Mike Sandlock – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Mike Sandlock made his mark in baseball history during a five-season Major League run from 1942 to 1953. He played for three National League teams—the Boston Braves, Brooklyn Dodgers, and Pittsburgh Pirates—filling in as a reliable backup catcher, shortstop, and third baseman during a golden age for the sport.

Sandlock’s career unfolded during some of baseball’s most transformative years. He played alongside six future Hall of Famers and saw Jackie Robinson break the color barrier up close. Born in Old Greenwich, Connecticut, in 1915, he debuted at 26 and managed to stick around the game and life for a remarkably long time.

You can’t just sum up Sandlock by his stats. His story includes a journey from factory worker to pro ballplayer, experiences during World War II, and a post-retirement stretch where he became the oldest living former Major Leaguer. His career really sheds light on the working-class roots of ballplayers in the 1940s and early 1950s. And he lived to 100, which made him a real link between baseball’s past and present.

Early Life and Background

Mike Sandlock was born into a working-class Polish immigrant family in Old Greenwich, Connecticut, on October 17, 1915. Growing up in this coastal area shaped his character and work ethic, pulling him from factory floors to professional baseball.

Family Roots and Upbringing in Old Greenwich

Mike grew up as the son of Polish immigrants, Stanley and Catherine Sandlock. The family settled in the Old Greenwich area, which folks called Sound Beach back then.

The neighborhood was a different world during Sandlock’s childhood. “This used to be a dirt road,” he once said, pointing at Rockland Place. “There used to be cattle next door, haystacks over there.”

His family lived pretty modestly during the Great Depression. The area was rural and agricultural, nothing like the wealthy Old Greenwich it would become later.

Stanley Sandlock worked hard to support everyone after coming over from Poland. That work ethic and determination stuck with Mike from an early age.

Early Passion for Baseball

Sandlock’s baseball talent started to show when he was a kid in Connecticut. He played for local teams like the Cos Cob Fire Department in industrial league ball.

Scouts took notice while he played in those amateur leagues. He showed promise as a catcher and an infielder.

In 1937, Sandlock caught the eye of Boston Bees scouts at a tryout. That led to his first professional contract the next year.

His natural ability and work ethic made him stand out among his peers. Baseball became his ticket out of factory work.

Trade School and Work as an Electrician

Sandlock didn’t have a fancy education, but it was practical. He went to Sound Beach School for elementary, then spent two years at Wright Tech in Stamford.

After that, he worked at the Electrolux plant, earning $200 a month before signing his first baseball deal.

His dad understood the grind of factory work. “My father used to say working in a factory is like going to jail,” Sandlock remembered. “They open the gate in the morning and they don’t let you out until it’s time to quit.”

That experience pushed Sandlock to chase baseball more seriously. Even though his first contract paid only $75 a month, he saw it as a way up.

Professional Baseball Career Overview

Mike Sandlock played five major league seasons from 1942 to 1953, suiting up for three National League teams. He debuted with the Boston Braves at 26, had his best years with the Brooklyn Dodgers, and wrapped up with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Major League Debut with Boston Braves

Sandlock broke into Major League Baseball on September 19, 1942, with the Boston Braves. Manager Casey Stengel sent him to pinch-hit for shortstop Whitey Wietelmann in the eighth inning against the New York Giants.

In his first at-bat, Sandlock lined a single up the middle off reliever Fiddler Bill McGee. He scored on Clyde Kluttz’s two-run triple, but the Braves still lost 7-6.

The 1942 Braves finished seventh. Hall of Famer Ernie Lombardi caught and won his second batting title that year. Paul Waner played in the outfield.

Sandlock played just two games that season, both at shortstop. He finished with one hit in one at-bat, so he started with a perfect 1.000 batting average.

Brooklyn Dodgers Tenure

Sandlock joined the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1944 after the Braves sold his contract. His best major league season was 1945—he appeared in 80 games for Brooklyn.

That year, Sandlock batted .282 with 2 home runs and 17 RBIs. He played 47 games as catcher and 22 at shortstop, also filling in at second and third base.

Manager Leo Durocher made Sandlock the Opening Day shortstop against Philadelphia on April 17, 1945. Sandlock delivered, going 3-for-4 with a triple and three RBIs in an 8-2 win.

Sandlock hit both his career home runs in 1945 off Giants pitcher Harry Feldman. The first was at the Polo Grounds on April 20, and the second hit the clock at Ebbets Field on September 19.

Final MLB Season with Pittsburgh Pirates

Sandlock returned to the majors in 1953 at age 37 with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He came back after six years in Triple-A.

The Pirates had Hall of Famer Ralph Kiner, who was finishing up his seven-time home run champ run. Sandlock also played with catcher Joe Garagiola and fellow Greenwich native Pete Castiglione.

