Goldstein, Izzy

Isidore Goldstein

A high school teammate of Hank Greenberg, Goldstein split time between the Detroit Tigers (for whom he played 16 games), and the minor league Beaumont Explorers in 1932. The Explorers won the Texas League title as Izzy went 5-1 with an ERA of 1.62 (he played 16 games for the Detroit Tigers that year), and Greenberg was the Texas League MVP.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. June 6, 1908 - d. September 24, 1993

Career Highlights:
While there is dispute regarding his birthplace, Goldstein's parents were from Odessa, Russia and he grew up in New York City. He dropped out of school at a young age and was playing semi-professional baseball by the age of 20.

When word of his talent got around his Bronx neighborhood, Izzy was approached by the head coach at James Monroe High School to return to school. The team -- which included Hall of Famer Hank Greenberg -- needed a pitcher badly and it was agreed that his teammates would do his homework and take his tests. Izzy and Hank led the team to the city championship game, but lost in the final, 4-1.

Following the game, Izzy dropped out of school a second time and returned to semi-pro ball. Goldstein then signed with the Detroit Tigers and after three seasons in the minors, he was called up in 1932. During the season, Goldstein pitched 16 games (6 starts) for the Detroit Tigers in 1932, completing two of them. He won three and lost two, with an ERA of 4.47. In 56.1 innings, he fanned 14, but walked an appalling 41. He could hit the ball, though. A switch-hitter, Izzy batted an impressive .294, with three RBI.

An arm injury in 1933 ended Goldstein's professional baseball career, although he attempted a comeback in 1934. He played semi-pro ball from 1934-1938 and then worked in the retail mens wear business. Izzy served in the U.S. Army during World War II and then returned to his business career.

Career Dates:
Goldstein played for the Detroit Tigers, 1932.

Position:
Pitcher

Physical description:
6'0", 160 pounds
Throws right, bats both

Career Statistics:
Wins: 3
Losses: 2
Winning pct.: .600

ERA: 4.47

Games: 16
Games Started: 6
Complete Games: 2

Innings Pitched: 56.1
Hits Allowed: 63
Bases-on-Balls: 41
Strike Outs: 14

Shut-outs: 0

Relief Pitching
Wins: 0
Losses: 0
Saves: 0

Batting
At-bats: 17
Hits: 5
Home Runs: 0
Batting Average: .294

Fielding Statistics
Put-outs: 2
Assists: 13
Errors: 2
Double Plays: 0

Total Chances per Game: 1.4
Fielding avg: .953

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