A baseball legend has passed away, leaving behind a legacy that spans decades and multiple teams. Ray Crone, a former starting pitcher for the Atlanta Braves, has died at the age of 94. His story is a fascinating one, connecting the dots between different eras and franchises.
The Journey of Ray Crone: From Boston to Atlanta and Beyond
Crone's baseball journey began in 1949, just a day after graduating from high school. At the tender age of 17, he signed with the Boston Braves, marking the start of a career that would take him across the country. Over the years, the team underwent various transformations, from the Boston Red Stockings to the Milwaukee Braves, before finally settling in Atlanta in 1966.
During his time with the Braves, Crone made a name for himself, logging an impressive 43 starts between 1954 and 1957. His standout season came in 1956, where he posted an 11-10 record with a 3.87 ERA, setting a personal best in innings pitched. One memorable game saw Crone toss a complete game victory over the Reds, lasting a whopping 11 innings.
But here's where it gets controversial... In 1957, Crone was traded to the New York Giants as part of a deal that brought future Hall of Famer Red Schoendienst to the Braves. Schoendienst, a 10-time All-Star, was the MLB's hits leader that season, and he went on to help the Braves win the 1957 World Series against the Yankees.
And this is the part most people miss... Crone's trade was a pivotal moment in baseball history, as it set the stage for the Giants' eventual move to San Francisco. Crone joined the Giants in New York for the 1957 season and then made the cross-country trek with the team to San Francisco for the 1958 season, his last in the big leagues.
After his playing days, Crone continued his baseball journey as a professional scout, working for several teams, including the Montreal Expos, Baltimore Orioles, San Diego Padres, and Arizona Diamondbacks. His son followed in his footsteps, becoming a scout for the Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, and the Orioles.
So, what do you think? Was Crone's trade a necessary sacrifice for the Braves to acquire a future Hall of Famer? Or did the team give up too soon on a promising young pitcher? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! We'd love to hear your take on this intriguing piece of baseball history.
