Ralph Joseph "Rube" Novotney (August 5, 1924 â July 16, 1987) was an American professional baseball player, a catcher who appeared in 22 Major League games for the Chicago Cubs. The native of Streator, Illinois, stood tall and weighed and attended the University of Illinois at UrbanaâÂÂChampaign.
Novotney's partial season with the 1949 Cubs included two standout back-to-back games against the New York Giants at Wrigley Field. On June 25, Novotney singled twice in three at bats, driving in three runs and providing the margin in a 4âÂÂ1 Cub victory. The following day, he was a perfect three-for-three off the Giants' Dave Koslo, but New York prevailed, 6âÂÂ2.
In his MLB career, Novotney made 18 total hits (including two doubles and one triple) in 67 at-bats.
Novotney died on July 16, 1987. He was interred at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, California.