Manager Fred Haney brought Sandlock to Pittsburgh along with former Yankee Johnny Lindell. All three got traded midseason, with Sandlock heading to the Philadelphia Phillies that December.

Sandlock wrapped up his major league career with 195 games, 107 hits, 2 home runs, 31 RBIs, and a .240 batting average. He retired after the 1953 season and went back to work as a carpenter.

Playing Positions and Style

Mike Sandlock built his reputation as a skilled catcher, but he also played all over the infield. His switch-hitting and defensive skills made him a valuable utility guy throughout his Major League career.

Catcher Expertise

Sandlock spent most of his career behind the plate. In 1945 with the Brooklyn Dodgers, he caught 47 games and showed solid defensive skills.

He also helped other players. Roy Campanella, who became a Hall of Fame catcher, credited Sandlock for helping him improve. In a 1950 Ebony article, Campanella said Sandlock “had spotted my windmill throwing motion and went to work on me. I learned to get the ball off quickly and without a windup.”

Sandlock caught some real fireballers, like Don Newcombe with the Montreal Royals. “Newcombe, he threw hard and heavy. My hand used to puff up after catching him,” Sandlock recalled.

He honed his catching during four seasons in the Pacific Coast League with Hollywood, serving as the regular catcher from 1949 to 1952.

Versatility: Shortstop and Other Infield Roles

Sandlock played more than just catcher. He filled in at shortstop, second base, and third base throughout his career, making himself a valuable utility man.

He debuted as a shortstop on September 19, 1942, pinch-hitting for Boston Braves shortstop Whitey Wietelmann. He played two games at shortstop that season.

In 1945, Sandlock started Opening Day at shortstop for the Dodgers against the Phillies. He went 3-for-4 with a triple and three RBIs, and manager Leo Durocher played second base that day.

His ability to play different positions was especially handy during World War II, when teams needed flexible players. Sandlock’s mix of infield and catching skills made him a real asset.

Switch Hitter and Defensive Skills

Sandlock stood 6-foot-1 and weighed 180 pounds. He hit from both sides of the plate and threw right-handed. That switch-hitting gave his managers options against different pitchers.

He finished with a .240 career batting average over 195 games. He wasn’t a power hitter—just 2 home runs, both off Giants righty Harry Feldman.

Teammates and coaches respected his defensive skills. He knew how to teach, especially catchers, and understood the fundamentals.

Sandlock’s grit and determination kept him in the game, even if he wasn’t a star. That combination of versatility, defense, and switch-hitting kept him in pro baseball for 16 seasons.

Notable Career Highlights and Achievements

Sandlock’s 11-year pro career included memorable moments at every level, from his perfect 1.000 average debut in 1942 to his successful years with the Hollywood Stars. His best seasons came with the Brooklyn Dodgers and in the Pacific Coast League, where he earned a reputation as a reliable catcher and versatile infielder.

Top Seasons and Individual Statistics

Sandlock’s best MLB season came in 1945 with the Brooklyn Dodgers. He played 80 games and hit .282 with 2 home runs and 17 RBIs.

Both of his career home runs came against the same pitcher, Harry Feldman of the New York Giants. The first was at the Polo Grounds on April 20, 1945. The second hit the clock at Ebbets Field on September 19, 1945, driving in three runs in a 5-4 win.

Career MLB Statistics:

• Games: 195
• Hits: 107
• Home Runs: 2
• RBIs: 31
• Batting Average: .240

His debut season in 1942 with the Boston Braves was special for a different reason. Sandlock went 1-for-1, ending up with a perfect 1.000 average.

Pacific Coast League and Hollywood Stars Experience

Sandlock called his run with the Hollywood Stars from 1949-1952 “the best time I had in the game.” He was the team’s regular catcher during that stretch.

The Stars won two Pacific Coast League championships while he was there. Gilmore Field would pack in big crowds, sometimes hitting capacity.

Sandlock made $10,000 a year with Hollywood, which was excellent pay for minor league ball back then. He even said, “some of the teams in the Pacific Coast League were better than some of the National League teams at the time.”

Big-name celebrity fans showed up regularly—George Burns, Gracie Allen, Jack Benny, and Mickey Rooney, just to name a few. The high level of play and the Hollywood atmosphere made the PCL a real draw for veteran players.

Catching the Knuckleball: Partnership with Johnny Lindell

While playing with the Hollywood Stars, Sandlock worked closely with Johnny Lindell, who had reinvented himself from a Yankees outfielder into a knuckleball pitcher.

Lindell spent two seasons with Hollywood, working on his knuckleball under manager Fred Haney. That pitch is tough to catch, and it takes a special kind of catcher to handle it.

Sandlock and Lindell both followed Haney to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1953. That partnership showed Sandlock’s value as a catcher who could handle specialty pitchers.

His experience with the knuckleball highlighted his adaptability and technical skill behind the plate. Sandlock’s ability to work with all types of pitchers made him a valuable asset to every team he played for.

