Tony Balsamo
| Tony Balsamo | |
|---|---|
| Pitcher | |
| Born: July 21, 1936 New York City, U.S. | |
| Died: March 12, 2026 (aged 89) Holbrook, New York, U.S. | |
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| April 14, 1962, for the Chicago Cubs | |
| Last MLB appearance | |
| June 26, 1962, for the Chicago Cubs | |
| MLB statistics | |
| Win–loss record | 0–1 |
| Earned run average | 6.44 |
| Strikeouts | 27 |
| Stats at Baseball Reference | |
| Teams | |
Anthony Alred Balsamo (July 21, 1936 – March 12, 2026) was an American Major League Baseball player,[1] who pitched one season for the Chicago Cubs.
College career
Balsamo played college baseball for the Fordham University Rams. As a senior co-captain, he had a 4–2 record and 2.17 ERA.[2]
Professional career
In 1959, the Chicago Cubs signed Balsamo as a free agent. He spent three seasons in the minors, before being promoted to the Cubs ahead of the 1962 season.[2] He made his MLB debut on April 14, 1962, pitching two scoreless innings. He pitched in 291⁄3 innings and recorded a 0–1 record with a 6.44 ERA over the first three months of the season, but was optioned to the AA San Antonio Missions at the end of June.[2] Balsamo never appeared in a game the Cubs won.[3] He only played in one big league season.
Personal life
Balsamo owned Donato's Restaurant in Rockville Centre, New York, from 1977–2002.[4]
Death
Balsamo died in Holbrook, New York, on March 12, 2026, at the age of 89.[1]
References
- ^ a b "Anthony Balsamo". Massapequa Funeral Home. Retrieved March 19, 2026.
- ^ a b c Gazdziak, Sam (April 10, 2026). "Obituary: Tony Balsamo (1936-2026)". RIP Baseball. Retrieved April 15, 2026.
- ^ Yellon, Al; Ignarski, Kasey; Silverman, Matthew (September 6, 2016). Cubs by the Numbers: A Complete Team History of the Chicago Cubs by Uniform Number. Simon and Schuster. ISBN 978-1-61321-887-7.
- ^ Connolly, Matt (March 21, 2026). "Former MLB pitcher dies at 89". pennlive. Retrieved April 15, 2026.
External links
- Career statistics from MLB · Baseball Reference · Fangraphs · Baseball Reference (Minors) · Retrosheet · Baseball Almanac