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Karl Drews, Former Major League Pitcher, Killed in Florida

Aug. 15, 1963 - Karl Drews (pictured center in 1947 with Bill Bevens and Vic Raschi), former major league pitcher, was struck and killed early today in Dania, Fla., by a car that he tried to flag down for help when his own car stalled. He was 43 years old. The police said Mr. Drews and his daughter, Geraldine, 17, were driving from their home in nearby Hollywood to Jacksonville. Geraldine was to participate in a swimming meet. Drews’ car stalled on a small bridge. He tried to stop a car driven by Earl Richard Johnson of Hollywood, Fla., but the car smashed into him, hurling him 80 feet through the air, police said. Mr. Johnson was charged with driving while intoxicated, reckless driving and causing an accident. Mr. Johnson was free under $500 bond. The former ballplayer lived with his family in nearby Hollywood. Drews became a major leaguer in 1946 with the New York Yankees. In 1947, he helped the Yankees win the American League pennant and also aided in their World Series victory over the Brooklyn Dodgers. Later, he pitched for the St. Louis Browns, Phillies, and Cincinnati. Other survivors are his widow and three sons: Ronnie, 15; Johnny, 11; and Michael, 9.

© 2024 by Joe Rubenstein

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