Penn State Baseball Great, Philipsburg Native Fenton Passes Away

Bob Fenton, who led Penn State baseball to the 1963 World Series and is the only Nittany Lion pitcher to throw two no-hitters, passed away last week in his home in Sandwich, Mass. He was 76.

A Philipsburg native and a 1959 graduate of Philipsburg High School, ‘Bubba’ Fenton was a senior for Penn State in 1963 when he put together a season that left a lasting mark in the record books. Both of his no-hitters came during that campaign — a season and career feat that remains unmatched for the program — while he compiled a 10-2 record and a 1.94 ERA.

His 10 complete games that year are still a Penn State season record, tied with Ed Drapcho’s 10 in 1955. His 106.1 innings pitched stood as a school record for 25 years until tied by future Major League pitcher Nate Bump in 1998 and surpassed by Pete Yodis in 2000.

Fenton helped lead the Nittany Lions to the 1963 College World Series, the program’s fourth appearance, in the first season under Coach Chuck Medlar.

After his college career ended, he went to Cape Cod, Mass. and played in the Cape Cod Baseball League, then began teaching history and coaching baseball for Sandwich High School. He continued to coach the school’s baseball team until 2000 and teach until 2012. The school’s field was renamed Fenton Field in his honor.

Fenton is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary Ann, his brother Harry and sister-in-law Joanne, daughters Robin and Linda, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.