Pitcher Dennis Bennett Ponders The Past

Bennett maintains that trademark
autograph, showcased by a
reverse slant much like
Willie Stargell’s.

Pitcher Dennis Bennett never got a do-over.

He was a key hurler for the 1964 Phillies, winning 12 games for the team who seemed destined for a pennant until the last weeks of the season.

He summed up his career with great emotion, writing:

“Just being in the Big Leagues was my biggest thrill. Seeing and playing with the greatest players in the world.


My career was cut short by a car wreck. But I made the most out of a bad deal. With today’s technology, I would probably still be pitching.


I was one of the young and coming star(s) of the year.


It’s hard to say where I might have ended my career without getting hurt. They said I had the makings of a superstar. Oh, well. At least I got to play the game I loved for 17 years.


It could of been.


Dennis Bennett”

Read more about Bennett’s roller-coaster career ride in the fine SABR biography written by Mark Amour.

Coming Tuesday: In part 2, Bennett shares fond memories of Johnny Podres and Gene Mauch.

2 thoughts on “Pitcher Dennis Bennett Ponders The Past”

  1. I have a ball signed by Dennis Bennett on the sweet spot in green ink that was my brothers from 1964.it was some kind of promotional ball, but a real baseball. it has stamped on the front BIG LEAGUE AUTOGRAPH on the front sweet spot. Right below in smaller letters “9 inch horsehide cover- personally autographed”. If someone can tell me where or how this ball originated?

    Reply
  2. I have a ball signed by Dennis Bennett on the sweet spot in green ink that was my brothers from 1964.it was some kind of promotional ball, but a real baseball. it has stamped on the front BIG LEAGUE AUTOGRAPH on the front sweet spot. Right below in smaller letters “9 inch horsehide cover- personally autographed”. If someone can tell me where or how this ball originated?

    Reply

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