He played with some of the all-time greatest Yankees, a promising pitcher who earned praise from someone who rarely gave it out.
Johnny Broaca was a pitching phenom with a great story.
Smart enough to 
earn a scholarship to Yale in the early 1930s. Drafted by the Yankees even before he left school. A quick rise to the majors and a chance to share the lockerroom with the likes of Gehrig and Dickey.
He'd earn a World Series ring with the Yanks in 1936. That was about the only baseball related possession he left behind when he died 25 years ago.
Broaca was a recluse as many collectors discovered when they tried to send a self-addressed, stamped envelope with a card or photo in hopes of getting an autograph.
Broaca's exit from baseball--and much of his turbulent life were a mystery. They still are, according to a captivating story in the Lawrence, MA Eagle-Tribune.
Interesting story. A good read.