Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Mickey Vernon Obituary
Vernon died Wednesday at Riddle Memorial Hospital in Media, hospital spokeswoman Jackie Woolfall said Thursday. He had a stroke last week, according to Jim Vankoski, Vernon's friend of 25 years.
Vernon played from 1939-43 and 1946-60 with Washington, Cleveland, the Boston Red Sox, the Milwaukee Braves and Pittsburgh, winning batting titles in 1946 and 1953. He went on to become the first manager of the expansion Senators in 1961, after the original team moved to Minnesota and became the Twins.
He was career .286 hitter and finished with 2,495 hits in 2,409 games, including 490 doubles and 120 triples. He had 172 homers and 1,311 RBIs.
As a manager, he led the Senators to a 135-227 record.
Vernon made his big league debut with the Senators in 1939, and the 21-year-old left-handed first-baseman hit .267 in 79 at-bats. He spent most of the next season in Jersey City and returned to Washington in 1941, when he began establishing himself as one of the league's solid first basemen.
He missed the 1944 and 1945 seasons due to military service in the Navy during World War II.
When Vernon returned to baseball in 1946, he had arguably his finest season, winning his first batting title with a .353 average. He had a career-high 207 hits in 587 at-bats and finished with 51 doubles, eight triples, eight home runs and 85 RBIs.
He won his second batting title in 1953, batting .337 and edging Cleveland's Al Rosen by .001. Vernon had 205 hits in 608 at-bats, including 43 doubles, 11 triples, 15 homers and a career-high 115 RBIs, and he finished third in MVP voting behind Rosen and Yogi Berra.
He closed out his career with the 1960 World Series champion Pirates, spending most of the season as a coach before being activated late in the season and becoming one of a few players to compete in four decades.
After his stint managing the Senators, Vernon became a coach with the Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees. He also managed at the Triple-A and Double-A levels.
Vernon is among 10 players whose careers started before 1943 on a Veterans Committee ballot for induction to the Hall of Fame. Results are to be announced Dec. 8. Born April 22, 1918, in Marcus Hook, Pa., James Barton "Mickey" Vernon attended Villanova University. He returned to area after retiring from baseball and made his home there until his death.
His hometown of Marcus Hook dedicated a life-size statue of Vernon in September 2003 on the very sandlot fields he played as a child, one block from his former home. Vernon is survived by his daughter, Gay.
Funeral arrangements were pending.
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press
34 Entries
September 24, 2016
Not many people can say they have won a World Series. I hope friends and family have fond memories of him forever. WC FL
William Seubert
November 18, 2014
Mickey was a light of hope for us Senators fans. We lost a lot and it wasn't pretty but Mickey gave us hope that maybe just maybe we could beat those "damn" Yankees one more time.
His defense was flawless, his swing had such grace; we're so very grateful for the Man at First base!
Harry Simpson
September 24, 2014
Fair winds and following seas sailor.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
Nicole
September 5, 2013
Just found out that my great great great grandmother was mickeys aunt. I'm proud to have him on my family tree. Only heard good things about him
How you can show support
Nick Gamvas
April 7, 2011
MEMORY ETERNAL!
Glen Loy Walker McAbee Loy
November 9, 2010
Mick was my mothers first cousin...I have many fond memoreis of my aunt and uncle (him mother and father] We visited at least once a year tarveling form Virginia to viist. Uncle Mick alwasy stopped in Virgina on the was to spring training to vist us and his aunt Anne. I got close to Mick in his final years and truly miss him deary. I mis shooting pool and talking old baseball and the characters of the game. He never said a unkind word about anyone in our conversations. I can't think of an nicer person in professiona sports today. Miss you Unc!
March 6, 2010
I wrote a letter to Mr. Vernon a few years back inquiring about my father who was a ballboy for the Washington Senator's in 1954. I cannot begin to tell you how much it meant to me that he took the time to respond to me. What a nice man. God bless him and his family. I know he is truly missed.
michael vernon
July 28, 2009
a real hero
Tom Gore
June 27, 2009
Mickey Vernon was at a baseball camp in DC around 1947. Asked us kids if any had ever swung a bat before. If so, you went to one side. Those of us who never had used a bat were told to stand on this side of the plate no matter which arm you threw with. That way, he explained "You have one step toward first base if you connect." Worked for me and I was always grateful.
Tom Gore
barry gibell
April 2, 2009
I was a Yankee fan who did appreciate the Players that can to the stadium. Mickey was a very good player.
Jim Hartley
January 11, 2009
What can you say about someone who made you feel better just by saying hello? What an incredible human being! And he certainly was an above average ball player.
Glen Loy (McAbee)
November 2, 2008
I knew him as "Uncle Mick". He was my mom's first cousin and shared many stories, both baseball and family with me. I would visit with him three or four times a year and with his wife, "Aunt Lib" until her passing. I'll miss him dearly and hope that just a little of this great man and his wisdom and kindness rubs off on me. I remember one of the last times I visited him at Granite Estates, we had lunch together and shot some pool. The first game I won and the second game I slacked off a little and he said, "don't let me win by missing shots". He was serious. He commenced to beating me the next two games! I laughed and said..."You called ME the hustler?" I'll miss you Uncle Mick, and I'm ever apprecitive for all the things you did for me.
