Side A: Celebrated Cincinnati Reds pitcher and radio broadcaster, Joe Nuxhall (July 30, 1928 – November 15, 2007) grew up here in Hamilton’s North End. On these fields the endearing story of “Hamilton Joe” Nuxhall began in the summer of 1943. Scouts from the Cincinnati Reds discovered fourteen-year-old Joe while he was playing with his father’s Sunday municipal league team. Because of World War II, the rosters of major league teams were depleted as players went off to fight. Joe, displaying exceptional talent and poise for his age, met the Reds’ dire need for pitchers. He signed a contract to play for Cincinnati on February 18, 1944. On June 10, at age 15, he became the youngest player in major league history when he pitched against the World Champion St. Louis Cardinals at Cincinnati’s Crosley Field. (Continued on other side)
Side B: (Continued from other side) Shortly after his historic appearance, Joe was sent to the minors. Undeterred, he returned to the majors in 1952 to restart what would become a 16-year playing career that included 135 wins, 117 losses, and two All Star appearances. Known as the “Ol’ Left-hander,” Joe retired as a player in 1967 and began his 40-year broadcasting career with the Reds, 31 of those teamed with Baseball Hall of Fame broadcaster Marty Brennaman. Known and loved for his remarkable baseball career, Joe is also remembered in Hamilton and Butler County for his love of community and generosity. Joe’s legacy lives on through the Joe Nuxhall Scholarship Fund, the Joe Nuxhall Character Education Fund, and the Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields. His legacy is remembered on these fields, where it began in the summer of 1943.
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