Rollie Sheldon: From UConn to Yankees | New York Yankees News

Rollie Sheldon, the gritty pitcher who played beside baseball legends like Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris, passed away at 89 — a quiet giant whose journey from UConn’s dual-sport star to Yankee rookie in ’61 (the year Maris shattered Ruth’s HR record) defied odds. Drafted despite being older than most minor leaguers thanks to his Air Force stint, he dominated the minors and earned his MLB shot — pitching for the Yankees, A’s, and Red Sox through ’66, even suiting up in the ’64 World Series. After baseball, he finished his degree and built a life in insurance, leaving behind a legacy of grit, versatility, and unforgettable moments in one of baseball’s most iconic eras. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/bbdd48da8d7d6273