Duke Markell
One of the few major league players to be born in France, Duke pitched five games for the 1951 St. Louis Browns, compiling a record of 1-1.
Birth and Death Dates:
b. August 17, 1923 - d. June 14, 1984
Career Highlights:
Born Harry Markowsky in France, Duke moved to New York City with his family when he was seven years old. He lived in the Bronx, only four blocks from Yankee Stadium, and grew up dreaming of playing for the Yankees. He joined the U.S. Army during World War II and served for three years in the Pacific. Discharged in 1945, Markell began his professional baseball career that same year.
Markell spent six seasons in the minors and made his major league debut in 1951 with the St. Louis Browns. Markell's one win came in his first start as he drove in the game-winning run with a double. He does have one complete game to his credit. In 21.1 career innings, he struck out ten -- but walked 20.
Prior to the 1952 season, Markell was traded from the Browns to the Philadelphia Phillies. Assigned to the minors, he led the International League in strikeouts while with Syracuse. He was invitied to Phillies' spring training in 1953, but did not return to the majors. Beginning that year, Markell began a new career as a New York City policeman. He served in the off-season until he retired from baseball in 1958 and then became a full-time policeman.
Career Dates:
Markell pitched in 5 games for the St. Louis Browns in 1951.
Position:
Pitcher
Physical description:
6'1", 209 pounds
Right-handed
Career Statistics:
Wins: 1
Losses: 1
Winning pct.: .500
ERA: 6.33
Games: 5
Games Started: 2
Complete Games: 1
Innings Pitched: 21.1
Hits Allowed: 25
Bases-on-Balls: 20
Strike Outs: 10
Shut-outs: 0
Relief Pitching
Wins: 0
Losses: 0
Saves: 0
Batting
At-bats: 6
Hits: 1
Home Runs: 0
Batting Average: .167
Fielding Statistics
Put-outs: 1
Assists: 1
Errors: 0
Double Plays: 0
Total Chances per Game: 0.4
Fielding avg: 1.000