Former Major Leaguer Metkovich Dies at Age 74

George Metkovich, who played major league baseball for 11 years, died Wednesday of complications from Alzheimer’s disease, his son, David, said Thursday. Metkovich, who lived in Fountain Valley, was 74.

Metkovich, known as Catfish in his playing days, began his major league career in 1943 with the Boston Red Sox and also played with Cleveland and Chicago in the American League. He also played for the Pittsburgh Pirates for three seasons and with the Milwaukee Braves his final season in the majors in 1954. He played in two games of the 1946 World Series with Boston. He was a first baseman and outfielder.

Metkovich later coached and managed in the minor leagues, and retired after a 30-year career in baseball. He managed the San Diego Padres of the Pacific Coast League. He later scouted for the Washington Senators.

A memorial service will be Monday at Harbor Lawn-Mount Olive Mortuary and Memorial Park in Costa Mesa. He is survived by his wife, Peggy, and sons George and David, and four grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Baseball Assistance Team, 350 Park Ave., 17th floor, New York, N.Y., 10027.