| Rube Melton | |
|---|---|
| Pitcher | |
| Born:(1917-02-27)February 27, 1917 Cramerton, North Carolina, U.S. | |
| Died: September 11, 1971(1971-09-11) (aged 54) Greer, South Carolina, U.S. | |
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| April 17, 1941, for the Philadelphia Phillies | |
| Last MLB appearance | |
| June 3, 1947, for the Brooklyn Dodgers | |
| MLB statistics | |
| Win–loss record | 30–50 |
| Earned run average | 3.62 |
| Strikeouts | 363 |
Stats atBaseball Reference  | |
| Teams | |
Reuben Franklin Melton (February 27, 1917 – September 11, 1971) was an American professionalbaseballpitcher, who played inMajor League Baseball (MLB) for thePhiladelphia Phillies andBrooklyn Dodgers, from 1941 to 1947.
Melton experienced difficulty in his first MLB season when he was suspended by the Phillies for leaving the team without permission reportedly because ofhomesickness.[1] Melton led the league inwalks andwild pitches during the 1942 season.
Melton was traded to Brooklyn, on December 12, 1942, for pitcherJohnny Allen and $30,000. (The Dodgers had previously tried to trade for Melton, butCommissioner of BaseballJudge Kenesaw Mountain Landis disallowed the transaction; however, because of Philadelphia’s ever-increasing financial instability, the second deal was approved.)[2]
Melton missed the 1945 season due to service in theUS Army duringWorld War II.[3] His best season occurred just after his military discharge in May 1946, when Melton went 6–3 with a 1.99earned run average (ERA) for the Dodgers.[3] An earlier arm injury forced him to shorten his major league career. Melton continued to make comeback attempts through 1951, in theminor leagues, then retired as an active player.[2][4]
Melton's playing career overlapped that of hiscousin,Cliff Melton, who pitched for theNew York Giants.[5]
On September 12, 1971, Melton died in an automobile accident inGreer, South Carolina.[6]
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