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Those Who Died That Others Might Be Free

 

William Marszalek

 

Date and Place of Birth: 1918 Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania
Date and Place of Death: October 7, 1942 Fort Huachuca, Arizona
Baseball Experience: Minor League
Position: Pitcher
Rank: Second Lieutenant
Military Unit: US Army
Area Served: United States

 

William A Marszalek was born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania in 1918. He grew up at the Holy Family Orphanage in Emsworth, and pitched for Duquesne University and the Peter's team of the Pittsburgh City League before signing with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1941.

Marszalek was assigned to Oil City of the Penn State League and made his pro debut with the team on June 30, hurling the Oilers to a 5-4 victory over Beaver Falls. He allowed only six hits and contributed a two-run home run. Marszalek finished the season with a 7-5 won-loss record and a 4.40 ERA in 16 outings. One of his finest performances was to be his last. In the first game of the post-season Shaughnessy playoffs with the Butler Yankees, Marszalek allowed only six hits and struck out 11 in leading the Oilers to a 7-1 win.

 

Marszalek entered military service with the Army at Fort George G Meade, Maryland on October 16, 1941. Second Lieutenant Marszalek died during maneuvers while in service at Fort Huachuca, Arizona on October 7, 1942. He was buried at St Mary's Cemetery in Wilmerding, Pennsylvania.

 

"His never say die spirit regardless of what the odds were was a trait which made him popular with the local baseball fans," reported the Oil City Blizzard on October 13, 1942.

 

Added March 2, 2008.

 

Copyright © 2008 Gary Bedingfield (Baseball in Wartime). All Rights Reserved.