Former Yankees pitcher Kucks dies

By ASSOCIATED PRESS

11 years ago

In this Sept. 5, 1957, file photo, New York Yankees pitcher Johnny Kucks poses for a photo at Yankee Stadium in New York. Kucks, who pitched a three-hitter for the Yankees in Game 7 of the 1956 World Series, died Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013. He was 81. (AP Photo/File)

FILE – In this Oct. 10, 1956, file photo, New York Yankees pitcher Johnny Kucks, top center, is mobbed by teammates and fans after striking out Brooklyn Dodgers’ Jackie Robinson for the final out to win Game 7 of baseball’s World Series at Ebbets Field in New York. Kucks, who pitched a three-hitter for the Yankees in Game 7 of the 1956 World Series, died Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013. He was 81. (AP Photo/File)

HILLSDALE, N.J. — Johnny Kucks, who pitched a three-hitter for the New York Yankees in Game 7 of the 1956 World Series, has died. He was 81.

Becker Funeral Home in Westwood confirmed Kucks died on Thursday, but declined to provide further details.

Kucks pitched in four World Series with the Yankees from 1955-58, going 1-0 with a 1.89 ERA in eight games. But the right-hander is best known for his crisp performance in New York’s 9-0 victory against the Brooklyn Dodgers in the last World Series game at Ebbets Field.

Kucks, a Hoboken native, went 54-56 with a 4.10 ERA in six seasons in the majors with New York and the Kansas City Athletics. His best season occurred in 1956, when he went 18-9 with a 3.85 ERA.