Hitchcock was the Tigers' primary shortstop in his first season, but spent 1943-45
in the Army Air Force, receiving the Bronze Medal for his service in the Pacific.
The only team for which he played more than a hundred games in a season was the Athletics,
in 1950 (second base) and 1952 (third base); he led AL third basemen in errors in
1952. He later managed, finishing highest with the fourth-place 1963 Orioles. He
was also a coach and a scout, and was president of the Southern Association from
1971 to 1980. His brother, Jim, played briefly with the Braves in 1938.
(NLM/MA)
FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY
»September 7, 1951:
The A's split a pair with the Red Sox, losing 8–5 to Bill Wight, before winning, 11–4. Billy Hitchcock has two triples and double in game two good for five RBIs. Bosox reliever Ellis Kinder makes his 54th appearance in the opener, breaking Wilcy Moore's club record set in 1931. Boston slips in the American League race to four games back.
»August 3, 1960: Frank Lane trades managers with Detroit's GM Bill DeWitt. The Indians Joe Gordon (49-46) is dealt to the Tigers for Jimmy Dykes (44-52). For one game, until the pair can change places, Jo-Jo White pilots the Indians and Billy Hitchcock guides the Tigers.
»May 24, 1962: The Tigers score their first four runs on homers, then score the winner on a passed ball in the 11th to beat the Orioles, 5–4. Charlie Lau misses a Hoyt Wilhelm knuckler to allow Dick McAuliffe to score. Jim Bunning pitches the first nine innings for Detroit and is accused by O's manager Billy Hitchcock of notching the ball with his belt buckle.
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