SIDELINES : Triple-Play Maker J. Neun Dies
Former major league infielder and manager Johnny Neun, one of only nine players to execute an unassisted triple play, died Wednesday. He was 89.
Neun, who played with Ty Cobb as a Detroit Tiger, died of cancer of the pancreas at Union Memorial Hospital, officials said. The Baltimore native spent four years with the Detroit Tigers and ended his major league career with the Boston Braves in 1931 with a lifetime batting average of .289.
He later managed for 12 years in the New York Yankees farm system, took over as Yankees manager temporarily in 1946 and managed the Cincinnati Reds in 1947 and 1948. After managing the Reds, Neunn returned to the Yankees and spent 35 years with the organization, becoming a scout and player-development specialist for the team. He scouted for the Milwaukee Brewers until last year.
Neun executed his game-ending triple play May 31, 1927, in Detroit when he was playing first base for the Tigers against the Cleveland Indians.
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