David Cheadle literally had a cup of coffee with the Braves, making it in to one game in Cincy, and one in Atlanta.
He sent me a very nice article recently about his career. He turned down a college scholarship to sign with the Yankees.
After hitting a wall out of frustration and breaking some bones, the Yankees dealt him to the Braves. His career highlight was striking out Pete Rose. In school, he pitched ridiculously, pitching the entire way of a 23 inning Babe Ruth league game, allowing 4 hits and striking out 49!
Lookouts
A GREAT view of the field at AT&T Park in Chattanooga during their pre-season open house!
David passed away on 2/25/2012, he was my friend and one of the most positive people anyone could meet. He was much more then a former ball player, he was a man who cared for others deeply and helped many with his sunny view. He was quite the athlete in high school, starring in all the big three sports. He had a dilemma when he finished school: College from a myriad of scholarship offers for all three sports, or MLB. The Yankees came calling, and he was signed based not only on his amazing fastball but because Clyde Clutz the Yankees scout in NC watched him back up third on a ball hit to the gap. The most important part of his life without question was the love he had for his family, a subject that crossed his lips every single time we spoke. I will miss him so much.
ReplyDeleteAnon, thank you for letting us know about David, and I am so sorry about your personal loss.
ReplyDeleteI saw David pitch in high school at McCormick Field in Asheville prior to an Asheville Tourist minor league game. David pitched a brilliant game (maybe against Tuscola High) and I think he hit a home run also. I remember that after David's game, most of the people left before the Tourist game began! I would like to learn more about the 23 inning Babe Rth league game.
DeleteI have posted the article Dave sent me about his career, and the 23 inning game (posted on 3/11/12).
ReplyDeleteI was at the game in Cincinnati on September 16, 1973 when Dave made his MLB debut. I was 9 years old, and it was the first MLB game I ever attended. It was an epic 12 inning game. It was scorching hot for September, and we were out in the sun in the upper level red seats and cooking in the heat. Home run king and first ballot Hall of Famer Hank Aaron pinch hit in the 9th and doubled home the tying run. Dave pitched the 11th and retired Rose and Joe Morgan. Morgan is a Hall of Famer, and Rose would be if he wasn't banned from baseball for gambling. Dave was pulled from the game in the 12th, and utility man Larry Stahl singled home the winning run in the bottom of the 12th. It was Stahl's last hit in the Major Leagues, as he was released after the season and never played again. Dave may have only had a cup of coffee in the Majors, but this lifelong baseball fan remembers the game from 39 years ago in which Dave made his MLB debut like it was yesterday.
ReplyDeleteKeith, GREAT STORY! I appreciate ya taking the time to post about it!
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