Pitching for a different team

Phillies pitcher Curt Simmons, the pride of Egypt, Pa., becomes the first major leaguer to be inducted into the Army because of the Korean War 73 year ago today.

The 21-year-old Simmons, sitting here between Philadelphia's Hall of Fame center fielder Richie Ashburn, manager Eddie Sawyer and third baseman Willie Jones, is in the midst of a breakout season in the majors.

He makes two more starts for the Phillies before leaving for the Army, finishing the season with a 17-8 record but missing the 1950 World Series against the New York Yankees.

Without Simmons, the Phillies are swept in four games by the Yankees, although the run differential between the teams is only six runs.

Simmons returns to the Phillies in 1952 and stays in the majors through 1967, winning 193 games for the Phillies, Cardinals, Cubs and Angels.