Johnny B Wockenfuss passed on August 19, 2022 in Wilmington, Delaware, surrounded by his loving family. He was 73.
John graduated from John Dickinson HS, where he lettered and was an all-star in baseball, basketball, track, and football, but he wanted to play baseball. He was scouted because of his pitching arm, which gained him some notoriety.
John started his professional career with the Washington Senators. Several years in the minors with the Washington Senators, Texas Rangers, St Louis Cardinals, and in Major League Baseball for the Detroit Tigers and Philadelphia Phillies.
Throughout his career, he played every position except pitcher and third base. Fans came to know him, as “Johnny B” or “Fuss,” as a steadfast, loyal Tiger.
Detroit writers voted him the club’s most versatile player, and John’s home state, Delaware, named him 1979 athlete of the year. Also, he was inducted into the Delaware Sports Hall of Fame.
After his professional career ended, he returned as a manager of Albany Diamond Dogs, Detroit’s Lakeland Tigers and Toledo Mud Hens.
Later in life, he ran baseball and softball academies in Pennsylvania, Maryland and West Virginia, and coached high-school baseball until 2002.
Johnny Wockenfuss was predeceased in death by his father William E Wockenfuss Sr and mother Mildred F Stewart Wockenfuss.
He is survived by his sons, Brad Wockenfuss and Jeremy (Pam) Wockenfuss, daughters Caitlin (Kevin) Reste and Jessica Wockenfuss, grandchildren and extended family members.
According to an obituary announced by mccreryandharra, a visitation will be held on Friday, August 26, from 10:30 am – 12 noon at the McCrery & Harra Funeral Homes, 3710 Kirkwood Hwy, Wilmington, DE 19808, where a Celebration of Johnny’s Life will follow at noon. Burial will be held privately.