Louis Browns and Detroit Tigers during twelve seasons from 1934 to 1946, as well as a member of the 1945 World Champion Tigers. December 18 – Francisco José Cróquer, 35, Venezuelan sportscaster specialized in baseball and boxing, who achieved international renown and became a household name in Latino communities after joining the Gillette Cavalcade of Sports in the late 1940s. December 19 – Moxie Divis, 61, outfielder who played for the Philadelphia Athletics during the 1916 season. December 22 – Jimmy O'Rourke, 71, outfielder who played in 1908 with the New York Highlanders. December 23 – Joe McManus, 68, who pitched in 1913 for the Cincinnati Reds. December 24 – Jake Boultes, 71, who played from 1907 through 1909 for the Boston Doves, mostly as a pitcher, although he also played a handful of games as a shortstop and third baseman. December 27 – Lord Byron, 83, National League umpire from 1913 to 1919, while officiating 1,012 games and the 1914 World Series. December 27 – Jim Fairbank, 74, pitcher who played for the Philadelphia Athletics during the 1903 and 1904 seasons. December 31 – Clint Brown, 52, relief pitcher for the Cleveland Indians and Chicago White Sox in a span of fifteen seasons from 1928 to 1942, who posted a career 89-93 W-L record with 64 saves and 4.26 ERA, leading the American League relievers in 1939 in appearances (61), games finished (56), saves (18) and innings (), ending 11th in the voting for the American League MVP Award. Sources External links Baseball Almanac - Major League Baseball Players Who Were Born in 1955 Baseball Almanac - Major League Baseball Players Who Died in 1955 Baseball Reference - 1955 MLB Season Summary ESPN - 1955 MLB Season History