Howdy Groskloss

Who was Howdy Groskloss?

Howard Hoffman "Howdy" Groskloss was an American professional baseball player. He played all or part of three seasons in Major League Baseball for the Pittsburgh Pirates, primarily as a second baseman. Groskloss batted and threw right-handed.

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the son of an opera singer, Groskloss graduated from Amherst College in 1930 and later attended Yale University while playing for the Pirates. In 1937, he became a doctor and practiced as a gynecologist in Miami, Florida for more than 25 years. He also was a flight surgeon in the Navy during World War II.

Groskloss was 24 years old when he broke into the big leagues with Pittsburgh. Among his teammates were Pie Traynor, Arky Vaughan, Gus Suhr, and the brothers Lloyd and Paul Waner. In a three-season career, Groskloss posted a .261 batting average with 21 RBI and 14 runs in 72 games.

Groskloss died in Vero Beach, Florida, at the age of 100. At the time of his death, he was recognized as the oldest living former major league player. He was buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Miami, Florida.