Albert Ernest "Dutch" Mele (b. January 11, 1915 in NYC, NY – d. February 12, 1975 in Hollywood, FL) was a professional baseball player. He was an outfielder for one season (1937) with the Cincinnati Reds. For his MLB career, he compiled a .143 batting average in 14 at-bats, with one run batted in. At the time, the outfield was composed of two future Hall of Famers - Kiki Cuyler and Chick Hafey - and Ival Goodman, who led the team in runs, hits, doubles, and triples.

After 1937, Dutch didn't make it back to the majors, but had a whole career in Syracuse. He was with the Syracuse Chiefs from 1942 to 1947 and in 1949 and 1950. He hit 111 home runs while with them, which is still the club record. He also holds the franchise record for most games played.

Arthur Daley in the March 31, 1943 New York Times that tells how Dutch led the Association in batting average (.354) and homers (30). Mele beat out “Mad Russian” Lou Novikoff of Ponca City for the batting title in the final game of the season. Red Barrett took the mound that game and told Mele, “You’ll win the title if you get a loud foul today, because I intend to take care of Novikoff myself.” He held Novikoff hitless while Mele went 4-for-4. Overall, Mele played 17 seasons in minor league baseball (nine with the Syracuse Chiefs), hitting 244 home runs.

Dutch ran a nightclub in Oak Tree, New Jersey after retirement from baseball. It was called "Dutch Mele's Dugout." In 2009 he was elected to the International League Hall of Fame.

(excerpted from Baseball Almanac, BR Bullpen & Wikipedia)