Mike Sadek, Former Hornets Catcher Passes Away
Mike Sadek, who played for the Charlotte Hornets in 1969, passed away on January 20, 2021 at the age of 74. Sadek was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 1967 MLB June Draft-Secondary Phase. A product of the University of Minnesota, Sadek went on to appear in parts of eight major league seasons with the San Francisco Giants (383 career MLB games).
Sadek spent one season in Charlotte and appeared in 81 games with the Hornets in 1969. The Hornets were the Double-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins in 1969 and the team went on to post an 81–59 record under manager Ralph Rowe.
It was a successful year for Hornets, who won the Southern League Championship in 1969. Along with their on-field success, the team also drew well at the gates.
In all, a total of 18 players from that 1969 Hornets team would play in the majors at some point in their career. It was a special team and I was so happy to honor their legacy 50 years later.
On June 22, 2019, the Charlotte Knights honored the 50th Anniversary of the 1969 Charlotte Hornets. The Knights wore throwback Hornets uniforms and invited members of the 1969 team to the game to be honored.
Former players John Randolph, Emil Gove and Carl Finafrock were on hand and honored. Also honored on field were Marshall Sloan, son of Hornets head groundskeeper, Buster Sloan, as well as Ralph Rowe’s daughter Char, son Michael, and son-in-law Tim.
It was a special season in 1969 and a really special celebration in 2019. I wish I could have met all of the guys that day, including Mike Sadek.
RIP, Mike.
