Former Braves Pitcher, Teammate of Hank Aaron, Dies at 90
John Edelman, who pitched five games for the Milwaukee Braves as a 19-year-old, died April 9. He was 90.
Edelman left West Chester (Pennsylvania) State Teachers College when he was signed to a “bonus baby” contract in May 1955. Under the rules of Major League Baseball at the time, players on the rookie contract had to be carried on their team’s active roster, but often played sparingly.
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So it was for Edelman. He appeared in one game in June, one in July, one in August, and two in September of his only season at the big league level. Edelman finished his only season with an 11.12 ERA (seven runs allowed in 5.2 innings).
The Braves released Edelman in June 1956. The following season, the Hank Aaron-led squad would go on to win the World Series.
Edelman signed with the New York Giants in 1956 and played two more seasons in the minor leagues. He went 3-3 with a 5.75 ERA in 20 games for the Class-A Johnstown (Pennsylvania) Johnnies in 1956. In 1957, Edelman went 1-3 in six games for the Class-A Springfield (Mass.) Giants.
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That marked the end of Edelman’s playing career. He returned to Haverford High School to teach English for more than 30 years. He also coached the varsity baseball team for four years, and his teams won the Central league championship in 1968 and 1970.
Edelman was inducted into the West Chester Hall of Fame and the Haverford High School Sports Hall of Fame (1996).
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“He was my baseball coach at Haverford in 1963 and 1964,” Robert Baggs wrote on Edelman’s obituary page. “Quiet, focused and patient with me. I remember the patience and interest in my playing.”
Edelman is surved by his wife, Corrine, three children, four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
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This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 9:49 AM.