Hugh Bedient, Falconer, Famed Pitcher, Dies at 75

Hero of 1912 World Series

Hugh Bedient, who rose from Falconer's sandlots to big league fame as a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, died at 11 p.m. yesterday (July 21, 1965) in WCA Hospital.

Authorities said that Bedient, who was 75, had been hospitalized for about three weeks with arteriosclerosis.

One of the area's best known sports figures, Bedient's career included a thrilling pitching duel with the legendary Christy Matthewson in the 1912 World Series. Bedient won the game 3-2.

He started his career with Falconer High School and was signed by the Red Sox in 1910 and sent to a farm club in Providence for seasoning.

He returned to the major leagues in 1912 and helped the Boston Red Sox capture the American League pennant that year.

In the World Series that followed with the New York Giants, Bedient locked in a battle with the great Matthewson, a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Christy allowed the Red Sox five hits, but Bedient was stingier. He gave the Giants only three hits and Boston went on to win the World Series four games to three.

Bedient later became a member of the so-called "outlaw" Federal League in 1914-15 as a pitcher for Buffalo.

He was a retired employee of Harbison-Carborundum Corporation in Falconer and made his home at 114 N. Phetteplace St., in Falconer.

He was born in Gerry on October 23, 1889, the son of Orton D. and Ellen Partridge Bedient.

Survivors are his wife, Emogene Palmer Bedient; two daughters, Mrs. Hermes L. Ames, Falconer and Mrs. Fanchon Imus, Jamestown; five grandchildren, Hugh Imus, Jamestown; Hermes L. Ames III, Amelia Ames, Candace Ames and Thomas Ames, all of Falconer; and a sister, Mrs. Glen Crick, Jamestown.

The Rev. W.G. Steele, pastor of the Levant Wesleyan Methodist Church, will officiate at services at 4 p.m. Saturday in the Falconer Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Levant Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m., Friday.