Barney Mussill

Bernard James Mussill

• Bats Right, Throws Left
• Height 6' 1", Weight 200 lb.
• School Bowling Green State University
• High School Our Lady of Lourdes High School (River Rouge)
• Debut April 20, 1944
• Final Game July 26, 1944
• Born October 1, 1919 in Bower Hill, PA USA
• Died January 27, 2013 in Detroit, MI USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Pitcher Barney Mussill played briefly in the majors for the Philadelphia Phillies.

Born in Pennsylvania, Mussill grew up in River Rouge, Michigan. As an eighteen-year-old, he was signed as an amateur free agent by the Connie Mack of the Philadelphia Athletics while a student at Bowling Green State University in 1938. Records show he attended the school until 1943. Mr. Mack gave him train fare and sent him to the Federalsburg A's of the class D Eastern Shore League. Mussill is listed on the roster of the Federeralsburg team in both the 1938 and 1939 seasons and also the Lexington Indians of the North Carolina State League in 1939; however, records are unavailable as he only saw limited action.

Mussill moved on to the Trenton Senators of the class B Interstate League in 1940, going 10-9 with a 3.25 ERA in 27 appearances. He was back with the same club in 1941, posting a 13-7 record with a 2.79 ERA in 26 games. Following the season, he was dealt to New York Yankees, but instead of showing up for spring training with New York in 1942, he joined the United States Army, serving in World War II. He was discharged in time to join the Phillies for Opening Day 1944. He made his big league debut on April 20th of that year, giving up an earned run in one inning of relief work against the Brooklyn Dodgers. Overall, he got into 16 games that year, posting a 6.05 ERA and going 0-1, with his sole decision coming in his final appearance on July 26th.

"I elected to go into business with my family. We are still in business today. I feel I've enjoyed everything I've done." - Barney Mussill

Mussill left baseball in the mid-1940s to pursue a career in the sporting goods field. He was the owner of Mussill Sporting Goods in his hometown of River Rouge, Michigan, for many years. Along with his personal knowledge of sports equipment, he dedicated his time to research the origin and evolution of the baseball bat.

Mussill died in 2013 at age 93.

Related Sites

• Connie Mack & Barney Mussill
• Baseball by the letters