10/2/18~ 3/19/03
Joseph J. Buzas, 84, passed away March 19, 2003.
Born October 2, 1918, in Alpha, NJ to James and Anna Buzas. Married Helen P. Buzas May 22, 1945, in New York City.
Buzas lived his entire life in baseball, having been a player, manager or owner for more than 60 years. In 47 years as an owner, he operated 82 minor league franchises, rising to legendary status in the sport. In 1996, his peers awarded him the John J. Johnson President's Trophy as "Owner of the Year".
Buzas was a four letter man at Bucknell University, excelling in basketball, football, baseball and boxing. In 1941, he was a SAE fraternity member. Joe's dream of playing professional baseball was realized when the New York Yankees signed him to a contract. Buzas was the opening day shortstop for the Yankees in 1945, playing 30 games in the major leagues. After a severe shoulder injury cut short his playing career, Joe became one of the youngest managers in professional baseball history at 26.
Buzas was beloved by his family and will be missed by his wife of 58 years, Helen "Penny" Buzas, his children Jason Buzas and Hilary Drammis and his grandchildren Evan and Sabrina Drammis.
A Funeral Mass for Buzas will be held at St. Vincents Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 24, 2003. The church is located at 1375 East Spring Lane, Holladay.
In Lieu of flowers please make donations to the Evan Buzas Charitable Foundation: Stingers Baseball, 77 West 1300 South, Salt Lake City,
UT 84115.