Remembering Alex Kellner on death anniversary, May 3

Alexander Raymond Kellner passed away on May 3, 1996, in Tucson, Arizona, where he had settled following his retirement from baseball. Born on August 26, 1924, in Tucson, Kellner developed an early passion for baseball. He was a right-handed batter and left-handed thrower, a rare combination in the sport. Kellner made his Major League Baseball debut with the Philadelphia Athletics in 1948 and remained with the team, which later became the Kansas City Athletics, until 1958. In 1958, he joined the Cincinnati Reds and then moved to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1959. Throughout his career, Kellner appeared in 321 games and was recognized for his reliability and skill as a starting pitcher. Baseball was a family affair, as his younger brother, Walt, also played as a major league pitcher. After retiring, Kellner returned to Tucson, where he stayed involved in the local baseball scene by mentoring young athletes and sharing his professional insights. He maintained strong ties to his hometown, frequently engaging in community events and local sports initiatives. Kellner’s life was defined by his devotion to baseball and his connection to Tucson, leaving a significant legacy both in the sport and within his community.