Joseph Allen Muir was more than an Eastern Shore born major league ball player and this short article can not chronicle his interesting life. What follows are some of his "stats" as displayed on a 1950's Topps baseball card. Many thanks to his step-daughter, Nancy Pumphreys White, Tyaskin, Maryland, who allowed me to distribute this information.
Stats From The Reverse of His Topps Baseball Card
Joseph Allen Muir Pitcher: Pittsburgh Pirates Home: Oriole, Md. Born: Nov. 26, 1922, Oriole, Md. Eyes: Hazel Hair: Brown Ht.: 6'1" Wt.: 172 Throws: Left Bats: Left
With 2 1/2 years of Service in the Marines behind him, Joe made his debut in pro ball in 1947. In '47 and '48 Joe had 13-5 and 12-6 records and hurled for Indianapolis in 1949 and '50, winning 19 and losing 18. The Pirates gave him a trial in 1951 but returned him to Indianapolis where he had a 7-5 mark and was recalled. During the off-season, Joe is in the oyster business.
*Record with Pittsburgh Pirates **Minor League Lifetime Record (c) T. C. G. TOPPS BASEBALL prntd. in U.S.A.
A Little More About Joe
Joe played in the Pacific Coast league during his career. He played and was friends with Chuck Connors, who went on to acting, (TV series The Rifleman, Branded). Joe even starred in a baseball movie with the actress Janet Lee.
He quit baseball at age 29 to join the Maryland State Police and worked in Glen Burnie, Maryland. Joe continued playing ball for the State Police softball league. During their games at the Sandy Point ball field, (adjacent to the Cheseapeke Bay Bridge on the Western Shore) he was notorious for hitting the long ball out into the Bay. Joe retired from the State Police in the 1970's. He died in 1980 and is buried in his hometown of Oriole, Maryland on the Eastern Shore.
For more information about Joe Muir and his life you can contact his stepdaughter, Nancy Pumphreys White, Rt 1 Box 17, Tyaskin, Maryland 21865. Nancy is an advid genealogist and is tracing the following lines: WHITE, PUMPHREYS, ALLEN. She is especially looking for information on a specific individual, Acia White.
February 1997, Web Page Author George E. Richardson III