James Vernon ‘Vern’ Handrahan, the only pitcher from P.E.I. to play in MLB, dies
CHARLOTTETOWN — James Vernon “Vern” Handrahan, the only pitcher from Prince Edward Island to play Major League Baseball, died Wednesday. He was 79.
Handrahan signed his first professional contract with the Milwaukee Braves in 1959 and was drafted by the Kansas City Athletics of the American League following the 1962 season. He debuted during the first half of the 1964 season for the Athletics and posted an 0-1 record in 18 games, striking out 18 and collecting a 6.06 earned-run average over 35 2/3 innings.
The Charlottetown native was recalled to Kansas City in 1966 and improved his ERA to 4.26 in 25 1/3 innings while striking out 18 and earning one save.
During one game while playing in the Southern League in 1967, Handrahan came within one out of a perfect game against a team from Knoxville, Tenn.