These lofty expectations can be attributed in part to a phenomenal debut performance in which he shut out the Boston Braves over 9 innings, striking out 12; but he was never able to live up to his perceived potential.

[1] Stories and anecdotes about Mungo tend to emphasize his reputation for combativeness, including episodes of drinking and fighting.

The most widely told story concerns a visit to Cuba where, supposedly, Mungo was caught in a compromising position with a married woman by her husband.

It is also true that Van Lingle Mungo probably paid more in fines than any player of his era, amassing a grand total (in his own estimation) of over $15,000.

[2] Mungo returned to the public eye in 1969 because of the use of his prosodic name as the title of a novelty song by Dave Frishberg.

[6] More famous for his managerial career, former pitcher Tommy Lasorda was given the nickname "Mungo" because of his "lightning fastball" and his ability to strike out batters.

[7] Mungo returned to his hometown of Pageland, South Carolina, after retiring in 1945, and lived there until his death from a heart attack in 1985.

He purchased and operated a movie house called the Ball Theatre, and had a balcony built to accommodate people of color, who had previously been denied access to the facility.