Jack Suydam
Ballplayers Wounded in Combat
| Date and Place of Birth: | September 3, 1916 Birmingham, AL |
| Date and Place of Death: | March 1, 1985 Sulphur, LA |
| Baseball Experience: | Minor League |
| Position: | Outfield |
| Rank: | Staff Sergeant |
| Military Unit: | US Army |
| Area Served: | European Theater of Operations |
John L. "Jack" Suydam, the son of Willard and Julia Suydam, was born on
September 3, 1916, at Birmingham, Alabama. Suydam was playing on the
sandlots of Birmingham when he was signed by the Middle-Atlantic
League's Charleston Senators. In 1936, following spring training with
Charleston, he was optioned to the Tiffin Mud Hens of the Class D Ohio
State League, where hit an impressive .385 in 87 games with 23 home
runs.
In December 1936, Suydam was traded to the Beaumont Exporters of the
Class A1 Texas League and optioned to the Alexandria Aces of the Class D
Evangeline League. He joined the Lake Charles Skippers of the same
league in 1938, and after hitting .356 in 69 games, he joined the Fort
Worth Cats of the Texas League, playing 58 games and batting .214. He
played 137 games for th Cats in 1939, batting .280 with five home runs.
In January 1940, Suydfam was one of 91 players declared free agents by
Commissioner Landis, and he signed with the Atlanta Crackers. Through a
season plagued with injuies, the 23-year-old played for three teams in
the Southern Association, the Crackers, the Birmingham Barons and the
Chattanooga Lookouts. He started the 1941 season with the Lookouts, but
was traded to the Jackson Generals of the Class B Southeastern League in
July, and batted .320 in 61 games.
Suydam remained with Jackson in 1942, but broke his hand on May 10, when
he was hit by a pitch. He played 90 games but his average dropped to
.243.
Suydam entered military service with the army in 1943. He served as a
staff sergeant in Europe and was wounded in action on Christmas Day
1944.
Suydam did not return to baseball. He passed away on March 1, 1985, in
Sulphur, Louisiana. He was 68 years old.
Date Added December 31, 2017
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