Michael Joseph Sandlock

Michael Joseph Sandlock, 100, of Cos Cob, CT passed away peacefully in his home Monday, April 4, 2016. He was preceded in death by parents, Stanley and Katherine (Fusick) Sandlock; sister Mary Sandlock Chimblo Neill; brother Joseph Sandlock; daughter, MaryEllen Sandlock Kinsman, and wife of 42 years, Victoria Suchocki Sandlock who passed away in 1982. He is survived by sons Michael E. (Marjorie) Sandlock of Morristown, TN and Damon (Alexandria) Sandlock; Grandchildren: Joseph, Rudy & April Sandlock of Cos Cob / Greenwich; Michael Kinsman, Kirk Kinsman and Kerri (Chris) Kinsman Marshall of Southern New Jersey, and nephew Stanley (Elizabeth) Sandlock of Stamford; and numerous great grandchildren, nephews and nieces, his good friend Frank Peluso, as well as members of the ‘Round Table’ and staff at Innis Arden GC.

He was born October 17, 1915 in (Sound Beach) Old Greenwich and attended Holy Name of Jesus Roman Catholic Church (and school) in Stamford his entire life from baptism to marriage to final rites. He attended J.M. Wright Technical School in Stamford where he learned the carpentry trade and was able to form his own business in the off-season

Mike Sandlock was recently known for being the oldest living former MLB player having played on 4 National Major League teams and about 10 national and international minor league teams spanning from the late 1930’s through the late 1950’s. He was best known for being a knuckle ball catcher and mentor of many famous players and friend of quite a few Hollywood screen actors. A biographical book was recently written and published recounting his baseball career by the Society for American Baseball Research entitled “The 100 Year Journey of a Baseball Journeyman: Mike Sandlock”.

He served the war effort during WWII by helping build P-47 Thunderbolt fighter planes at Republic Aviation in Evansville IN. and later participating on USO Tours of the Brooklyn Dodgers exhibition team in the Pacific Theater.

Mr. Sandlock was also an avid golfer having won the Club Championship 5 times at Innis Arden Golf Course in Old Greenwich, and played in many regional Celebrity Golf Tournaments including the Ike Tournament. On occasion he had also played a few rounds with noted baseball great Jackie Robinson at Hubbard Heights GC in Stamford.

He was active in many organizations including Greenwich Old Timers where he was an ongoing board member and one time president with a current Scholarship Youth Program in his name, also Stamford Old Timers, BAT, Holy Name AC, St Lawrence Club, Porricellis’ Charity Tournaments, and others.

Sandlock often considered Morristown, TN his winter home and enjoyed the local golf courses there and participated with many friends and members at St. Patrick Catholic Church functions.

Visitation will be at Leo P. Gallagher Funeral Home, 31 Arch Street, Greenwich between the hours of 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday April 8th. The Funeral Mass will be said at Holy Name of Jesus Church on Washington Avenue in Stamford at 10:30 a.m., Saturday the 9th. Following that he will be laid to rest at St. John’s Cemetery on Hope Street.

In lieu of flowers –please make a donation to Vitas Innovative Hospice Care of Stratford, CT or to a charity of your choice