On July 21, 1972, the Los Angeles Dodgers release longtime major league pitcher Hoyt Wilhelm, ending the career of the 48-year-old right-hander, two days before his 49th birthday. A 21-year veteran, Wilhelm retires with 1070 appearances the most of any major league pitcher to that point. 227 saves and 143 victories. He is also the last World War II veteran to play in the majors. He survived the Battle of the Bulge, suffering a permanent neck wound in the action.

In 1985, he will become the first reliever to earn election to the Hall of Fame.

 
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