PORTER VAUGHAN PASSES AWAY

by Max Silberman

Former Athletics pitcher Porter Vaughan departed this life on July 30, 2008 at the age of 89. Cecil Porter Vaughan was born in Stevensville, VA in 1919. He was a well respected and loved Virginian his entire life, serving the community and his alma mater, the University of Richmond during his long and productive time on earth.

Like many others, he was called upon to sacrifice what would have been his prime years to service in World War Two. Just about a week ago, when Lee Wheat passed away, it was noted that he had fond memories of pitching to Ted Williams in 1954. Porter Vaughan also remembered pitching to the great Williams in that memorable double header on the last day of the 1941 season when Williams maintained his batting average above .400 (.406) although he could have sat out and protected his average.

Vaughan pitched for the A's in 1940 and 1941 and spent the years from 1942 to 1945 serving his country. In 1946 he returned to the Philadelphia A's. He had also pitched in the International League and American Association.

58 surviving players are left. The A's Society is very grateful to our friends and members who keep us up to date, Mr. Walter Tucker of Richmond, VA was kind enough to let us know this sad news.

Porter Vaughan was a gentleman and a gentle man and was a credit to the Philadelphia Athletics, the game of baseball and Virginia.

The only listed baseball card of Porter Vaughn is shown here as issued by the TCMA Company in the early to mid 1970's in a 88 card set titled "THE WAR YEARS"