Brissie pitched for seven seasons in the big leagues, winning 44 games along the way. He was called up in 1947 by Connie Mack and the Philadelphia A’s. He pitched just one game that year but saw action in 39 the following season, notching 14 wins in the process. His next year, 1949, was his best. He pitched in 34 games that year, starting 29 of them and earning 16 victories. Brissie had one more year as a starter, 1950, then pitched mostly out of the bullpen for Philadelphia and then Cleveland before calling it quits in 1953.
Brissie’s path to the majors was a difficult one. His joined the U.S. Army in 1942, serving with the 88th Infantry Division during World War II in Italy. During a battle in 1944, Brissie’s left leg was shattered and army doctors recommended amputation. He informed the doctors that he was a baseball player and asked them to save his leg. They managed to do just that and, despite living in pain for the rest of his life, he was able to continue his baseball career. Brissie earned a Purple Heart for his wounds and a Bronze Star for his service.(Wikipedia)
Brissie died on November 25, 2013, approximately seven years after he filled this out.
Lou Brissie – career stats
