Sanborn, Robert “Sandy”

Robert “Sandy” Sanborn – (1993)

 

ROBERT “SAND” SANBORN

One of Lorain’s most popular and versatile athletes, Bob Sanborn, not only, considered baseball his best and favorite sport, but also, he was best known and recognized as a stellar catcher and outfielder. Blessed with an accurate arm, excellent speed and the prowess that belongs to a 300 hitter, he rose quickly through the sandlots of Lorain to the Cleveland Class A League, Wooster College and on to organized baseball with the Chicago Cubs organization.

Sixty years ago, when a 14 inch outseam softball was in vogue and only the catcher and first baseman wore gloves, Sandy began his trek up the athletic ladder. As captain and catcher for the Lakeview Bantams in the City Playground League, he led his team to the Bantam Championship.

During his formative years at Irving, Bob enjoyed two years of basketball and football, captaining both aggregations his final year as a forward and quarterback. The summer sandlot programs brought consecutive Class E titles with the Green Villagers under Sanborn’s captaincy.

During Sandy’s high school career he captained the 1937 Lightweight football team from his left-halfback slot. Journal sports editor John Saffell labeled him Lorain’s “Slingin Sammy Baugh” for his passing and punting ability.

Moving to the varsity in 1938, he played left end until a concussion in the Shaker Heights game sidelined him for the season. Prior to that, in the New Philadelphia game he leveled a bonecrushing block heard all over New Philly, on the opposing safetyman, springing Marion Bulzomi for a long touchdown jaunt to defeat Woody Hayes’ eleven 14-7. During the ’37 – ’38 and ’38 – ’39 varsity basketball seasons he was a starting forward and consistent scorer who won a number of tilts with baskets in the closing seconds of the game.

Further sandlot success came in 1937 when Sandy caught and managed the Moncrief Furnaces to the Class D toga. In 1938 Bob moved to The Elks nine for another championship. It was then, at age 17, he was plucked from the Elks by the Lorain Pulaskis for the Cleveland A league as one of the youngest players ever. From that time on he was under surveillance of major league scouts for his defensive abilities and 300 hitting. He declined all offers to enable him to retain his sports eligibility at Wooster College.

Bob enrolled at Wooster College in the fall of 1939 where he played two years in varsity baseball and basketball and one year in football. While at Wooster he received a letter from Yankee scout Steve O’Rourke requesting him to consider joining his Yankee organization for a baseball contract after graduation. Because of his summer classes, Bob was a 3 year graduate in 1942. Immediately he enlisted in the V-5 Naval Air Cadet program attending Ohio Wesleyan, Gonzaga U. and St. Marys Pre-Flight schools. Shipped to the Great Lakes Naval Base, Sandy was transferred as an Ensign to Hawaii. He was stationed at Honolulu airport as supervisor of the Weight and Balance department. Discharged in 1946 as a Lieutenant J.G., Bob was quickly inked to a Class D contract by Tony Lucadella of the Chicago Cubs. In May 1946 he reported to the Janesville Cubs in the Wisconsin State League.

Under manager Joe Hauser he had an excellent rookie season. He led the Cubs in extra base hits and total bases while hitting over 300. His defensive gems impressed the media around the circuit to clinch his spot on the leagues All-Star team. One great play never listed in the box score was his marriage to Lois Arline Malley of Janesville on July 15, 1946.

Promoted in 1947 to the Ottawa Senators managed by Paul Dean, he played in the New-York-Penn Class B Border League. Bob produced another banner season. The Senators won the league title, Bob was over 300 with the willow and was heralded for his defensive play, both as a catcher and outfielder. Once again, he was named to the All-Star team.

Offered a more lucrative Class AA contract for the 1948 season, Sandy decided to remain in Lorain with his wife and daughter Linda and assist his father with his Cleveland – Lorain Highway Coach bus company.