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Tony York

Date and Place of Birth: November 27, 1912 Irene, Texas

Died: April 18, 1970 Hillsboro, Texas
Baseball Experience: Major League
Position: Shortstop
Rank: Unkown
Military Unit: US Army

Area Served: United States

Anthony B “Tony” York was born on November 27, 1912 in Irene, Texas. He played with Baton Rouge of the Dixie League in 1933 and advanced to Dallas of the Texas League the following year. York proved himself to be a slick-fielding shortstop with Dallas and joined Tulsa in 1936.

After batting .291 for Tulsa in 1937 he joined St Paul of the American Association, returning to the Texas League with Shreveport in 1940. With Milwaukee of the American Association in 1943, York batted .287 and led the league in hits. He joined the Chicago Cubs for 1944 and made his major league debut on April 18 at the age of 31. Appearing in 28 games he batted .235 and was optioned to Los Angeles of the Pacific Coast League in July. York batted .231 in 32 games with Los Angeles.

He was claimed on waivers by the Boston Braves from the Cubs on September 23, 1944, but entered military service in December of the same year. York served with the Army at Fort Lewis, Washington, where he was part of the powerhouse Fort Lewis Warriors team led by Danny Litwhiler and featuring Bill Fleming, Ray Mueller, Dom Dallessandro, Frank Kelleher and Ron Northey.

York returned from service in time for the 1946 season and spent the next five seasons with Seattle of the Pacific Coast League. He was with San Diego in 1951 and continued to play in the minors until 1956.

Tony York passed away on April 18, 1970 at Hillsboro, Texas. He was 57.

Created May 23, 2008.