
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, July 8, 1993                   TAG: 9307080197
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: From Associated Press reports
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

1ST ALL-STAR BATTER DEAD AT 84

Ben Chapman, who played in the New York Yankees' outfield alongside Babe Ruth and made history as the first batter in a major-league All-Star Game, died Wednesday at his home in Hoover, Ala. He was 84.

A family member said Chapman apparently died of a heart attack.

Chapman became the player-manager of the Philadelphia Phillies in 1945 and guided the team for four seasons, compiling a 196-276 record.

Chapman had a batting average of .302 during a 15-year career, playing in one World Series with the Yankees and four All-Star games. He was the first batter to come to the plate in the first All-Star Game at Chicago's Comiskey Park on July 6, 1933.

by CNB