Nov 28, 1936: Monty Stratton's courage

Stratton injured in hunting accident

DALLAS, TEXAS – A promising young pitcher for the Chicago White Sox had his right leg amputated on this date in 1936. Monty Stratton was accidentally shot by his own holstered pistol while hunting rabbits on the family farm the day before. The bullet severed a main artery in his leg and doctors decided to remove the leg.

The 6-foot 5-inch Stratton had pitched five seasons for the Sox, going 15-5 and 15-9 the previous two seasons. Stratton was fitted with a wooden leg after the amputation, and continued to work in baseball. He even tried a comeback in the 1940’s, going 18-8 for Sherman, Texas’ class-C minor league team.

His life story is depicted in the 1949 film, The Monty Stratton Story staring James Stewart.

Contributing Sources:
Associated Press (AP), Dallas, TX, November 28, 1936

Monty Stratton stats
Monty Stratton minor league stats

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