Chuck Essegian, an Armenian American, etched his name in baseball history by becoming the first player to hit two pinch-hit home runs in a single World Series, aiding the Dodgers in their championship run against the Chicago White Sox in 1959.
An Armenian American made history for the Dodgers during their first World Series championship run in Los Angeles in 1959. Chuck Essegian became the first player to hit two pinch-hit home runs in a single World Series, significantly contributing to the team’s victory over the Chicago White Sox in six games.
In Game 2, Essegian’s seventh-inning homer tied the score at 2-2, igniting a rally that led to a 4-3 win. He followed up with another crucial home run in the ninth inning of Game 6, securing a final score of 9-3 and clinching the championship for the Dodgers. Over the series, Essegian had a notable performance, finishing 2 for 3, with both hits leaving the park.
Beyond his baseball achievements, Essegian was also a former Stanford linebacker who participated in the 1952 Rose Bowl, making him the second athlete to compete in both the Rose Bowl and the World Series, a feat first accomplished by Jackie Jensen.
At 95 years old, he maintains a familial connection to the sport through his cousin relationship with Connor Essegian, a guard for the Armenian national basketball team. This fascinating intersection of sports history underscores his remarkable legacy in both baseball and beyond.
Swipe through for a look at his place in baseball history.