ROLLIE STILES DEAD AT 100, BILLY WERBER NOW OLDEST BIG LEAGUER

by Max Silberman

Just two months after his 100th birthday, Rollie Stiles passed away. The former pitcher for the St. Louis Browns in 1930, 1931 and 1933 was the oldest former major leaguer.

That honor now passes to former Philadelphia Athletic Billy Werber who turned 99 in June of 2007. The former infielder who became an author and shared his many wonderful baseball experiences, began his career in 1930 where he was a team-mate of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig! He went to the Boston Red Sox in1933, the A's in 1937 and then on to the Reds where a World's Championship was won in 1940. Our own Eddie Joost was part of that team, too. In 1942 Billy Werber concluded his major league playing days with the Nw York Giants.

Rollie Stiles was a fine gentleman who took great pride in being honored by Commissioner Bud Selig on being the most senior of all alumni. We pray that he is granted eternal peace and a perfect rest.

The Philadelphia Athletics Historical Society congratulates Billy Werber on his new role as oldest major leaguer and may Billy be blessed with good health and a long and happy reign.