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Billy Hitchcock
Billy Hitchcock
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Billy Hitchcock Obituary
He died Sunday, according to Auburn University, which Hitchcock led to its first football bowl game and its first Southeastern Conference baseball title.
Hitchcock spent more than 40 years in professional baseball as a player, manager, scout, coach and minor league executive. He was an infielder with five clubs between 1942 and 1953. In 1951, he hit .306 in 77 games for the Philadelphia Athletics. He managed the Detroit Tigers, Baltimore Orioles and Atlanta Braves in the 1960s.
As a football player, Hitchcock was a single-wing back who scored Auburn's only touchdown, on a 40-yard run, in the Bacardi Bowl in Havana on Jan. 1, 1937. The game ended in a 7-7 tie with Villanova.
As captain and shortstop, Hitchcock also led the Auburn Tigers to their first conference baseball title in 1937.
In 1997, Auburn renamed Plainsman Park Hitchcock Field in honor of Hitchcock and his late brother, Jimmy, Auburn's first All-American in baseball and football. The men's golf program annually hosts the Billy Hitchcock Invitational, which was held last weekend for the 19th time.
Hitchcock was a lieutenant in the Army reserves, earning the Bronze Star for service in the Pacific and three battle stars during World War II.
He was the president of the Southern League during the 1970s before retiring in 1980.
Copyright © 2006 The Associated Press
30 Entries
Nick Gamvas
April 7, 2011
MEMORY ETERNAL!
William Hitchcock
September 22, 2007
I want to say thank you to all who signed this guest book. Billy is my granfather. Paw Paw was a very good person. It warms my heart that he touched and knew so many people. God bless all of you and thank you.
George Stanford
July 31, 2007
He was one in a million.
How you can show support
Dave Howell
May 17, 2006
Thanks for your contributions to the Orioles. My sympathy to your family. God bless.
April 27, 2006
May the Lord be the lifter of your heads in your time of sorry.
Mike, Albany, NY
Syd Thrift
April 25, 2006
My deepest sympathy to Billy's family. It was a real privilege to have been associated with Billy through our years in professional baseball. He was a true gentleman that always displayed dignity and character.
jeff pfingston
April 24, 2006
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Butch Gilmer
April 23, 2006
I've had the pleasure to meet Billy on several occasions. The last time was at my mothers funeral in 1998. Billy was close to my mother's family. (Wooddy's) Billy always sent my cousins and I autographed baseballs when he was in Detroit. They were later destroyed by fire. Something I will always consider one of my greatest loses. May God Bless Billy and his family.
A Hawthorne
April 22, 2006
“Blessed be . . . the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation.”—2 Corinthians 1:3, 4.
I am truly sorry for your lost, but in your time of grief it's comforting to know God is there for you and that He has a purpose for mankind to be resurrected to life in Paradise on earth. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Trish Drew
April 20, 2006
So sorry to hear of the sad loss, I will always remember Billy Hitchcock for his friendy smile and always taking the time to stop and talk with me, no matter where we were. I worked at Goodsons Jewelry store for 15 years and always enjoyed his whole Family as Customers, you will be missed by All who knew you Mr. Hitchcock.
Mike Moore
April 14, 2006
Strangely enough I was at Turner Field Wednesday night, when Billy's death was announced and a moment of silence held for the former great player and Braves former manager.
God Bless.
Mike Moore
Maiden,N.C.
28650
Robert Watkins
April 14, 2006
God Bless his family.
Mike Dugan
April 13, 2006
Major League Baseball has lost one of its dearest brothers with the passing of Billy Hitchcock.
Rest in peace Billy.
May the good Lord comfort your family in the days ahead.
Bill Ratliff
April 13, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. A most respectful "War Eagle" to you and your family.
April 13, 2006
My prayer,s and condolences be with the Hitchcock Family,very soon the God of Heaven,will eradicate sickness,pain and death.(Rev 21:3,4) the bible promise that millions now dead will live again on this earth under peaceful, paradisaic conditions.( Luke 23:43;John3;16 17:3 compare Psalms 37:29 and Matthew 5:5.)Since Jesus made the promise it is safe to assume that he is willing to fulfill it.
Sincerely,
Cathey Howard
915 Nolte Dr.
Dallas,Tx 75208
Kerry Saulters
April 13, 2006
I had the honor to meet Billy and his family. They were family to me as well and I send my condolenses to the family and friends. Mr. Hitchcock, you were an amazing man and I bet you and the angels are now playing baseball as Angels in the Infield now. ^_^
Lakeisha Walter
April 12, 2006
May God Bless the family and friends and strenghten their hearts now and always.
Darren Flora
April 12, 2006
I didn't know Billy but he is a good ball player Hitchcock family I'm soory about your lost. Flora family
jim clinton
April 12, 2006
he played with my father in law in 1941 1942 1943 (Red Busby) red mentioned billy often red attended ole miss football and baseball
Charley & Wendi McGill
April 12, 2006
Our thoughts & prayers are with the family during this time of sorrow!!! God has called another angel home. May you rest in peace, Billy & keep the ball playing going on in Heaven!!!
Phil. 4:13
Bill Short
April 12, 2006
Rest in pease Billy ,you had a long and good career.
April 11, 2006
Another great Baseball player gone to play in heaven. Which is where He will never strike out.
Rest in peace sir.
Don Dowling
April 11, 2006
I remember Billy well.we got on the street car at Five Points and went to Briggs statiom . That is when you could get out on the field and gert autographs. When we didn't go to the game Harry Hileman did the play by play and you could walk down the street and never miss a play because everyone had the radio tuned to the Tiger games.
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