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Chicago White Sox History: Monty Stratton Loses Leg

By David Hill

Jul 21, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the field during the seventh inning in a rain delay in a game between the Chicago White Sox and the Detroit Tigers at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 21, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the field during the seventh inning in a rain delay in a game between the Chicago White Sox and the Detroit Tigers at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Chicago White Sox had been a star-crossed franchise after the Black Sox scandal of 1919. Seemingly under a curse, they suffered another blow when young star Monty Stratton needed to have his leg amputated after a hunting accident.

Monty Stratton appeared to be on the verge of being a star for the Chicago White Sox. He has won 15 games in 1937 and 1938, and had already made an All Star Game. After leading the American League with a 1.087 WHiP in 1937, he finished second the following year. Stratton appeared to be the pitcher that the White Sox needed to front their rotation.

However, during that offseason, the team’s bad luck struck once again. When Stratton was hunting rabbits on his family farm, he stumbled while holding his shotgun. The gun discharged, sending the pellets into his right leg. One of those pellets hit a main artery, and on this day in 1938, Stratton’s leg was amputated.

Although that was the end of his Major League career, Stratton remained with the White Sox as a coach. He also pitched batting practice on occasion, fitted with a prosthetic leg as he remained with the team. One of those times that he took the mound was during a charity game in his honor, where the White Sox raised $28,000 for him.

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However, Stratton was not finished. He aimed to return to the mound in a competitive setting at some point. During his time off, he would pitch to his wife or throw against the side of his barn. In that way, he learned how to transfer his weight using his artificial leg.

Finally after years, he made his return to the mound. In 1946, Stratton pitched for the Sherman Twins in the East Texas League, where he was 17-7 with a 4.17 ERA. The following year, he was with the Waco Dons, going 7-7 with a 6.55 ERA and a 1.796 WHiP. While he would pitch a couple more times in the 1950’s, that 1947 season marked the real end of his career.

His story, and how hard he worked to overcome his injuries, were inspirational. His comeback attempt became the subject of a movie entitled The Stratton Story, starring Jimmy Stewart and Jane Allyson. Not only was the movie a hit at the box office, but it also earned an Academy Award.

Next: Otani named best pitcher and designated hitter

Monty Stratton was on the cusp of stardom before a hunting accident ended his career. However, through perseverance, the Chicago White Sox pitcher managed to make a comeback, and resume his career in the Minors.

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