Major League Baseball

Former Red Sox pitcher Stephenson dies

Published Jun. 7, 2010 8:35 p.m. ET

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Jerry Stephenson, who pitched for the Boston Red Sox in the 1967 World Series, has died. He was 66.

Family spokesman Steve Brener said Monday that Stephenson died Sunday at his home in Anaheim of cancer.

Stephenson was 8-19 with Boston, the Seattle Pilots and the Los Angeles Dodgers in a seven-year career. His best season was 1967, when he went 3-1 with one save for the "Impossible Dream'' Red Sox. He then made one relief appearance against St. Louis in the World Series, which Boston lost in seven games.

Stephenson scouted for the Dodgers for 25 years and spent the last 14 years scouting for the Red Sox. He retired in October and had been a consultant for Boston since then.

The right-hander was signed by Boston out of Anaheim High School as an amateur free agent in 1961 and made his major league debut two years later at age 19. Stephenson spent five years with the Red Sox, pitching in Game 4 of the World Series. He allowed two runs and three hits in two innings.

After being released in 1969, Stephenson signed with the Pilots, who became the Milwaukee Brewers. Before the 1970 season, he was traded by Milwaukee to the Dodgers and spent one season with them.

He was the son of former major league catcher and longtime Red Sox scout Joe Stephenson.

Stephenson is survived by his wife of 43 years, Yvonne, son Brian, daughter Shannon Smaldino, and three grandchildren. Brian, who spent five years pitching in the minors, is West Coast supervisor of amateur scouts for the Dodgers.

Funeral services will be Friday in Anaheim. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Professional Baseball Scouts Foundation.