BORN

1927

DIED

2013

FUNERAL HOME

Weinstein & Piser Funeral Home

111 Skokie Blvd

Wilmette, Illinois

Marvin Rotblatt Obituary

The shortest pitcher to ever play major league baseball. Marv Rotblatt came from Albany Park in Chicago with a talent for throwing sinking curveballs At The University of Illinois, he was penned, "Mr. 1947 ". He led his team to a western Conference Championship with a record of 15 - 2. Marv still holds the record for the most consecutive scoreless innings pitched. Marv was inducted into: The Jewish Sports Hall of Fame and The University of Illinois Hall of Fame. A southpaw, Marv signed with The Chicago White Sox in 1948. Marv pitched for 3 seasons, initiated a triple play, and retired due to injury. Marv's best year was in AAA baseball with The Memphis Chicks in 1950 and a record of 22 wins and 9 losses. Marv showed Branch Ricky how to throw a "circle changeup" and the following season, everyone was throwing circle changes. Marv was the first pitcher to be transported from the bullpen via a golf cart. After baseball, Marv spent 39 years in the insurance industry and was an avid supporter of thoroughbred horseracing. Marvin is survived by two sons, Steven and Richard and three grandchildren. The family will be receiving Monday, July 22, 2013, 4 pm - 8 pm at Weinstein Funeral Home, 111 Skokie Blvd, Wilmette, IL 60091, 847-256-5700.

Published by Chicago Tribune on Jul. 21, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
for Marvin Rotblatt

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Had the pleasure of meeting Marv when I was a Maintenance Technician at The Park in Niles where Marv had moved in.
It was a pleasure to talk to him everyday at work. Didn't know he played Baseball until the day he learned my son was disabled and an avid card collector he gave me a sign card that my son who's now 25 still has and treasures.
RIP Marv it was a short but pleasurable time knowing you.

Jimmy Fernandez

Work

May 6, 2022

Good friend. Marvin could tell a joke. we sat and talk about the good old days. he is missed. Ray at cigar king.

Ray Ahmed

August 27, 2020

Marv lived in the next block from us in Albany Park. My mother went to the same high school as Marv, Von Stueban, and was 2 years older than he. When we moved to Skokie, IL in the 1950's Marv watched my brother pitch in Little League or Pony League and said he saw potential for a possible major league career.

June 9, 2018

I never had the pleasure to meet Mr. Rotblatt but today (April 2, 2018 I met his son Stephen in AZ. We discussed baseball - both from Chicago - Stephen a Sox fan and myself a Cub Diehard but both Northsiders. Stephen held his father in deep respect and his discussion of his Dad and baseball was wonderful. I felt that I should add my condolences for the passing of Marvin Rotblatt.

Arthur Wallenstein

April 2, 2018

Marvin Rotblatt was my mother's first cousin, and my second cousin. Although I did not have any contact with Marvin during the last 20 plus years, I will always remember him, as being someone who had a rare ability to know what type of pitch a pitcher was going to throw in the ball games that we watched together.

He gave my mother his baseball glove, and she gave it to me, when I started to play baseball when I was around 8 or 9 years old. I was also very short, but became a very good pitcher in little league. I think there might be a genetic trait for pitching like some families have for art or music, which allows them to learn and play much better than others. To me, pitching was something that came naturally. I really loved to practice and pitch in actual games and I was surprised how I was able to strike out many excellent hitters when I focused and studied their swing and stance. I still like to pitch but rarely get the opportunity or have the time to do so.

I believe Marvin perfected his natural ability and I admired him for staying with it so long, until he was injured. I have always believed that a baseball pitcher is like a quarterback in football. They both are extremely important to a team's success.

I wish I still had Marvin's glove, I would give it to the University of Illinois to honor him. I think it must have been lost during one of the several moves to different cities I lived in when I was growing up. I will miss Marvin very much and was thinking of him during the Boston/St. Louis World series. I will always remember his ability to focus, and his smile and laugh, as well as the confidence he had in what he did exceptionally well. No matter what you do in life, be sure you do it better than others. If you do, it will become something you love, and will not seem like work.
Neal Taslitz, Wellington, Florida

Neal Taslitz

November 7, 2013

My dad met Marv Rotblatt when my dad was drafted into the Army as a dentist during the Korean conflict. He obtained a personalized autograph for my brothers and me even though we did not meet Marv Rotblatt. We cherished baseball memorabilia, and the autograph still remains with one of my sons. My dad also met Don Newcombe and Hy Cohen during that Army stint. Indeed, Hy Cohen and Bob Speake, both playing for the Cubs, had dinner at our home in Phila one evening when the Cubs were playing the Philllies. I offer my condolences to the Rotblatt family on their loss.

Marvin Kromash

August 18, 2013

I had the pleasure of watching Marv Rotblatt pitch in the old Western League in 1956. He was, by that time, a master of deception -- a joy to watch

Norm Rosenberg

August 6, 2013

My father was Marv's high school baseball coach. I remember spending alot of time with your father and mother as a young girl. I thought about your father many times, and I am sure you will miss him.
Roberta Goldstein Fox

July 25, 2013

I contacted Marv twenty-five years ago, He answered a questionnaire regarding the years he spent in baseball. I'm emailing from Canada to say that I have lost another of my baseball card heroes.

