Last Living World Series Cub Player Dies at 98
In this April 29, 1942, file photo, Chicago Cubs' Lennie Merullo fields a baseball in Chicago. Merullo, the oldest former member of the Cubs and the last living person to play for them in the World Series, has died. He was 98. (AP Photo/Paul Cannon, File)
Len Merullo, the last living Chicago Cub to play in a World Series, died over the weekend. He was 98. An infielder in the 1940's, he was also the oldest living former Cubs player.
He was on the 1945 Cubs team that lost the World Series to Detroit in seven games.
In an interview last year with Illinois Public Media, Merullo admitted he made it to the majors for his defense, and not his bat.
“I was the best they had to play shortstop, because I was the strongest, I had the best arm, and I could run," he said. "I covered the most ground. That’s what they had to have. I was always a shortstop - I could always run and throw with anybody. But as far as hitting was concerned, that was another thing.”
Merullo played seven years in the major leagues, all with the Cubs, and worked as a scout for 50 years.
His son Len "Boots" Merullo played minor league baseball, and grandson Matt spent time in the majors, including four seasons with the White Sox in the 1990's.
Just last year, Len Merullo returned to Wrigley Field to be part of the park’s 100th anniversary festivities, throwing out the ceremonial first pitch, and serving as guest conductor for the 7th inning stretch.
(Pictured: Former Chicago Cubs shortstop Lennie Merullo, left, throws out a ceremonial first pitch as his son Lennie Merullo Jr., looks on before a game at Wrigley Field between the Miami Marlins and the Cubs on June 7, 2014. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)