This is something that’s been on my mind since the season ended: who was the last living Red Sox player who was a member of the 1918 Championship team? I know Babe Ruth died in '48 (or was it '47?), but then again, he wasn’t the healthiest of people. Someone on the 1918 squad had to have outlived him.
Who was the last Red Sox player the fans could have legitimately called Champion? Thanks.
I found it. It was their 3rd Baseman: Frederick Harvey Thomas. He died January 15, 1986. Man. That guy was ancient. He was born in 1892.
Here’s the reletive link: http://www.1918redsox.com/players/thomas.htm
I won’t do all the legwork for you, but go to http://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/1918_WS.shtml and scroll to the bottom, where there’s a complete roster of Red Sox players from that series. Click on each name and check out his death date. Remember to get the pitchers as well as the hitters–they’re listed farther below.
Also, you might want to check the 1916 and 1915 squads, as well. They might have had someone live longer.
Joe Wood, who pitched on the 1912 and 1915 championship teams wasn’t able to beat out Thomas, but he gave it a good try. He passed away on July 27, 1985 at the age of 95.