Barry McMahon

July 24, 2013

I'm.a 1968 grad of Carleton College in Minnesota. Marv is and always be an important part of Carleton culture. Rotblatt softball is something we all looked forward to every spring, and Marv's semi-regular visits to the annual banquet, as well as his great sense of humor, were true, memorable highlights. My condolences to his family.

George S

July 22, 2013

AS the one-time Commissioner of the Rotblatt league -- and the record holder for the lowest batting average in the 100-plus inning Rotblatt Senior game -- I lament Marv's death. He came to our banquet at Carleton my senior year and as Commissioner, I was the guy who picked him up at the airport and shepherded him through the night. His stories were always wonderful.

Robert Strauss, Carleton 1973

July 22, 2013

Dear Steve, Our hearts go out to you and your family on the loss of your father.. Wishing you our love and support during this difficult time. Love,
Ron and Nancy Hlavacek

July 22, 2013

A man of infinite jest. He will be missed, especially by all the Carleton College alums of my generation.

Tom Bartel

July 22, 2013

Steven & Richard, our sympathy on your loss. We saw that mom had passed about a year ago, and now your dad. Your dad was a heckuva competitor and a great salesman, when he wanted to be. I have many fun memories and trips we took in the ins. business, and sorry we can't be with you today. Bob & Audrey Rylowicz

July 22, 2013

My family did business with Marv when he was with New England Life for many years. What a great guy and what a one of a kind he was. When I was going for an insurance physical he took me to be sure that I passed! I will miss him even though I have not seen Marv in years. Good bless him and find a fine place for him in Heaven! With deepest sympathy to his family.

Kevin Pentoney

July 22, 2013

I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Rotblatt, but I have known his name for many years. I want you to know that each Spring his memory lives on in the hearts of the students of Carleton College.

Deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Howard Lovett
'79

Howard Lovett

July 22, 2013

I have been at several dinners with Marv over the last several years, and have thoroughly enjoyed his company. He was a master storyteller and always the life of the party, keeping everyone entertained. I regret that I was not able to spend more time with him. I will miss his sense of humor, and his stories about baseball, people, and his experiences over the years. I would like to express my deepest condolences to his family.

Mark Suchecki

July 22, 2013

I will miss Marv, his jokes, and baseball stories that he would tell at the Cigar King. Everyone smiled when he walked in the door. He will be missed!
Linda

July 22, 2013

I met Marv on the 3rd of July 4 years ago. His stories were fascinating. He told me about every Sox player that I grew up watching. Thanks Marv for a fun enjoyable evening. It was one that I will never forget.

Terry Peck

July 21, 2013

Marv, You were a great friend and You will be missed by both Gail and I. You and your stories about baseball and life will remain with us forever. We greatly enjoyed the time we spent together. Our condolences to Marv's Family.

Tom & Gail Pecelunas

July 21, 2013

I'm sorry for your loss.
I grew up in Albany Park and I greatly admire that an accomplished sportsmensh came from there. Born in 1947... I missed Marvins great accomplishments at University of Illinois.
Regards.

July 21, 2013

My condolences on your loss. Marv and me were roommates in spring training back in about 1957-1958 (?) at Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Florida. Both of us being from Chicago, he told me he "had the horses figures out" and upon returning to Chicago he would meet me at the track and show me the "ropes!" My first time at the track, my first bet....the horse dropped-dead in the stretch. Marv was a great man who I shall always remember as a good friend.

Bob Faust

July 21, 2013

Steve my sincere condolences. I remember when we were all in high school and we were sitting in your kitchen and your dad was telling us all the stories from the old MLB days. My thoughts are with you

Marc Levin

July 21, 2013

Richard Rotblatt

July 21, 2013

Rich Rotblatt

July 21, 2013

Rich Rotblatt

July 21, 2013

Rich Rotblatt

July 21, 2013

Richard Rotblatt

July 21, 2013

Richard Rotblatt

July 21, 2013

Richard Rotblatt

July 21, 2013

Richard Rotblatt

July 21, 2013

Richard Rotblatt

July 21, 2013

Steve, My husband has been a Sox fan since he was a kid. He remembered your father the moment I mentioned his name. We're sorry for your loss.

Joyce Reilly

July 19, 2013

Steve,

My deepest, heartfelt sympathies go out to you and yours. May you find peace in this time of loss.

Sevgi Ozturk

July 19, 2013

Steve, Count me and mine among those who
extend their condolences upon the loss
of your remarkable dad. May you find comfort in knowing what a great son he fathered.

Florence Salkin

July 19, 2013

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4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Weinstein & Piser Funeral Home

111 Skokie Blvd, Wilmette, IL 60091

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111 Skokie Blvd, Wilmette, IL 60091

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