Al Blanche

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Prosper Albert Blanche
born Prospero Albert Bilangio

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 0", Weight 178 lb.
• School Providence College
• High School Somerville (MA) High School
• Debut August 23, 1935
• Final Game June 19, 1936
• Born September 21, 1909 in Somerville, MA USA
• Died April 2, 1997 in Melrose, MA USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Al Blanche was a batting practice pitcher for the Boston Braves in 1935 until he convinced manager Bill McKechnie to let him pitch in an exhibition game against the St. Louis Cardinals in Lewiston, ME on August 19th. He pitched 4 scoreless innings in relief of Larry Benton, convincing McKechnie to add him to the roster, replacing the 37-year-old Benton who was released. His debut came four days later, relieving Ben Cantwell in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Al was hot in 1935 (17 1/3 innings, 1.56 ERA) but decidedly not in 1936 (16 innings, 6.19 ERA) and was shipped to the minors, never to return.

Blanche was at Providence College at the same time as Birdie Tebbetts. He played in 1939 for the Sydney Mines Ramblers in the Cape Breton Colliery League.

Year-by-Year Managerial Record

Year	Team	League	Record	Finish	Playoffs	Notes
1939	Sydney Mines Ramblers	Cape Breton Colliery League		--	--	replaced Fred Loftus replaced by Dave Barry

Related Sites

• Al Blanche at the SABR Bio Project