Dean Lakatosh

Dean K. Lakatosh

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 3", Weight 190 lb.
• High School Parkland High School
• Born March 7, 1934 in Slatington, PA USA
• Died August 25, 2017 in Whitehall Township, PA USA

BR Minors page

Biographical Information

Dean Lakatosh was a force on the mound and at the plate in his first professional season, 1954. Pitching for the Pittsburgh Pirates' Class D affiliate, the Dublin Irish of the Georgia State League, Lakatosh went 21-6 (.778 winning percentage) with 12 complete games and a 4.02 ERA in 35 games (23 starts); in 215 innings, he allowed 190 hits, but walking 157 batters (to 142 strikeouts). At the dish, he slashed .295/.340/.379 with 1 home run, 16 RBI and 24 runs scored in 144 plate appearances.

He never again had such combined success. In 1955, playing for the Class C St. Jean Canadians, Lakatosh went 17-3 (.850 W%), allowing just 134 hits in 173 innings, while lowering his walk total to 64. He led the Provincial League in winning percentage and tied Jack Hale for the lead in wins. At the plate, however, he hit only .235 in 68 at-bats. With the Class A Williamsport Grays of the Eastern League in 1956, Lakatosh went 3-8 with a 4.88 ERA in 30 games (18 starts). At the plate, he hit .186 in 43 at-bats.

Overall, Lakatosh was 41-17 (.707 W%) with a 4.23 ERA in 91 games (62 starts) on the mound. In 517 innings, he allowed 448 hits and 295 walks; his strikeout total is unknown. Batting, he hit .259 with a .333 slugging percentage; he had 63 hits in 243 at-bats.

He spent his whole career in the Pittsburgh Pirates system. Though mostly a pitcher, he also spent time in the outfield. His twin brother, Denton Lakatosh, played in the Pirates system in 1954 and 1955.

He later coached for the independent Allentown Ambassadors.

Further Reading

• Obituary
• AROUND THE VALLEY: The passing of a local baseball icon