RIP - Bill Schlesinger

 

Bill Schlesinger, a farmhand with the Red Sox and others during the 1960s, passed away on August 13, 2023 at age 81.

He hit 37 home runs in 1964, his first season in the Red Sox' organization, and scored a spot in Topps' 1965 set. Although he played in the minors from 1964 to 1970, he only had 1 major-league at-bat, a pinch-hitting appearance for the Sox in early-1965. 

 

Schlesinger was claimed by the Kansas City Athletics when Boston tried to send him to the minors later that month. 

 

He was reacquired by the Red Sox 2 years later, but after the season he was traded to the Cubs for pitcher Ray Culp. A few months later he returned to Boston's farm system, but the following year he was traded again, this time to the Phillies for outfielder Don Lock. (I hope he had a sturdy suitcase!) 

 

Schlesinger retired after 2 seasons in the Phillies' organization.

 

Obituary