The longest-playing member of the Cubs died this weekend at the ripe old age of 94, the Chicago Tribune reported.
Phil Cavarretta led the Cubs to their last World Series in 1945 as the National League MVP. And he was the last surviving man to have played against Babe Ruth, which he did in 1935.
Nicknamed "Philibuck" for his tough athleticism, Cavarretta spent 20 seasons with the North Siders, before a brief move to the White Sox after a row with owners. He stayed in the game until the 70’s as a manager, coach and scout.
Cavarretta was a true Chicagoan, born here in 1916 and educated at Lane Tech, where he began his baseball career as a pitcher and hitter. He signed with the Cubs before he even graduated high school.
Cavarretta’s grandson said he died in hospice care days after suffering a stroke.
