Former Red Sox Pitcher McDermott Dies

08/08/03 13:02 EDT

.c The Associated Press

PHOENIX (AP) - Mickey McDermott, who pitched two one-hitters for the Boston Red Sox in the 1940s and '50s, died of cancer at age 74.

McDermott died Thursday after struggling with heart ailments and colon cancer, said Ira Silverman, a publicist for the former pitcher's recent memoir, ``A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Cooperstown.''

McDermott was a highly touted left-hander when he was called up by the Red Sox in 1948 at age 19. Despite two one-hitters, his promise was largely unfulfilled. McDermott said in his memoir that an elbow injury and too much drinking and carousing kept him from reaching his potential.

``My knees are gone,'' he told The Associated Press in an interview in May. ``It's an occupational hazard. Falling off barstools.''

McDermott finished his career with a record of 69-69 in 12 seasons with Boston, Washington, the New York Yankees, Kansas City, Detroit and the St. Louis Cardinals.

In retirement, McDermott had a number of ailments - aneurysms, congestive heart failure, a triple heart bypass and colon cancer. He gave up drinking in 1991 when he and his wife won $7 million in the Arizona Lottery.