Chicago Baseball Cancer Charities

Marv Samuel was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. Upon graduating from Northwestern University, he pitched for 2 years with the St. Louis Browns. When he retired from baseball, he became a manufacturer’s agent in the furniture business.

Marv lost his mother to cancer along with close friends Sherman Lollar, Nellie Fox and unfortunately many others. As a result, having a tremendous amount of drive and energy, he was moved to form the Chicago Baseball Cancer Charities (CBCC). Marv was joined at the onset by Jimmy Enright, and recruited soon after were Don Elston and Billy Pierce, who leads the charities today.

Through tireless hours of commitment from the board members and the generosity of the Chicago White Sox and Jerry Reinsdorf, CBCC has been able to raise $11 million to support cancer initiatives at Children’s Memorial Hospital and Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

Marv died December 25, 1993 from a serious form of leukemia, but he undoubtedly applauds the efforts of his family and his many friends to continue the success of CBCC.

About Billy Pierce

Billy Pierce, a native of Detroit, began his baseball career with the Detroit Tigers. In 1949 he was traded to the White Sox where he remained for 13 years, becoming one of the greatest left handed pitchers in White Sox history. He spent his last three years with the San Francisco Giants. Billy’s career statistics speak for themselves: 18 seasons in the major leagues earning a lifetime 3.27 ERA; 211 wins 169 loses; 1,999 strike outs; 7 All-Star games; Sporting News American League Pitcher of the Year 1956 and 57; 1 World Series; 3 Pennant Championships; Chicago Sports Hall of Fame; Michigan Sports Hall of Fame.

After his retirement he moved his family back to Chicago where they had made many friends during his time with the White Sox. He has been very active in many philanthropic organizations but there has always been a special place in his heart for the Chicago Baseball Cancer Charities. Following Marv Samuel’s passing in 1993, Billy took the lead with Chicago Baseball Cancer Charities and still heads up the organization today.

Billy is a devoted family man and husband to Gloria for over 50 years. Since his retirement from Continental Envelope, Billy stays active participating in various charity events and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events.