Tiny Bonham

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Ernest Edward Bonham

  • Bats Right, Throws Right
  • Height 6' 2", Weight 215 lb.

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Biographical Information[edit]

"Call me Ernie, call me Tiny, call me Jumbo, call me anything, just as long as I can go on winning." - Ernie Bonham

One of the early forkball pitchers, which was his key pitch, Ernie "Tiny" Bonham started his pro career with the Binghamton Triplets and Akron Yankees in 1936. He was a wildly successful part of the New York Yankees rotation in the early 1940s. In 1942, he led the AL in wins, complete games (22) and shutouts (6) to go along with a dazzling 21-5, 2.27 record in 28 games. He appeared in each World Series with the Yanks from 1941 to 1943 but began to slide due to back problems, going just 5-8, 3.70 in 18 games in 1946. He was flipped to the Pittsburgh Pirates after that season for Cookie Cuccurullo. In three NL seasons, he was an average pitcher at 24-22, 4.11. After a complete game, 8-2 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on August 27, 1949, Ernie was diagnosed with appendicitis and had surgery. Complications arose, and he died eight days later. He was reputed to weigh considerably more than his listed weight.

He pitched in semi-pro ball in California before his professional career. In 1935, when he was already property of the New York Yankees, he led the Alameda Elks to win the Oakland Tribune State semi-pro tourney. The Elks won all six of their games, and Bonham threw three straight shutouts. He was named the top pitcher of the tournament. He also pitched for the Lodi Roma Wineries in the California State League. In 1934, he pitched for the Lodi Knights of Pythias of the Farm Center League.

Notable Achievements[edit]

  • 2-time AL All-Star (1942 & 1943)
  • AL Winning Percentage Leader (1942)
  • AL Complete Games Leader (1942)
  • AL Shutouts Leader (1942)
  • 15 Wins Seasons: 2 (1942 & 1943)
  • 20 Wins Seasons: 1 (1942)
  • 200 Innings Pitched Seasons: 3 (1942-1944)
  • Won two World Series with the New York Yankees (1941 & 1943)

Related Sites[edit]