Ex-Indian Hank Weaver to be feted in Phoenix

Hank Weaver, the second-oldest former Spokane Indians baseball player, will throw out the first pitch at Monday’s Memorial Day game in Phoenix, where the Arizona Diamondbacks will face San Diego.

An Army Air Corps veteran who played ball in fast company during some of his World War II military service, Weaver, 92, was a pitcher who concluded his playing career with Spokane in 1951. The right-hander signed with the St. Louis Cardinals organization in 1939. In 1948, he pitched a no-hitter for Hammond of the Evangeline League.

Following his professional career, Weaver spent 35 years as a railroad switchman and foreman. He also put in 22 years as a college baseball umpire, scouted for several major league organizations and worked seasonally as a pari-mutuel supervisor at Playfair Race Course. He now makes his home in the Phoenix area.