#196 Mel Queen

A rarity, a tale of two careers a combo outfielder/pitcher…Mel started out as an outfielder in the Cincinnati chain….showed excellent power in the minors 25 home runs in AAA San Diego….limited work during entirety of the Reds 1964 season resulted in only a .200 BA (did hit his only two home runs that year)….by 1966 became apparent he could not handle big league curveballs….on a second return to the majors gave pitching a try in mid season….kept playing in off season anywhere winter ball was played…moved paid out with an unexpected and positive 14 wins…had excellent control and six complete games…triumph was short lived with arm and fatigue issues following two years…aided by  cortisone steroid shots was able to make a limited role comeback with the Angel…his 1.97 ERA in 1971 was one of best AL marks over 50 innings…. Arm and body blew out early 1972….Mel was son of Mel Queen Sr….Wore almost every hat that baseball employment can offer….passed away from cancer in 2011 but had full adventures in baseball (see SABR page)