Former Yankees left-hander Art Schallock, at 100 years old, holds the title of the oldest living big-leaguer. He made an appearance at Sunday’s game in San Francisco, where he chatted with manager Aaron Boone and relievers Luke Weaver and Clay Holmes during pre-game. Photos courtesy of Randy Miller and AP.
SAN FRANCISCO — Early Sunday morning, the oldest living Major Leaguer embarked on a 41-mile journey from his assisted living facility in Sonoma, Calif., to downtown San Francisco.
This was a significant day for former left-hander Art Schallock, who celebrated his 100th birthday in April. It was his first visit to Oracle Park, having seen only two big-league games in person over the past 60 years, both in Oakland.
Dressed in a Yankees pinstripe jersey and a Yankees cap, Schallock proudly represented his former team.
Though his career stats were modest—5-foot-9, 160 pounds, with a 6-7 record and a 4.02 ERA over five seasons with two teams—Schallock was part of the Yankees during their glory days.
From 1951-55, Schallock pitched 28 games for the Yankees, eight as a starter. His teammates included franchise legends Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra, Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford, Phil Rizzuto, and Billy Martin.
“Best moment? Yankee Stadium,” Schallock said. “That was one of the greatest thrills for me coming from wine country. And then I was involved in three World Series.”
Schallock earned rings for being part of the Yankees’ 1951-53 threepeat.
Those were fun times.
Sunday was fun, too.
Schallock spent time in the Yankees’ dugout before the game and was approached by manager Aaron Boone.
“You want to suit up today?” Boone asked. “We’ll get you warmed up.”
“Yeah, right,” Schallock responded, adding, “I can’t hear too well and can’t see too good, but I feel good.”
Yankees relievers Clay Holmes and Luke Weaver also greeted Schallock, who was later recognized on the video board after the first inning and received a round of applause from the crowd.
Schallock became the oldest living player in July 2022 following the passing of 1949 St. Louis Browns outfielder George Elder at age 101.
He cherished his time with the Yankees.
When earning the first of his three Yankees wins on Aug. 16, 1951, Schallock pitched seven innings and allowed one run in a road start against the Washington Senators with Berra catching and DiMaggio in center field.
He enjoyed throwing to Berra.
“He knew all the hitters,” Schallock said.
His rookie year was DiMaggio’s last as a big leaguer.
“He was a quiet guy,” Schallock said of Joltin’ Joe. “He didn’t say too much. He’d say, ‘Good morning.’ He made it look easy.”
Schallock played longer with Mantle.
“It was a great thrill to watch him,” Schallock said. “He was sent to the minors and came back three months later and made a hell of a name for himself. He was a hell of a hitter.
“Mickey was a very quiet kid when he came up. Martin and Ford got him in trouble. Then they got rid of Martin because he was making Mickey go the wrong way with the drinking and everything.”
Schallock said the best hitter he ever faced was Ted Williams. They crossed paths in just one game, in 1955 at Fenway Park in Boston while Schallock was with the Orioles.
Williams was 0-for-2 against him with two comebackers.
Schallock still follows the Yankees through the newspapers and he’s aware of their biggest star.
How would he pitch Aaron Judge?
“I wouldn’t throw him a fastball,” Schallock said. “I’d show it to you. Waste it. The kids that come up today are all fastball pitchers. The best pitch, as far as I’m concerned, is the change of pace if you learn to throw it with the same motion as your fastball.”
