Ed Butka

Ed Butka, born in 1916, was a position player who played in Major League Baseball during the early 1940s. His career spanned from 1943 to 1944, a time marked by the challenges of World War II, which saw many star players serve in the military. Butka made his mark in the league with the Philadelphia Phillies, appearing in a total of 18 games. Throughout his brief career, he showcased his skills at the plate, accumulating 11 hits and driving in 2 runs, finishing with a batting average of .22. Butka's playing style reflected the era's emphasis on speed and small ball, although his statistics indicated a more limited offensive output, as he did not hit any home runs and recorded no stolen bases. Despite the brevity of his time in the majors, Butka's contributions to the game during a tumultuous period in American history highlight the resilience of baseball as a national pastime. His career serves as a reminder of the many players who took the field during the war years, contributing to the rich tapestry of baseball history.