Benny McCoy

Benjamin Jenison McCoy

• Bats Left, Throws Right
• Height 5' 9", Weight 170 lb.
• Debut September 14, 1938
• Final Game September 28, 1941
• Born November 9, 1915 in Jenison, MI USA
• Died November 9, 2011 in Grandville, MI USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Benny McCoy was a second baseman who played for the Detroit Tigers and Philadelphia Athletics. In 1938, he led the American Association in doubles with 27 while playing for the Toledo Mud Hens; he made his major league debut with the Tigers at the end of that season. At the end of 1939, he was among 91 Detroit minor league players declared free agents by Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis. The Philadelphia Athletics made him an offer which he accepted: a $45,000 bonus, a two-year contract at $10,000 a year, and a regular job at second base. He hit .264 with 15 homers and 123 RBIs in 275 games over the next two years with the club.

McCoy joined the U.S. Naval Reserve on February 5, 1942 and spent the next four years in the US Navy during World War II. When he returned from service, he did not return to baseball.

McCoy passed away on his 96th birthday. At the time of his death, he was the oldest living former Tiger and the fifth oldest living MLB player.

Related Sites

• Benny McCoy at the SABR Bio Project