In Memoriam: Paul W. Pettit

Paul W. Pettit, 1931-2020

Paul W. Pettit, Canyon Lake resident, passed away of natural causes in his home on Sept. 24, 2020. He was 88 years old.

He was thrust into the national stage as the most sought-after amateur pitcher in America at age 18 and was the first player to receive a six-figure signing bonus from a major league team. He signed in 1949 with the Pittsburgh Pirates for $100,000 and pitched for them in 1951 and 1953. He was nicknamed, “Lefty” and the “Wizard of Whiffs,” but a serious elbow injury derailed his pitching career. He reinvented his game and played many seasons with the Hollywood Stars of the Pacific Coast League, and others, as a first baseman and outfielder.

Paul earned a college degree in education during the off seasons and became a teacher and coach after his 11-year career in baseball.

In later years, Paul was slowed by a nerve disorder that affected his mobility and he suffered a stroke on Sept. 18.

Paul was predeceased by Shirley Pettit, his high school sweetheart and wife of 65 years. He is survived by his present wife, Sally, six children, Paul (69), Mark (67), Cynthia (66), Tim (63), Mike (54) and Stephanie (46), 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Services will be held at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church in Sun City at 11:00 a.m. on Oct. 23, 2020. Because of COVID-19, seating will be extremely limited. A reception for family and friends will follow the service at Merna’s Cafe and Grill, also in Sun City.

In honor of Paul’s legacy, and favorite pastime, the family welcomes a contribution, in lieu of flowers, made to the Association of Professional Ball Players: APBPA – Paul Pettit Memorial Endowment Fund, 23623 N. Scottsdale Rd. #290, Scottsdale, AZ 85255 or via the

Website: apbpa.org/donate (Please reference Paul Pettit in the Comments Section).