Sheldon "Chief" Bender - Former Minor League Player, World War II Veteran

Former Minor League Player, World War II Veteran

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Bender served in the United States Navy during World War II and was awarded a Purple Heart, having been wounded in an attack on a fortified Japanese position in New Georgia, in the Solomon Islands. The bullet remained in his body, an inch from his left hip, all his life.

After a playing career as an infielder (pre-war) and pitcher (post-war) in the minor leagues, Bender worked in the St. Louis Cardinals organization, managing for five seasons (1949–1953) in their minor league system with Albany of the Class D Georgia-Florida League and Columbus of the Class A Sally League, winning two league championships and compiling a lifetime record of 409-286 (.588). He then scouted for the Cardinals and moved into their front office when Howsam became Redbird GM in mid-August 1964. Bender was one of several St. Louis executives who followed Howsam to Cincinnati in January 1967.

He was one of Howsam's most trusted aides. "He had a vitally important role on every major decision made under Howsam," said longtime Reds broadcaster Marty Brennaman upon Bender's death. "When they made the trade with Houston in 1971 (that netted Joe Morgan, among others), he was there."

Many believed he was nicknamed in honor of Hall of Famer Charles "Chief" Bender, a Native American and star pitcher of the Philadelphia Athletics of the early 20th century; however according to his grandson, Eric Muller, Bender earned the nickname after his Navy rank as a chief petty officer. Bender was originally advised to use the nickname by Cardinals executive Bing Devine, who told him, "No one will remember the name 'Sheldon,' but people will remember 'Chief.'"

Chief Bender died in Hamilton, Ohio, at age 88 on February 27, 2008, after suffering a fall at his home.