Joining a new team

The Army-bound Curt Simmons late in the 1950 season with Phillies teammates Richie Ashburn, left, and Willie Jones, right, along with Philadelphia manager Eddie Sawyer

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Curt Simmons, the pride of Egypt, Pa., 76 years ago today becomes the first major leaguer to be inducted into the Army because of the Korean War.

The 21-year-old Simmons is in the midst of a breakout season in 1950.

Simmons makes two more starts for the Phillies before leaving for the Army, finishing the season with a 17-8 record but missing the 1950 World Series against the New York Yankees.

Without Simmons, the Phillies fall in four games to the Yankees, although the run differential between the teams in the Series is only six runs.

Simmons returns to the Phillies in 1952 and stays in the majors through 1967, winning 193 games for the Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs and California Angels.

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