Billy Staples author
October 3, 2008
I've had the pleasure of calling Mr. Vernon my friend for over 30 years. He was a great baseball player but he was an even better human being. As an inner-city public school teacher, Mickey was never too busy to spend time with some of my students. He would invite a small group over to his place, serve them drinks, show his silver bats and tell story after story, all while the students sat there with their eyes wide open and smiles on their faces. The world's lost a good guy and heaven has a hall of famer from top to bottom.
Mike Hanlon
September 30, 2008
Dear Mrs. Vernon & Gay,
I had to honor of meeting Mickey several years ago at a autograph show in Boston. I had a wonderful photo of Mickey swing a bat and I asked him if he would sign the photo as Batting Champ in 1946, the year that I was born. Mickey smiled and asked me if he could also add that he won the Batting Title in 1953. A real gentleman, and a real fine baseball player. I'm so glad I had the opporunity to see him play at Fenway Park, and met him. God Bless.
Douglas Schwanke
September 30, 2008
In June 2006, I attended a Washington Nationals baseball game at RFK Stadium in Washington, DC where I grew up in nearby Rockville. I was a toddler when the expansion Senators moved to Texas in 1971 so we had no baseball until 2005, when I was in my mid thirties.
On that particular June afternoon at the game, the announcer on the loud speaker announced that former Senator Mickey Vernon was being honored on the 60th anniversary for winning the batting championship and also threw out the ceremonial first pitch. Shortly afterwards, a sign flashed on the scoreboard stated that Mr. Vernon was available for autographs between the second and fifth inning of the game. Upon seeing that, I left my seat for his autograph.
I was walking frantically around the stadium looking for something to purchase for Mr. Vernon to sign. Luckily I came upon the stadium store, paid $5 for a baseball and went to the place where Mr. Vernon was singing autographs.
I waited in line with a friend of mine as the game went on. Finally it came my turn and I handed Mr. Vernon my baseball to sign and he signed it with a very neat signature. Unfortunately I never got to see him play since I wasn't born until 1970 having read about him through his batting and fielding stats. After Mr. Vernon finsihed signing by baseball, I thanked him and offered my hand for him to shake which he did grecefully.
After that meeting that great Senator, I decided to write a book about the Washington Senators in which I included a pitcure of Mr. Vernon signing my baseball on that June 2006 afternoon as a dedication to a great ballplayer.
Paul Hertelendy
September 29, 2008
My fond reminiscences of Mickey on the field, in detail, at http://www.thecolumnists.com/hertelendy/paul156.html
He inspired so many of us by example, character, stylish play---and sheer endurance.
Greg Corio
September 29, 2008
Mickey is a relative of mine - my paternal grandmothers maiden name was Vernon (from Albany NY). I last saw him in 1964 at Yankee Stadium when he was managing the Washington Senators. My dad contacted Mickey and he brought us into the visitors dugout before the game. I was 18 at the time and an amateur baseball player so it was a real thrill. A very nice man. [email protected]
Dr. Bob Iannace
September 27, 2008
Thanks Mickey.
Harry Simpson
September 27, 2008
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Fred Gosart
September 27, 2008
I was saddened to learn of Mr. Vernon's passing. I was fortunate to have met him in 2007 at the Men & Women of Yesteryear Brunch sponsored by The Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. He was a fine gentleman, a great ball player and a hero to many of us. My condolences to his family and friends.
Matt Wiedemann
September 27, 2008
Sorry to hear that another hero has died he and my grandfather played baseball together (Bert Pultz) he had great respect for your father.
CYNTHIA BRYANT
September 27, 2008
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, ""I welcome you.""
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......""My day was not in vain.""
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008
Gene Cushman
September 27, 2008
At nine years old (1943) I went to a ballgame at Fenway Park. There was a ball player at the end of my aisle talking to some boys. I went down and asked for his autograph. It was Mickey Vernon. He became my idol. Later in 1947, I was put into the back seat of a car and we drove off for my brother's wedding. Boring! I sat in the church and when my brother came out, behind him was this tall man. My god! It was Mickey Vernon. My brother married Mickey Vernon's sister. Can you imagine my Joy? My brother died two weeks ago. He and Mickey and Elisabeth and Edith are together again.
Catherine
September 26, 2008
My condolences
Mike Dugan
September 26, 2008
As a youngster I remember having his baseball cards as an an adult I was lucky enough to get his autograph.
Mickey Vernon was an excellent ball player and a friend to his fans
Rest in peace.
Marty Steinberg
September 26, 2008
Mickey was a neighbor of mine as I was born on 2/27/39 and my family lived a few houses down. We had a grocery store. I met Mickey through his friend Whitey. Moved to Wallingford in 1954 and my father delived the mail. He was a nice person to talk to and was always friendly and courteus. He will be missed by many. Sorry to hear of your loss.
Thomas Widgeon
September 26, 2008
Jesus Loves Me!!!
Henryk Zaleski
September 26, 2008
God bless you.
louis carwell
September 26, 2008
rest in peace micky vernon,you were quite a ballplayer.
D. . ZIMMERMAN
September 25, 2008
REST IN PEACE MICKEY VERNON
Bill Fead
September 25, 2008
Thanks for your Military Service.
Past Commander V.F.W.
JHart
September 25, 2008
To the family of Mickey,
I would like to offer my condolences regarding the death of Mickey. It is always so sad when someone we love passes away. May the comfort and tender mercies of our Heavenly Father be with you all (2 Corinthians 1:4). With deep sympathy,
Showing 1 - 34 of 34 results
Make a Donation
in Mickey Vernon's name
How to support Mickey's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Mickey Vernon's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored