Central STL News

Ed Mickelson, known as "The Last Brown in Town" for his time with St. Louis's other professional baseball team, passed away on June 27 at the age of 98.

Mickelson was one of the last living members of the Browns, who were part of the American League in St. Louis from 1902 to 1953 before moving to Baltimore and becoming the Orioles. He played just seven games with the Browns in 1953 but is remembered for driving in their final run at Sportsman's Park.

During his career, Mickelson also played for the Cardinals (1950) and Cubs (1957), spending a total of 93 days at the Major League level. In his MLB career, he had three hits in 37 at-bats over 18 games. In contrast, he spent parts of 11 seasons in Minor Leagues, hitting .316 with 108 home runs and 839 RBIs.

Born Edward Allen Mickelson on September 9, 1926, in Ottawa, Illinois, he moved to St. Louis by age eleven. He excelled in multiple sports and initially attended the University of Tennessee on a football scholarship before transferring to the University of Missouri due to homesickness.

After serving in the Army Air Corps during World War II, Mickelson received a baseball scholarship to Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State) where he also played basketball under coach Hank Iba.

In 1947, Mickelson tried out for and signed with the Cardinals for $2,000. His MLB debut came on September 18, 1950. During that season's doubleheader against Boston Braves, manager Eddie Dyer told him: “‘Hey kid,’ [manager Eddie Dyer] says. ‘You’re playing today...’” Red Schoendienst offered encouragement: “‘Hey Mick...I know you can hit...you’ll be alright.’”

Mickelson's career included various stints across teams due to roster constraints and injuries but ended up driving in what would be remembered as the last run for St. Louis Browns history before they became Orioles.

Post-retirement challenges included depression which he addressed through professional help while pursuing further education earning a master's degree from Washington University in St. Louis and later working as a counselor and coach.

His autobiography “Out of the Park: Memoir of a Minor League Baseball All-Star” was published in 2007 detailing his life experiences both within baseball and beyond it.

Mickelson leaves behind two adopted children Eric and Julie along with grandchildren following Jo Ann’s passing whom he married Mary Steffen after her death.

A celebration honoring his life took place recently where contributions were suggested towards The St. Louis Browns Historical Society & Fan Club or SABR's Bob Broeg Chapter instead of flowers.