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Former Major League Stiles dies at 100

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Contributed by: Rich Romine on 7/28/2007

By Rich Romine
YourHub.com user
There was a message on my cell phone. It was Ventura's Jymmye Hitch-Banhart and when I returned the call, she told me her 100-year-old uncle Rollie Stiles had passed away in a St. Louis County nursing home on July 22.
It was one of those stories, I always intended to write, but never got around to it.
Stiles, who was born on Nov. 17, 1907 in Ratcliff, Ark., was the oldest living former major league player.
Stiles was a pitcher with the St. Louis Browns and made his major league debut in 1930. He fashioned a 9-14 record with 5.92 ERA during parts of three seasons.
It was Oct. 26, 2000, when Jymmye sent me a letter from uncle Rolland.
After he retired from baseball, Stiles worked for Procter and Gamble until 1969 when he retired.
Here's what Stiles wrote:
"My experience in baseball began in 1928. I never had hardships like others before me, and I feel fortunate for that. Train was the main source of travel. I never had to ride busses and we had sleepers for overnight.
"My first spring training was the spring your father passes away. Roy was very sick and they called me home from training. He passed within a few days of my coming home. I got to talk to him about my playing for the league, and he was very concerned about my being paid. During that time, money was in short supply, but I talked to him about the contract I signed. He still had doubts as to whether I would be paid as much as the contract called for, but I explained to him that I felt their word was as good as mine. I am sorry he never got to see me pitch in the big leagues. I think he would have been very proud to be able to say he was my brother."
Stiles went on to write that he still received requests for autographs and some older and younger folks wanted to ask questions.
"I have a very good memory. So it's not difficult to answer these questions, if they are specific enough. A few months ago, though, I had a younger gentleman ask me what the highlight of my career was and if there was anything I would have changed, and I couldn't really pinpoint one incident or game. I am proud to say, though, that, to the best of my knowledge, I am the only pitcher still alive that pitched to Babe Ruth (and struck him out).
"I have never been to Oregon or Washington, and no further north in California than Santa Barbara. I have friends who live in the Northwest, and they are just crazy about the area. I really enjoy living in St. Louis, especially since my family is all still here."
Stiles had Melissa Bergman type the letter and then he signed it Rolland.
In 2006, Stiles made an appearance at the St. Louis browns Fan Club Reunion at age 99. On July 15, 2006, he became the oldest living ex-major league upon the death of Howdy Groskloss.
In 1929, Stiles of the Tulsa Oilers threw a no-hitter against the Des Moines Demons of the Western League.
The 6-foot-2 Stiles said he didn't remember allowing a home run to Ruth, but he did. Stiles said Lou Gehrig always caused him problems.
Stiles recalled a 1930 game against the Philadelphia Athletics, and he came in relief with the Browns trailing 3-0 in the third inning and he blanked the A's.
Stiles said the A's were the best team in the American League then. Pitcher Lefty Grove, left fielder Al Simmons, catcher Mickey Cochrane and third baseman Jimmy Foxx. Stiles confessed third baseman Jimmy Dykes was the player who hit him like nobody's business.
After the 1953 season, the Browns moved to Baltimore and became the Orioles.
There's 63 surviving St. Louis Browns players.
Bill Werber, 99, is the oldest living former major league. Werber was a third baseman with the Yankees, Red Sox,, Athletics, Reds and Giants from 1930-1942.
Phil Rizzuto is the oldest living Hall of Famer. The Yankees star was born Sept. 25, 1917.
Stiles was invited to attend the 2007 Browns' reunion, but he died a few days before it was scheduled.
Stiles is quite a role model in today's age when professional sports has such a black eye.

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