Cal Browning, P

Cal Browning was signed by the Cardinals at age 19 in June of 1957 and sent directly to AAA Rochester, where he joined the club under manager Cot Deal. According the the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, Browning pitched for Deal's dad's team in Oklahoma and was a 'prize prospect' (June 20, 1957). He appeared in one game for Rochester, lasted 3 innings, and was sent to Winnipeg (Class C) a few days later. In 1958 and 1959 he was back with Rochester again, going 26-24 over the two seasons. In 1961, he was 3-3 with Rochester when he was called up to the Cardinals on May 28, as part of a series of roster moves precipitated by the Cards trade with Pittsburgh in which they acquired Julian Javier. He waited nearly two two weeks before his major league debut. He came into the game on June 12, 1960 in the first inning, with two on and one out, after starter Ron Kline had already given up 3 runs. On his first pitch, Don Hoak hit a three run homer. Browning finished the inning, but failed to get an out in the second inning before he was pulled. In all, he gave up 5 hits and 3 runs in his brief stint in the majors. Five days later he was sent back down to Rochester when Bob Gibson was called up.

Browning was recalled to the Cardinals in September of 1960, but the Rochester club made the playoffs and their season did not end until September 22; it is unclear if he ever reported to the club. He was traded on October 11, 1960 to Toronto (International League) for Al Cicotte. He played 3 more seasons at AAA and was done as a professional after the 1963 season at age 25.

Posted April 16, 2020