Steve Sundra

Steven Richard Sundra
(Smokey)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 2", Weight 190 lb.

• Debut April 17, 1936
• Final Game May 28, 1946
• Born March 27, 1910 in Luxor, PA USA
• Died March 23, 1952 in Cleveland, OH USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Steve Sundra pitched nine years in the majors, all in the American League. His most notable year was with the New York Yankees in 1939, one of history's greatest teams, when he went 11-1 while starting about half of his games. He appeared in the 1939 World Series against the Cincinnati Reds, giving up no earned runs in 2 2/3 innings of work.

He also played six years in the minors, and got his chance in the big leagues after he went 15-4 with the 1937 Newark Bears.

After serving in the Army during World War II, pitcher Sundra returned to the St. Louis Browns for two games in 1946. After his baseball career, he worked in construction and died of cancer days before his 42nd birthday.

Sundra came as close as any modern day pitcher to hitting for the cycle, while playing for the Browns. On July 5, 1924, in the second game of a doubleheader at Chicago, Steve had a double, triple, and a home run - only missing the single.

Notable Achievements

• 15 Wins Seasons: 1 (1943)
• 200 Innings Pitched Seasons: 1 (1943)
• Won two World Series with the New York Yankees (1938 & 1939; he did not play in the 1938 World Series)

Related Sites

• Steve Sundra at the SABR Bio Project