedel was walked with four straight balls, all high. He was replaced on the bases by pinch runner Jim Delsing, thus ending his baseball career. The Tigers ended up wining the game, 6-2.
Gaedel is still the shortest person to play in the major league, with a 1.000 on-base percentage. Tragically, Gaedel would be mugged in Chicago in 1961, an event which would trigger a fatal heart attack. Gaedel was buried here in St. Mary's Cemetery.
Date of birth: 06/08/1925
Date of death: 06/18/1961
Area of notoriety: Sports
Marker Type: Horizontal Marker
Setting: Outdoor
Fee required?: No
Web site: [Web Link]
Visiting Hours/Restrictions: Not listed
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