Van Mungo AKA Van Mungo pitched for the NYGiants from 1942 to 1945 missing 1944 for military service. He went 18-16 with a 3.76 ERA. His best year was 1945 when went 14-7 with a 3.20 ERA, 7 complete games and 2 shutouts. These were not particularly good Giants teams. 1945 was his last and I don't know why he stopped playing ball. I know this is NY Giant's history but I figured Giants fans can use a little feelgood news this off season. He's the only Giant I know, besides Willie Mays, who had a song written about him.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKzobTlF8fM&list=PL31FAA4352312AF89&index=120

4 comments

  2. Mungo had drinking problems, held out for a larger contract after 1945, and his alcoholism was used as an excuse to release him.

    As he was older and had lost his fastball, he didn’t get any real offers after that and wound up playing a little minor league ball (also some managing) and then retiring to go into business.

    Fairly common story, actually.

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