Pete Center

Who was Pete Center?

Marvin Earl "Pete" Center was an American professional baseball player, a right-handed pitcher who appeared in 77 Major League games over all or part of four seasons for the Cleveland Indians. A native of Hazel Green, Kentucky, the 6 ft 4 in, 190 lb Center attended Morehead State University.

Center's pitching career began in 1934 in the St. Louis Cardinals' farm system. After spending two seasons in Class D baseball, he was out of the professional ranks in 1936, then spent 1937 as a position player before resuming his mound career in 1938 in the Class B Southeastern League. Acquired by the Indians the following year, Center rose to A ball, then the top level of minor league baseball, before making his debut with Cleveland on September 11, 1942. In relief of Jim Bagby, Jr., Center allowed seven hits, four bases on balls and six earned runs in 3¹⁄₃ innings pitched as the Indians bowed to the Boston Red Sox, 15–2, at League Park.

He spent the full 1943 campaign with Cleveland, appearing in 24 games, all but one as a relief pitcher, then served in the United States Army Air Forces during the 1944 campaign. Center then returned to the Indians for the 1945 season.