Ed Mickelson, a former major league outfielder and one of the oldest living MLB players, has passed away at the age of 98. Though his major league career was brief—just 18 games between 1950 and 1957—he carved out a unique place in baseball history by driving in the final run in St. Louis Browns franchise history on September 27, 1953, before the team relocated to Baltimore and became the Orioles.
A natural athlete from University City High School in Missouri, Mickelson excelled in multiple sports. He earned a basketball scholarship to the University of Tennessee, but returned home to Missouri, where he starred in both football and basketball at Washington University in St. Louis. His athletic journey was interrupted when he enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1944, serving during World War II—a distinction that made him one of the last surviving MLB players with wartime service.
After the war, Mickelson continued his athletic career, playing basketball under coaching legend Hank Iba at Oklahoma A&M before signing a baseball contract with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1947. Remarkably, he had played just 30 baseball games—15 in high school and 15 in college—before turning pro. He made his MLB debut in 1950, recording a hit off Hall of Fame pitcher Warren Spahn in only his second game.
Blocked by the legendary Stan Musial at first base in St. Louis, Mickelson’s MLB opportunities were limited. He briefly joined the Browns in 1953 and later had a short stint with the Chicago Cubs in 1957, going hitless in six games. Despite his limited time in the majors, he found consistent success in the minor leagues, especially with the Portland Beavers, where he posted multiple .300 seasons.
Outside of baseball, Mickelson’s life was one of resilience and inspiration. He documented his journey in a 2007 memoir, A Memoir of a Minor League Baseball All-Star, offering a behind-the-scenes look at a life shaped by war, perseverance, and a love for the game. He is survived by his wife Mary, two children, eight grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren. His contributions to baseball and American history endure as a symbol of grit and quiet legacy.
