THE SIDELINES : Ex-Browns Pitcher Potter Dies

Nelson Potter, a former major league baseball pitcher who helped the St. Louis Browns capture their only pennant, in 1944, has died. He was 79.

Potter, who died in his home here Sept. 30, led the Browns in 1944 with a 19-7 record and had a 2.86 earned run average. The St. Louis Cardinals beat the Browns, who became the Baltimore Orioles in 1954, 4-2 in the World Series. Potter was the loser in the sixth game.

Potter had the dubious distinction of being the first player caught throwing a spitball and was suspended 10 days.

He was 92-97 in 349 appearances in 12 seasons in the majors. He also played for the St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Athletics, Boston Red Sox and Boston Browns.