COVINGTON, Ga. (AP) — Danny McDevitt, the former Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher who won the team's final game at Ebbets Field in 1957, has died. He was 78.
His daughter-in-law, Kristie McDevitt, said McDevitt died Saturday of unknown causes and was buried on Tuesday in Covington, near his home in Social Circle.
McDevitt, a left-hander, was 21-27 with seven saves in seven major league seasons with the Dodgers in Brooklyn and Los Angeles, the Yankees, Twins and Kansas City Athletics.
He is remembered for striking out nine Pirates and allowed five hits in a complete-game 2-0 victory over Pittsburgh for the Dodgers on Sept. 24, 1957, in the team's last home game in Brooklyn.
McDevitt followed the Dodgers to Los Angeles the following year. He was 7-4 with a 3.25 ERA as a rookie in 1957 and was 10-8 with five saves for Los Angeles in 1959.
He finished his playing career with Kansas City in 1962 before working with the federal Economic Development Administration in Atlanta. He also worked in real estate and managed a Christmas tree farm in Social Circle, Ga.
Kristie McDevitt, who married McDevitt's son, Daniel, said the family was constantly amazed by the attention he drew throughout his life due to his role in Brooklyn Dodgers history.
"No matter how fast you threw a ball or how many games you won, there's no way of doing that again," she said. "Only one pitcher could win that last game."
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press
My dad met Danny as he was walking back to his hotel after he played a game against the Cincinnati Reds. He loved to tell me the story and talk about meeting family as our last name is McDevitt. Dad also named me Daniel which we are Irish change to Danny. I have one of his Brooklyn Dodgers baseball cards. I'm sorry for your loss and wish I could have met him.
Danny McDevitt
October 15, 2023 | Other
At a moment in time he made history!
Danny Brackett
July 12, 2019 | Florence, SC | Friend
Bill Carangelo: Rest In Peace Danny. Bill Carangelo
Bill Carangelo
July 27, 2018 | Stroudsburg, PA
Hi: I lived in Bay Ridge, Bklyn NY ( Colonial Rd. & 71st St) during Danny McD's tenture with the Dodgers. He and his family lived in a rental home on Colonial Rd between 70th St. & MacKay Pl.......I was an 8th grader in Our Lady of Angels School and actually babysat for their son when Mrs. McD went to the ballpark......After one game Danny McD brought me a baseball autographed by the entire Dodgers team.....I gave it to my friend's brother who had broken his leg.....should have kept it!!! ...
Joan Kelly Karpowic
June 03, 2011 | Sunny Isles Beach, FL
Remembered By
dan mcdevitt
December 09, 2010 | Socialcircle, GA
I did not know Mr. McDevitt personally, but heard of him often through Mrs.McDevitt who taught me French in high school. I learned so much more than language from her and can't listen to Led Zepplin without thinking of her. I just learned of the loss of both of them today and am deeply saddened. God bless all of you. You are in my prayers.
Dana (Cox) Warwick
December 02, 2010 | Memphis, TN
I (as I saw on another tribute) played Army ball with Danny. Our team was so thrilled when he arrived at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Ala. The war was over so we could concentrate primarily on baseball. Dan was a great teammate and remained a friend in later life. As I noted my son sent a memory regarding one of Dan's visits.
My best memory of his contribution to our team was the game that we beat Fort Jackson when Dan pitched a shut out and contributed the only RBI on his hit...
Rip Collins
December 02, 2010 | Auburn, NH
My father took me to Ebbetts field to see Danny pitch because he was related in some way to my Mom, Marcella McCarthy, who was from Great Bend. One of the memories I will carry with me until I move on to the great green field in the sky is that day when I saw Danny in Ebbetts Field.
Dick Healey
November 30, 2010 | Scranton, PA
I grew up in Hallstead and I never forget going into Ressegguie's Department Store, wher Danny'smother was employed and anytime Danny's team played and it was broadcast, people gathered to listen. His mom and hometown were very proud of him.
Rebecca Tanner
November 30, 2010 | Clarks Green, PA
