totally random, vol. 9

Today’s subject: Marshall Bridges. The Jackson native, nicknamed “Sheriff,” had one truly outstanding season in the majors. In 1962, the left-hander won eight games and saved 18 for the pennant-winning New York Yankees; he got a World Series ring, too, though he allowed a grand slam in one of his two brief appearances against San Francisco. His career began in the waning days of the Negro Leagues, and he made it to the majors with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1959. He pitched parts of seven years (206 appearances) with four clubs in The Show, posting a career ERA of 3.75. There’s an interesting footnote — isn’t there always? — to Bridges’ career. In the winter of 1963, after his brilliant season with the Yankees, he was shot in the leg, reportedly during a dispute with a woman in a Florida bar. He recovered, but his career took a downturn. Bridges worked maintenance at the State Capitol Building in Jackson before his death in 1990.