Johnny Schmitz

John Albert Schmitz (1920–2011) was a left-handed pitcher from Wausau, Wisconsin who appeared in 366 major league games across 13 seasons between 1941 and 1956. He served with seven clubs, most notably the Chicago Cubs, Brooklyn Dodgers, and New York Yankees. Originally signed by the Cleveland Indians in 1938, Schmitz reached the majors with the Cubs on September 6, 1941, going 2–0 with a 1.31 ERA in his abbreviated debut season. His career was interrupted by three years of United States Navy service in the Pacific during World War II. Nicknamed "Bear Tracks" for his shuffling gait and size-14 feet, he stood 6 feet tall and weighed 170 pounds.