Charles "Greek'' George, athlete, 86

["Deathwatch Central" <cdw@slick.org>]

Ex-Major League Catcher George Dies

METAIRIE, La. (AP) - Charles ``Greek'' George, who set an American League
record for putouts in a game when he caught Bob Feller, died at his home in
Metairie on Sunday. He was 86.

George was called up to the majors by the Cleveland Indians in 1936 and
caught Feller when the pitcher struck out 17 in his major league debut.

Asked later about catching the future Hall of Famer, George said ``How would
you feel if you knew you were making history? Feller never knew how to throw
easy.''

The current AL record for putouts is 20, last done by Dan Wilson of Seattle
in 1997.

During five years in the majors, George also played with the Brooklyn
Dodgers, Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Athletics. He finished with a .177
batting average in 118 games.

His major league career ended in scandal, however, when he was banished by
the sport after exchanging punches with an umpire. George maintained the
umpire provoked him with an insult.

Survivors include two sons, four daughters, one sister, 19 grandchildren and
10 great-grand children.

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