Stanley “Frenchy” Bordagaray dies at the age of 90 – known for showing up with mustache and ordered to shave

Stanley “Frenchy” Bordagaray dies at the age of 90 – known for showing up with mustache and ordered to shave

On April 13, 2000, former major leaguer Stanley “Frenchy” Bordagaray dies at the age of 90. A journeyman who played for five teams in 11 seasons, the colorful Bordagaray gained much of his notoriety when he showed up to spring training with a mustache but was ordered by Brooklyn Dodgers’ management to shave it off…

The Gashouse Gang using their equipment as instruments. Stan Bordagaray, Bill McGee, former Cardinal Rip Collins, and Pepper Martin with Bob Weiland standing, 1938.

The Gashouse Gang using their equipment as instruments. Stan Bordagaray, Bill McGee, former Cardinal Rip Collins, and Pepper Martin with Bob Weiland standing, 1938.

The Gashouse Gang using their equipment as instruments. Stan Bordagaray, Bill McGee, former Cardinal Rip Collins, and Pepper Martin with Bob Weiland standing, 1938.

In Cincinnati, the Cardinals beat the Reds, 8-6,at Crosley Field for the latest finish in MLB history at 12:02 a.m

In Cincinnati, the Cardinals beat the Reds, 8-6,at Crosley Field for the latest finish in MLB history at 12:02 a.m

In Cincinnati, the Cardinals beat the Reds, 8-6, in nine innings at Crosley Field. The final out of the two-and-a-half-hour contest is recorded at 12:02 a.m., making it the first time a major league game has been completed after midnight.

Brooklyn Dodgers complete 6 player trade started in September, selling off Frenchy Bordagaray, Dutch Leonard, and Jimmy Jordan

Brooklyn Dodgers complete 6 player trade started in September, selling off Frenchy Bordagaray, Dutch Leonard, and Jimmy Jordan

1936 – The Brooklyn Dodgers “sell” Frenchy Bordagaray, Dutch Leonard, and Jimmy Jordan to the St. Louis Cardinals. The exchange is understood to be a continuation of the September 7th transaction which brought the Dodgers Tom Winsett and Eddie Morgan from the Cardinals’ Double-A farm team.

Stanley (Frenchy) Bordagaray Shows up with mustache and a beard

Stanley (Frenchy) Bordagaray Shows up with mustache and a beard

On March 2, 1935  in Brooklyn Dodger rookie outfielder Stanley (Frenchy) Bordagaray arrives for spring training at Daytona Beach wearing a beret with Van Dyke beard and handlebar mustache causing manager Casey Stengel to comment “It looked like a little French waiter had joined the club.”