Dave Koslo

George Bernard Koslo
born George Bernard Koslowski

• Bats Left, Throws Left
• Height 5' 11", Weight 180 lb.
• High School Menasha High School
• Debut September 12, 1941
• Final Game April 14, 1955
• Born March 31, 1920 in Menasha, WI USA
• Died December 1, 1975 in Menasha, WI USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Dave Koslo pitched 14 seasons, from 1939 to 1955, 12 in the major leagues and five in the minors, losing three years to the military. He entered the U.S. Army for World War II in 1942 and was discharged in 1945. He pitched for the New York Giants, Baltimore Orioles and Milwaukee Braves from 1941 to 1955. He was husky, sturdy and a bear for hard work. In 1946, Koslo led the National League in starts (35), and was the National League ERA champion (2.50) in 1949 with New York. For his career, he compiled a 92-107 record in 348 appearances, with a 3.68 ERA and 606 strikeouts.

Having pitched two two-hitters in 1951, he was the surprise starter who faced Allie Reynolds, who himself had pitched two no-hitters that year, in the first game of the 1951 World Series against the New York Yankees. Koslo won, 7-2. Unfortunately, he also gave up the Series-winning triple to Hank Bauer in Game 6.

Koslo had arguably the most disappointing final season of any pitcher in baseball history for the Braves in 1955. In his only appearance of the season, he faced one batter, promptly serving up a walk-off home run.

After his retirement, he worked for the George Banta Company, a publishing house, in Menasha, WI. He died unexpectedly from unknown causes at Theda Clark Memorial Hospital in Neenah, WI and is buried in St. John Cemetery in Menasha. Results of his autopsy are unknown.

Notable Achievements

• NL ERA Leader (1949)
• 15 Wins Seasons: 1 (1947)
• 200 Innings Pitched Seasons: 3 (1946, 1947 & 1949)

Related Sites

• Dave Koslo at the SABR Bio Project