Bruce Dal Canton
Encyclopedia
John Bruce Dal Canton born in California, Pennsylvania
, was a major league
pitcher
for the Pittsburgh Pirates
(1967–70), Kansas City Royals
(1971–75), Atlanta Braves
(1975–76), and Chicago White Sox
(1977). He was inducted into the California University of Pennsylvania
Athletic Hall of Fame in 1995, and spent more than a decade as a Braves minor league instructor.
Dal Canton's career path to the major leagues was unusual in that he was signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates as the result of an open tryout. Dal Canton was teaching high school at the time of his signing.
In 11 seasons he had a 51–49 Win–Loss record, 316 Games (83 Started), 15 Complete Games, 2 Shutouts, 102 Games Finished, 19 Saves, 931 ⅓ Innings Pitched, 894 Hits Allowed, 442 Runs Allowed, 380 Earned Runs Allowed, 48 Home Runs Allowed, 391 Walks, 485 Strikeouts, 23 Hit Batsmen, 46 Wild Pitches, 4,030 Batters Faced, 55 Intentional Walks, 5 Balks, a 3.67 ERA and a 1.380 WHIP. He led the American League
in Wild Pitches (16) in 1974.
On Friday, June 11, 2004, Dal Canton was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame
.
Bruce Dal Canton died on October 7, 2008 at the age of 66 of esophageal cancer
.
During Opening Day ceremonies on April 9, 2009, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans
honored Bruce. The Pelicans' clubhouse was officially named in his memory and Dal Canton's number [43] was retired.
California, Pennsylvania
California is a borough in Washington County, Pennsylvania, United States, along the Monongahela River. The population was 5,274 as of the 2000 census. California is the home of California University of Pennsylvania. Founded in 1849, the borough was named for the territory of California following...
, was a major league
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
pitcher
Pitcher
In baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the...
for the Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
(1967–70), Kansas City Royals
Kansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium...
(1971–75), Atlanta Braves
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
(1975–76), and Chicago White Sox
Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
(1977). He was inducted into the California University of Pennsylvania
California University of Pennsylvania
California University of Pennsylvania is a public university located in California, Pennsylvania, USA. Founded in 1852, it is a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Cal U's enrollment is approximately 9,400.The main campus consists of about 38 buildings situated on 92 acres...
Athletic Hall of Fame in 1995, and spent more than a decade as a Braves minor league instructor.
Dal Canton's career path to the major leagues was unusual in that he was signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates as the result of an open tryout. Dal Canton was teaching high school at the time of his signing.
In 11 seasons he had a 51–49 Win–Loss record, 316 Games (83 Started), 15 Complete Games, 2 Shutouts, 102 Games Finished, 19 Saves, 931 ⅓ Innings Pitched, 894 Hits Allowed, 442 Runs Allowed, 380 Earned Runs Allowed, 48 Home Runs Allowed, 391 Walks, 485 Strikeouts, 23 Hit Batsmen, 46 Wild Pitches, 4,030 Batters Faced, 55 Intentional Walks, 5 Balks, a 3.67 ERA and a 1.380 WHIP. He led the American League
American League
The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
in Wild Pitches (16) in 1974.
On Friday, June 11, 2004, Dal Canton was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame
Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame
The Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame is a nonprofit organization established in 1962. It is the only community-based hall of fame in the United States...
.
Bruce Dal Canton died on October 7, 2008 at the age of 66 of esophageal cancer
Esophageal cancer
Esophageal cancer is malignancy of the esophagus. There are various subtypes, primarily squamous cell cancer and adenocarcinoma . Squamous cell cancer arises from the cells that line the upper part of the esophagus...
.
During Opening Day ceremonies on April 9, 2009, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans
Myrtle Beach Pelicans
The Myrtle Beach Pelicans are a minor league baseball team in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. They are a Class A Advanced team in the Carolina League and the franchise is currently the farm team of the Texas Rangers. From their inaugural season until 2010, the Pelicans were an affiliate of the...
honored Bruce. The Pelicans' clubhouse was officially named in his memory and Dal Canton's number [43] was retired.