Yankees World Series champion who finished career with Red Sox dies

Rollie Sheldon, a former pitcher who played for the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, passed away on August 31 at the age of 89. Sheldon had a five-year MLB career, pitching parts of five seasons for three teams — the Yankees, Kansas City A’s, and Red Sox. He retired with a 38-36 record, a 4.09 ERA, four shutouts, and two saves in 160 regular season games. Sheldon made appearances in the 1964 World Series with the Yankees, which the St. Louis Cardinals won. He allowed two runs in those games, but neither was earned.

Sheldon, a veteran of the Air Force, finished his college basketball and baseball career due to his professional baseball career. He signed his first professional contract with the Yankees in 1960 when he was 23 and a sophomore in college. In his rookie season, he went 11-5 with a 3.60 ERA in the Yankees' starting rotation. Despite being overshadowed by star players like Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris, Sheldon helped the Yankees win the 1960 World Series.

In 1965, the Yankees traded Sheldon to the A’s in a deal that sent Doc Edwards to New York. Sheldon appreciated the opportunity to start regularly and improve his control and rhythm. In 1966, he was traded to the Red Sox in a six-player trade. Sheldon made 23 appearances with the Red Sox, including 10 as a starter. His final game with the Red Sox was a two-inning relief appearance against the Yankees in September.

Sheldon was then traded to the Cincinnati Reds but never played for them. He passed away in 2021, leaving behind his wife Shirley, two daughters, and two granddaughters in his large extended family.