Famous File: Jack Banta

I am borrowing the label "Famous File" from Tammi over at Escape to the Silent Cities. My famous file posts could be local or national.

Jack Banta
Pitcher
Brooklyn Dodgers
1947 - 1950
Born: 6/24/1925 Hutchinson, Reno Co., KS
Died: 9/17/2006 Hutchinson, Reno Co., KS
Buried: Penwell Gabel Cemetery & Mausoleum

'49 World Series pitcher dies

HUTCHINSON — Jack Banta, who played on the Brooklyn Dodgers with Jackie Robinson and made three relief appearances in the 1949 World Series, died at 81. His death was confirmed Tuesday. Banta, who had heart problems and recently broke his hip, entered a Hutchinson hospice Saturday and died the next day, wife Jackie Banta said.

Banta pitched briefly for the Dodgers in 1947 and 1948. His best season was in 1949 when he went 10-6 and won the pennant clinching game. Banta, who threw sidearm, pitched in the World Series against a New York Yankees team featuring Joe DiMaggio and Yogi Berra.

Banta pitched in relief in Games 3, 4 and 5 and gave up a home run to DiMaggio. The Yankees won the Series in five games.

He worked for a grocery supermarket company in Hutchinson for 33 years before retiring in 1989.

A graveside service is scheduled for Thursday in Hutchinson.

Salina Journal, 9/20/2006

Links to online information on Jack Banta:

Link 1
Link 2