Joe Presko
Born Joseph "Joe" Edward Presko in Kansas City, Missouri, October 7, 1928 was an American MLB professional baseball player. Signed by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1948 as an amateur free agent, Joe made his MLB debut on May 3, 1951.
Used primarily as a starting pitcher in four seasons with St. Louis (1951-1954) and as a reliever for parts of two seasons with the Detroit Tigers (1957-1958) Joe was known as "Baby Face" Presko, "Baby Joe," or "Little Joe."
Joe finished his career after arm trouble in 1955 became too much and played his final game May 7, 1958 at the age of 29. He retired to his home of Kansas City with a lifetime record of 25-37 in 128 games played including 5 saves and a career era of 4.61.
After retirement, Joe continued his life in baseball by coaching American Legion Baseball. He was American Legion coach to a young David Cone who went on to star with his hometown Kansas City Royals, New York Yankees, New York Mets, and Toronto Blue Jays.
Throughout his career Joe played alongside some real icons in MLB history, including; Stan "The Man" Musial, Al Kaline, Enos "Country" Slaughter, Joe Garagiola, Jim Bunning, Billy Martin, Red Schoendienst, and Harvey Haddix.
Joe is featured in the initial launch for the Topps Company's 1952 Major League Baseball trading cards #220.
Sources
- Career statistics and player information from Baseball Reference