Former New York Giants World War II Hero: Ken Trinkle (1943/ 1946-1949)

Kenneth Wayne Trinkle was born on December 15th 1919 in Paoli, Indiana. The six foot one, right hander made his debut with the New York Giants in 1943. In 11 games he was 1-5 with a 3.74 ERA, but was sent back down to the minor in mid June.

In 1944 he went off to serve in the military during World War II with many other Major Leaguers where he played baseball.
He was in the Battle of the Bulge during his time in France where he received a Bronze Star medal.

Quotes: Ken Trinkle- "I was a scout in a reconnaissance outfit. We would go out in front of the infantry to report if anything was there. If you didn’t come back, they knew there was something out there."

Trinkle returned to the Giants in 1946, leading the league in appearances (48) going 7-14 with a 3.87 ERA & two saves.

In 1947 the Giants improved to fourth place, as Trinkle was one of the leagues top relievers, in a time the position was not recognized. He led the league in appearances once again (62) as well as games finished (38) going 8-4 with ten saves (second most in the league).

In 1948 he was 4-5 with seven games (4th in the NL) with a 3.18 ERA in 53 games. That December he was purchased by the Philadelphia Phillies, where he pitched his final season in 1949.

In a five year career, he went 21-29 with 21 saves, 130 strike outs, 208 walks in 216 appearances.

Trinkle passed away in 1976 at age 56.