Bennie Daniels


Bennie Daniels Jr., is an American former professional baseball pitcher, who played in Major League Baseball for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Washington Senators. During his playing days, Daniels stood, weighing. He threw right-handed and batted left-handed. During his 9-year big league career, Daniels compiled 45 wins, 471 strikeouts, and a 4.44 earned run average.
Born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Daniels began his career in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, in , with the Great Falls Electrics of the Pioneer League. After spending the – seasons in military service, he continued to move up, through Pittsburgh’s farm system. After a good 17–8 season with the Hollywood Stars of the Pacific Coast League, the Bucs called Daniels up, in September 1957.
Daniels enjoyed the distinction of starting the last game played in Ebbets Field by the Brooklyn Dodgers, on September 24, 1957. The Pirates were defeated by the Dodgers’ Danny McDevitt, 2–0.
On May 23, 1960 at Forbes Field, Daniels single in the second inning against Sandy Koufax was the only hit the Pirates got against Koufax, who won 1-0, denying him of a no-hitter.
On December 16, 1960, Daniels was involved in one of the first trades made by the expansion Washington Senators. The 4-player deal sent pitcher Bobby Shantz to the Pirates for Daniels and two others, infielders Harry Bright and R. C. Stevens.

Later life

After retiring from baseball, Daniels moved to Compton, California, with his wife, Jimmie Sue Daniels. He has two children, Michael and Vickie Daniels. Bennie Daniels’ daughter, Vickie died, in September 2017. He has two granddaughters, Lauren Oliva — a 6th grade teacher — and Jessica Burnette — a hospice nurse. Bennie Daniels’ great-grandson, Christopher, currently plays at MLB Urban Youth Academy, in Compton, California. Bennie Daniels also has two great-granddaughters, Olivia Lee and Hailey. He currently resides in Compton, California.