John Wockenfuss

John Wockenfuss
Wockenfuss in 1981
Utility player
Born: (1949-02-27)February 27, 1949 Welch, West Virginia, U.S.
Died: August 19, 2022(2022-08-19) (aged 73) Wilmington, Delaware, U.S.
Batted: Right Threw: Right
MLB debut
August 11, 1974, for the Detroit Tigers
Last MLB appearance
August 15, 1985, for the Philadelphia Phillies
MLB statistics
Batting average	.262
Home runs	86
Runs batted in	310
Teams
Detroit Tigers (1974–1983) Philadelphia Phillies (1984–1985)

Johnny Bilton Wockenfuss (February 27, 1949 – August 19, 2022), sometimes known by the nicknames "Fuss" and "Johnny B.", was an American professional baseball player and minor league manager who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Detroit Tigers and Philadelphia Phillies. He was known for his strong throwing arm, unorthodox batting stance, and ability to play at multiple positions.

Wockenfuss began his baseball career as a

After playing one more season (1986)[1] in A-ball, Wockenfuss managed in the minor leagues for several years. He served four years in the Tigers farm system (1987–1990), two years in the Pittsburgh Pirates' farm system (1992–1993), and two years with the Albany-Colonie Diamond Dogs (1996–1997). He was inducted into the Delaware Sports Hall of Fame in 1993.^[2]

Early years

Wockenfuss was born in Welch, West Virginia, on February 27, 1949. He attended John Dickinson High School in Wilmington, Delaware.^[3][4] One of the best all-around athletes Dickinson High produced, he lettered in football, basketball, baseball, and track.^[5] Wockenfuss played baseball as a pitcher.^[6] He played quarterback for the football team and gained notoriety for his use of a drop kick technique to kick extra points after touchdowns.^[7]

Playing career

Minor leagues

Wockenfuss was drafted by the Washington Senators in the 42nd round of the 1967 Major League Baseball June Amateur Draft.

In 1975, Wockenfuss considered quitting baseball and working full-time at the pizzeria he opened with his brother in Christiana, Delaware.^[5] Wockenfuss ended up appearing in 35 games with the Tigers, including 32 games as the team's starting catcher. He hit .229 with four home runs.^[3]

1976–1979

Wockenfuss continued as the Tigers' backup catcher, starting 43 games at the position in 1976 and 33 in 1977. His offensive production improved significantly from .222 and three home runs in 1976 to .274 and nine home runs in 1977.^[3] Wockenfuss received negative press in 1976, when he tagged a runner out at the plate, gently rolled the ball to the mound (based on the incorrect assumption that the tag play was the third out), allowing Mickey Rivers to score from second base. Wockenfuss later said, "I don't think [Ralph] Houk ever forgave me for that mistake."^[10]

During a locker-room speech by an

In 1978, with Milt May and Lance Parrish having locked down the catching duties for the Tigers, Wockenfuss moved to the outfield, starting 49 games in right and left field. His offensive production also continued to improve with a .283 batting average and .357 on-base percentage.^[3] In 17 at bats as a pinch hitter during the 1978 season, he hit .353.^[16]

With the arrival of

Wockenfuss continued to be a valuable role-player for Detroit from 1981 to 1983, appearing in 232 games, including 93 as the designated hitter, 58 at catcher, 55 at first base, 12 in the outfield, and two at third base. In 1982, he compiled a career-high .301 batting average.[3]

1984 trade to Philadelphia

In mid-March 1984, Wockenfuss noted that he would be happy to be traded to Philadelphia, a 30-minute drive from his home in Wilmington.^[18] He drew criticism with further public complaints about his low pay ($200,000) and limited playing time and the high salaries being paid to unnamed "clowns" among his teammates.^[19] Mike Downey wrote at the time: "Wockenfuss is someone the Tigers count on. Nobody in baseball is a better hit-and-run man." Unfortunately, Downey added that Wockenfuss also had a reputation as "the clubhouse carp," and his indirect criticism of the Tigers' owner was a "cardinal sin."^[19]

On March 24, 1984, the Tigers traded Wockenfuss and

Wockenfuss played two seasons for the Phillies, appearing in 118 games, 46 at first base, 23 at catcher, and two at third base. In 1984, he compiled a .289 batting average and .390 on-base percentage. In 1985, Wockenfuss dropped by more than 100 points to a .162 batting average in 37 at bats, mostly as a pinch hitter.[3] In July 1985, Wockenfuss asked to be traded, preferably to an American League team where he could extend his career as a designated hitter.^[21] He later expressed bitterness at how the Phillies treated him in 1985: "They had me there as a bullpen catcher, carrying buckets of balls to the bullpen. They made me feel like a fool. Like a bum."^[22] He consequently gave the Phillies an ultimatum to play him or release him.^[22] On August 19, the Phillies granted him an unconditional release.^[23] Wockenfuss's salary in his final year with the Phillies was $275,000.^[21]

Comeback attempt in 1986

In the spring of 1986, Wockenfuss showed up at the Tigers' training camp, offered to pay his own way, and begged for another chance to play.

In 12 major league seasons, Wockenfuss appeared in 795 games, including 266 as a catcher, 184 as a first baseman, 144 as a designated hitter, 110 as an outfielder, and four as a third baseman.[3] He also appeared in 837 minor league games over 10 seasons.^[1] He compiled the following career statistics in his 12 major league seasons:

^[3]

Managerial career

In October 1986, the Detroit Tigers hired Wockenfuss to manage their minor league club, the

In 1992, Wockenfuss returned to minor league managing ranks, with the Pittsburgh Pirates' Class-A Salem club in the Virginia League.[31] He was promoted in 1993 to be manager of the Class-AA Carolina Mudcats in the Southern League. Wockenfuss missed portions of the 1993 season after undergoing two back surgeries in April and August to address severe back problems.^[32] In January 1994, he announced: "My baseball career is over."^[33]

Wockenfuss organized the Tri-State Baseball/Softball Academy in 1994 and worked on that business in 1994 and 1995.^[32]

In March 1996, Wockenfuss returned to organized baseball as manager of the independent Albany-Colonie Diamond Dogs. He led the team to the Northeast Independent League title in 1996 and returned as manager in 1997.^[34]

Family and later life

Wockenfuss married Pamela Lennon in 1971. They had three children, sons John Bradley and Jeremy James, and daughter Caitlin Tara.^[6][16] Wockenfuss and his wife were divorced in 1986. He later remarried to a second wife, Fran, and they had a daughter named Jessica.^[35] They eventually divorced. He married Becky Askins in October 2018, having been introduced to her by his siblings.^[4] He had four grandchildren.^{[citation needed]}

In 1993, Wockenfuss was inducted into the Delaware Sports Hall of Fame.^[36]

Wockenfuss was diagnosed with dementia in November 2018.^[4] He died on August 19, 2022, at the age of 73.^[37]

References