Cunningham was a 26-year-old rookie when he joined the Cardinals for the final weeks of the 1931 season. His salary was $500 a year. During his time with St. Louis, Cunningham roomed with two Cardinal legends,
Dizzy Dean and
Pepper Martin. In a two-season career, Cunningham was a .154
hitter with one
RBI and no
home runs in 14
games. Following his retirement as a player, Cunningham worked as a salesman and for an oil company. In
2004, he was recognized as the oldest living former Major League Baseball player. He gained this distinction when a former
pitcher for the old
Washington Senators and
St. Louis Browns,
Paul Hopkins, died in 2004 at 99 years of age. Cunningham was honored at the
Texas Baseball Hall of Fame with a special plaque celebrating his life in baseball. He remained a baseball fan and kept a daily watch on the
Houston Astros. Cunningham died in
Pearland, Texas at 100 years of age. With his death, the distinction of oldest living former major league player moved to
Howdy Groskloss. ==See also==