James D. Ludtka, former Yankees shortstop

Ludtka

James D. Ludtka, 76, of Williamsville died Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at Hospice Buffalo Inc. in Cheektowaga.

Born in Buffalo on July 9, 1931, he graduated from Technical Vocational High School.

Mr. Ludtka was a first round draft pick for the New York Yankees and signed right out of high school, playing shortstop. He played with the Yankee organization from 1950 to 1957, then for the Cincinnati Reds in 1958 and 1959, playing for Casey Stengel and with Mickey Mantle and Billy Martin.

Mr. Ludtka sustained five broken legs, retired and went on to scout for the Baltimore Orioles for 25 years. He received a World Series ring from the 1970 World Series. Mr. Ludtka co-founded and was chairman of the board and president of the Cheektowaga Semi Pro Baseball League and was president of the CEBA Baseball League.

He opened Jim Ludtka Sporting Goods in 1971 on Harlem Road in Cheektowaga. The business moved to Walden Avenue in Cheektowaga from 1997 to 2007 and now operates out of the NewEra Park at Broadway and Dick Road in Depew.

Mr. Ludtka also served in the U.S. Army from 1951-1953. He was an acting sergeant in the Special Services where he ran the Bayonet Training and Unarmed Defense Division preparing companies for battle in Korea during the war. While there, he bunked with Willie Mays for two years, and they played baseball together every weekend out of Fort Eustis.

He was a member of the Western New York Baseball Hall of Fame and former member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Barnabas Athletic Association and St. Barnabas Men's Club.

He met his wife, Norma, when they were 13 years old in 1944. They were married Sept. 29, 1956 and she preceded him in death Aug. 4, 1993. He was also predeceased by his brothers, John and Thomas.

Mr. Ludtka is survived by daughters, Debra Lancellotti and Dawn Kowalski; five grandchildren; and dear friend, Joan Selice.

Services were held March 24 at the Amigone Funeral Home.