Tony Cloninger (1940–2018)

Playing career and teams

Cloninger spent most of his playing career in Major League Baseball with several National League clubs. His primary association was with the Milwaukee and then Atlanta Braves, where he established himself as a starting pitcher. He later moved on to the Cincinnati Reds and finished his big-league pitching in St. Louis with the Cardinals. During his years on the mound he was known for durability and for mixing a heavy fastball with complementary breaking pitches.

Notable achievements

Cloninger is remembered not only for his pitching but also for a rare offensive performance: in a single game he hit two grand slams and drove in nine runs. That outburst remains one of the most remarkable hitting feats by a pitcher in major-league history. Beyond that game, he was regarded as a capable hitter for a pitcher and an important member of his teams' rotations through the 1960s.

Coaching and later professional life

After his playing career ended, Cloninger transitioned to coaching and scouting. He spent a long stretch as a major-league pitching coach, most prominently with the New York Yankees, where he worked through much of the 1990s, and later with the Boston Red Sox. In these roles he mentored young pitchers and helped manage pitching staffs in both regular season and postseason environments.

Legacy and distinctions

Tony Cloninger is often cited as an example of a two-way contributor at a time when pitchers were seldom expected to provide offense. His rare game with two grand slams is frequently highlighted in histories of exceptional single-game performances. Teammates and players he coached remembered him for his competitive spirit, baseball knowledge, and the transition from accomplished player to experienced coach.

Death

Cloninger died in 2018 in Denver, Colorado, from an aortic dissection. Tributes following his death noted both his memorable moments on the field and his long service to the game as a coach and mentor.

• Birthplace: Cherryville, North Carolina
• Played in: Major League Baseball for the Braves, Reds, and Cardinals
• Coaching: Yankees, Red Sox