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Former Cubs Pitcher Tony Balsamo Dies at 89
Balsamo spent one season in the majors, playing alongside future Hall of Famers on the 1962 Cubs team.
Mar. 16, 2026 at 5:09am
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Tony Balsamo, a right-handed pitcher who spent one season in the major leagues with the Chicago Cubs in 1962, has died at the age of 89. During his brief MLB career, Balsamo played alongside several future Baseball Hall of Famers, including Billy Williams, Ron Santo, Lou Brock, and Ernie Banks. He also had the opportunity to be coached by Buck O'Neil, the first Black coach in MLB history.
Why it matters
Balsamo's story is a reminder of the fleeting nature of professional sports careers, as well as the importance of recognizing the contributions of lesser-known players who shared the field with some of the game's all-time greats. His time in the majors, though brief, allowed him to cross paths with several legends of the sport.
The details
Balsamo's major league career consisted of just 18 games with the Cubs in 1962, during which he went 0-1 with a 6.44 ERA. Despite his limited time in the majors, he had the opportunity to play alongside and against some of the most famous players of his era, including Roberto Clemente, Orlando Cepeda, Willie Mays, Frank Robinson, and Hank Aaron - all of whom would eventually be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
- Balsamo's MLB debut came in April 1962 with the Cubs.
- His only career decision was a loss on May 15, 1962 against the New York Mets.
- Balsamo's final MLB appearance came on June 26, 1962 in a 15-3 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals.
The players
Tony Balsamo
A right-handed pitcher who spent one season in the major leagues with the Chicago Cubs in 1962.
Buck O'Neil
The first Black coach in Major League Baseball, who was posthumously inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2022 and served as a coach for the 1962 Cubs.
Billy Williams
A Hall of Fame outfielder who was Balsamo's teammate on the 1962 Cubs.
Ron Santo
A Hall of Fame third baseman who was Balsamo's teammate on the 1962 Cubs.
Lou Brock
A Hall of Fame outfielder who was Balsamo's teammate on the 1962 Cubs.
Ernie Banks
A Hall of Fame shortstop who was Balsamo's teammate on the 1962 Cubs.
What they’re saying
“Buck was a real gentleman. Never had any kind of favoritism, and really knew baseball. ... It didn't matter if you were a rookie or a star. He just had an insight. He was really human. Always had a smile on his face. Very positive attitude. To me, he was a little older Ernie Banks. Loved the game of baseball, loved people — a true gentleman.”
— Tony Balsamo (2012 interview)
The takeaway
Balsamo's brief MLB career serves as a reminder that even players who don't achieve stardom can still cross paths with some of the game's all-time greats, and their stories deserve to be remembered and celebrated alongside those of the legends they shared the field with.
