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SAMUEL LAMITINA
Born: Jun. 9, 1920
Place: Rock Glen, New York
Died: Sep. 14, 1965
Place: Newport, Arkansas
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
Positions:
Catcher
Third Base
Pitcher
Team:
Fulton Railroaders
Fulton Lookouts
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Sam Lamitina was one of the most successful
managers in Kitty League history. He won 242 games and three
consecutive pennants with the Fulton Railroaders/Lookouts from 1951
to 1953. Based on winning percentage, his 1952 club was the best in
league history.
He brought a hustling, hard-nosed brand of
baseball to Fulton and a fiery temperment that sometimes clashed
with opposing players and managers. He
received the largest fine in league history after cursing and
shoving umpire Larry Suffill in 1952 and refusing to leave the
field. He was fined $50 and suspended for five games. "Well, it
has been a long, hard season," he said. "I need a little
rest."
Despite what the rest of the league thought,
the fans in Fulton defended Lamitina against his detractors.
"he'll tell you how good he is and think nothing of it,"
sportswriter Bill Carter remarked. "And much to the sorrow of
his opponents, he will prove it more often than not."
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