Roommate with Warren Spahn

Back in 1941, Sandlock teamed up with future Hall of Famer Warren Spahn on Evansville of the Three-I League.

Both guys earned promotions to the Boston Braves in September 1942.

Their friendship kicked off during those early days and lasted long after their playing careers ended.

Spahn eventually became one of the greatest left-handed pitchers in baseball history.

When they played together at Evansville, it turned out to be a turning point for both.

Sandlock batted .306 that season, and Spahn kept sharpening the skills that would later help him win 363 games.

Casey Stengel managed both when they reached Boston, giving Sandlock an early glimpse of future Hall of Fame talent and leadership.

Post-Baseball Life and Longevity

After he retired from baseball in 1953, Mike Sandlock went back to Connecticut.

He worked as a carpenter and lived a quiet life until he passed away at age 100.

People recognized him as the oldest living former Major League Baseball player.

When Sandlock died in 2016, Eddie Carnett took over that distinction.

Life in Cos Cob after Retirement

Sandlock settled down in Cos Cob, Connecticut, and spent his later years working as a carpenter.

He’d actually relied on carpentry during most baseball offseasons, so it wasn’t new to him.

Even after leaving the game, he stayed connected to baseball while living in the Greenwich area.

Sometimes, he played golf with Jackie Robinson after Robinson moved to Stamford.

Sandlock stayed close with several old teammates, especially Ralph Kiner, right up until Kiner died in 2014.

His home in Cos Cob became his haven for those final decades.

That peaceful Connecticut community gave him a quiet retirement, far from the buzz of pro baseball.

He lived on his own and stayed active well into old age.

Passing and Recognition as Oldest Living MLB Player

Mike Sandlock died at home in Cos Cob on April 4, 2016, at age 100.

He passed away at 11:18 p.m. after a battle with bone cancer.

His death came almost six months after he celebrated his 100th birthday on October 17, 2015.

Since 2014, Sandlock had been the oldest living former Major League Baseball player.

He took on that title after Connie Marrero died just two days before turning 103 on April 23, 2014.

Only a handful of former MLB players have ever reached 100.

His longevity made him a standout in baseball history, even beyond what he did on the field.

Legacy Passed to Eddie Carnett

After Sandlock died, Eddie Carnett became the oldest living former Major League Baseball player.

That shift carried on the legacy of baseball’s earliest generations.

Each time the “oldest living” title changes, it’s a reminder of the game’s long history and the passing of its stars.

Carnett’s turn with the title kept the tradition going, honoring those who built the sport in their own eras.

Legacy, Memorial, and Recognition

Mike Sandlock’s legacy stretches well beyond his playing days, thanks to memorials and historical records.

He earned special recognition from baseball organizations and historians for being the oldest living former MLB player until 2016.

Find a Grave Memorial and Burial

Mike Sandlock’s Find a Grave Memorial stands as a digital tribute to his life and career.

The memorial lists his birth date, October 17, 1915, and his death on April 4, 2016.

It shows his five-season MLB career, covering 1942, 1944-1946, and 1953.

He played catcher, shortstop, and third baseman for three teams.

The Find a Grave entry also notes his Major League debut with the Boston Braves on September 19, 1942.

Fans and researchers can find accessible biographical details in this digital memorial.

Sandlock died at his home in Cos Cob, Greenwich, Connecticut.

He spent his final years living with his youngest son Damon and family.

Overall Impact on Baseball

Sandlock’s mark on baseball history really comes down to his longevity and his connections with legendary players.

He played alongside six Hall of Famers, like Warren Spahn and Ralph Kiner.

During his minor league days with the Dodgers, he crossed paths with the famous “Boys of Summer.”

He became friends with Jackie Robinson, Pee Wee Reese, and Duke Snider while they were all coming up.

The Los Angeles Dodgers honored him in 2012 as their oldest living player.

He also joined the Brooklyn Dodgers Hall of Fame for his contributions.

Sandlock was one of only 17 former major leaguers to reach 100.

That milestone made him a symbol for fans of baseball’s golden era.

References in Baseball History Resources

Retrosheet and other baseball databases keep Sandlock’s stats available for anyone curious enough to look them up. You’ll find his .240 batting average and 2 home runs right there in the records.

The Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) put together a commemorative book called “100: The 100 Year Journey of a Baseball Journeyman, Mike Sandlock.” Honestly, it’s a fitting tribute to his long and winding life in baseball.

Baseball-Reference.com lays out his full statistical profile, highlighting his years with the Boston Braves, Brooklyn Dodgers, and Pittsburgh Pirates. They also note his switch-hitting and the fact that he could fill in just about anywhere on the field.

You’ll spot his biography in several baseball history resources. These references help keep his story alive for anyone who wants to dig into the game’s past.