Phillip Louis Blitz

Phillip L. Blitz, 92, died October 18th in Indianapolis at Hooverwood Home for the Aged. Mr. Blitz was born September 20, 1918 to Louis and Rose Grandl Blitz of Chicago. He was a 1938 graduate of Senn High School where he played baseball and football. After graduating from Senn, he went to Boston to try out for the Boston Braves who at the time were managed by Casey Stengel. Phil was the catcher for batting practice but was eventually dismissed by Mr. Stengel for throwing a ball into the outfield over the head of the second baseman while the runner was attempting to steal second base.

Phil then attended Rollins College for a year where he also played college football and baseball. He then returned home to Chicago, attended Northwestern University and was eventually drafted into the Army, serving in the Pacific during WWII. He remained in the Army reserves retiring as a Major.

Looking for warmer weather he landed in Florida and worked for SC Johnson Company from which he retired after 35 years.

In 1947 he married Marjorie Hulet to whom he remained devoted until her death in 2002.

He had a lifelong love of baseball and was active in coaching Little League and Pony League baseball in Florida and Indiana. He was an avid golfer and spent many years working at Ft. Benjamin Harrison golf club and Hillcrest Country Club. His final retirement was at age 84.

He is survived by his son, Gregory Blitz (Mary), daughters Carolyn Blitz, Barbara Hansen (Victor), granddaughters Annemarie Blitz, Laura Blitz, and Maretta Sonn. He is also survived by his brother Raymond Grandle (Mary) and niece Ruth Grandle.

Calling will be Saturday, October 23rd at the Crown Hill Funeral Home Chapel from 11am till 1pm with funeral service to follow. Memorial contributions may be made to the donor's favorite charity or Hooverwood. Online condolences may be sent at www.crownhill.org.