Former Braves pitcher who set hitless streak is dead at 72

2/20/2000

TITUSVILLE, Fla. -- Bob Buhl, who helped pitch the Milwaukee Braves to the 1957 World Series title and later set a major league record for futility at the plate, has died. He was 72.

Buhl died Friday at his family's home in Titusville, grandson Chris Sheldon said Tuesday.

Buhl went 0-for-70 as a hitter for the Braves and Chicago Cubs in 1962, the most at-bats in a single season without a hit. His drought ended in 1963 when he got his first hit in 88 at-bats.

"He was well aware of that record," Sheldon said.

Buhl's road roommate while with the Braves, Hall of Famer Eddie Mathews, died Sunday.

Last September, Buhl was back in Milwaukee to take part in the closing ceremonies at the final game in County Stadium. In weakened condition, he rode a cart onto the infield but insisted on walking to the mound and standing on the rubber in a Braves uniform.

Buhl was 166-132 with a 3.55 ERA from 1953-1967 with Milwaukee, the Cubs and Philadelphia. He pitched in a Braves' rotation with Warren Spahn and Lew Burdette and made the NL All-Star team in 1960.