Joe Gantenbein

Joseph Steven Gantenbein (Sep)

• Bats Left, Throws Right
• Height 5' 9", Weight 168 lb.
• Debut April 20, 1939
• Final Game September 28, 1940
• Born August 25, 1916 in San Francisco, CA USA
• Died August 2, 1993 in Novato, CA USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Joe Gantenbein was the starting second baseman for the 1939 Philadelphia Athletics as a rookie. In 1940, he played no games at second base, and was a backup at third base.

Gantenbein is remembered for a chance meeting he had during World War II, when he was a corporal, with Bill Dickey. He asked if Dickey remembered him, and Dickey related how it was necessary to pitch him high and inside because he was dangerous with outside pitches. Dickey then asked, "what's your name, anyhow"?

He spent two years managing in the lower levels of the Phillies' farm system: the Klamath Falls Gems in 1948 and the Salina Blue Jays in 1949.

After his time in baseball ended, Joe became a butcher, working for the Dubuque Meat Co. for 25 years.

His grandson Steve Gantenbein played baseball for Stanford University, as did his other grandson, Jay Pecci (who later played in the minors).