Alfred Vanoide Fletcher (August 6, 1924 – March 17, 2010) was an American professional baseball player. The right-handed pitcher appeared in nine games for the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball in 1955. He stood 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m) tall and weighed 185 pounds (84 kg).
| Van Fletcher | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Pitcher | |
| Born: Alfred Vanoide Fletcher August 6, 1924 East Bend, North Carolina | |
| Died: March 17, 2010 (aged 85) Yadkinville, North Carolina | |
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| April 12, 1955, for the Detroit Tigers | |
| Last MLB appearance | |
| May 30, 1955, for the Detroit Tigers | |
| MLB statistics | |
| Win–loss record | 0–0 |
| Earned run average | 3.00 |
| Strikeouts | 4 |
| Innings pitched | 12 |
| Stats at Baseball Reference | |
| Teams | |
Early life
editFletcher was born in East Bend, North Carolina, in 1924.[1] His parents were Wesley E. and Rhett Fletcher.[1] He volunteered for the United States Army and fought in World War II in the European Theater of Operations.[2]
Career
editAfter the war, Fletcher was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals' organization.[1] Beginning in 1949, he played for several minor league baseball teams, including the Elkin Blanketeers, Vancouver Capilanos, and Seattle Rainiers. In August 1954, the Detroit Tigers acquired him from the Rainiers.
In nine games (all in relief during the opening six weeks of the 1955 season) and 12 full innings pitched, he allowed 13 hits, two bases on balls, and ten runs—but only four were earned. He struck out four. He did not record a decision.
After spending the 1957 season with the Birmingham Barons, Fletcher retired from baseball. He returned to Yadkin County where he worked as a building contractor in the Winston-Salem and Yadkinville areas.[1] He also farmed tobacco for many years.[1]
Personal life
editFletcher coached little league baseball in the 1960s and 1970s.[1] He married Rilla Whitaker, and the couple had two sons.[1]
Fletcher died in Yadkinville on March 17, 2010, at the age of 85.[1]
References
editExternal links
edit- Career statistics from Baseball Reference, or Baseball Reference (Minors)
- Retrosheet – major league statistics
- Obituary