22 Facts About Del Crandall

Del Crandall led the league in assists a record-tying six times, in fielding percentage four times and in putouts three times.

Del Crandall was the last living player to have played for the Boston Braves.

Del Crandall was born in Ontario, California, on March 5,1930.

Del Crandall was the second of three children of Richard and Nancy Crandall, who were both employed in the citrus-packaging industry.

Del Crandall was raised in Fullerton and attended Fullerton Union High School.

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Del Crandall played catcher for the school team and for the local American Legion Baseball team.

Del Crandall was signed as an amateur free agent by the Boston Braves before the 1948 season.

Del Crandall played less than two seasons in the minor leagues from 1948 to 1949.

Del Crandall seized the regular catcher's job from Walker Cooper in 1953 and held it for eight years, handling Braves pitchers such as left-hander Warren Spahn and right-handers Lew Burdette and Bob Buhl.

Del Crandall averaged 125 games caught during the peak of his career, but missed most of the 1961 season due to shoulder trouble, which gave Joe Torre his opportunity to break in.

In 1962, Del Crandall moved ahead of Roy Campanella, setting the National League record for career fielding percentage; however, Johnny Roseboro would edge ahead of him before his career ended.

Del Crandall won four of the first five Gold Glove Awards given to a National League catcher, and tied another record by catching three no-hitters.

Del Crandall retired with the fourth most home runs by a National League catcher, and his career.

Del Crandall was a superb defensive player with a strong arm; he threw out 45.

The youngest battery to play in the Major Leagues was the Boston Braves battery of Del Crandall Crandell catching and Johnny Antonnelli pitching, both were 19 years old at the time.

Del Crandall eventually turned to managing, and piloted two American League clubs, the Milwaukee Brewers and the Seattle Mariners.

Del Crandall remained in the Dodger organization as a special catching instructor well into his 60s.

Del Crandall worked as a sports announcer with the Chicago White Sox radio team from 1985 through 1988 and with the Brewers from 1992 to 1994.

From August 2020 until his death, Del Crandall was the last living Boston Brave, following the death of Bert Thiel on July 31.

Del Crandall married Frances Sorrells in 1951, one day before he reported for military service.

Del Crandall died on May 5,2021, at his home in Mission Viejo, California.

Del Crandall was 91, and had Parkinson's disease, heart disease, and suffered several strokes prior to his death.