Charlie Cozart

Who was Charlie Cozart?

Charles Rhubin Cozart was a Major League Baseball pitcher who appeared in five games, all in relief, for the Boston Braves in 1945. The 25-year-old rookie left-hander was a native of Lenoir, North Carolina.

Cozart is one of many ballplayers who only appeared in the major leagues during World War II. He made his major league debut on April 17, 1945 against the New York Giants at Braves Field. Three days later he gained his first and only big league win in a 6–5 road victory over the Philadelphia Phillies at Shibe Park. His last appearance for the Braves was on June 4, and then he was traded to the New York Yankees organization almost two months later.

In a total of 8 innings pitched he was 1–0 with 1 game finished. He was very ineffective overall, as he allowed 25 baserunners for an extremely high WHIP of 3.125. The 9 earned runs he gave up saddled him with a final ERA of 10.12. He proved to be a good fielder during his short time at the major league level, however, recording 7 assists without committing an error.

Cozart eventually returned to his native Caldwell County, North Carolina and became a deputy sheriff there. Cozart died at the age of 85 in Hudson, North Carolina.