1953 in baseball

See also:1953 Major League Baseball season,1953 All-American Girls Professional Baseball League season,and1953 Nippon Professional Baseball season

The following are thebaseballevents of the year1953throughout the world.

Champions

Major League Baseball

• World Series:New York YankeesoverBrooklyn Dodgers(4–2)
• All-Star Game,July 14 atCrosley Field:National League, 5–1

Other champions

• All-American Girls Professional Baseball League:Grand Rapids Chicks
• College World Series:Michigan
• Japan Series:Yomiuri GiantsoverNankai Hawks(4–2)
• Little League World Series:Southside,Birmingham, Alabama

Winter Leagues

• 1953 Caribbean Series:Cangrejeros de Santurce
• Cuban League:Leones del Habana
• Dominican Republic League:Águilas Cibaeñas
• Mexican Pacific League:Venados de Mazatlán
• Panamanian League:Chesterfield Smokers
• Puerto Rican League:Cangrejeros de Santurce
• Venezuelan League:Leones del Caracas

Awards and honors

• Baseball Hall of Fame
  • Ed Barrow
  • Chief Bender
  • Tom Connolly
  • Dizzy Dean
  • Bill Klem
  • Al Simmons
  • Bobby Wallace
  • Harry Wright
• MLB Most Valuable Player Award
  • Al Rosen(unanimous),Cleveland Indians,3B
  • Roy Campanella,Brooklyn Dodgers,C
• MLB Rookie of the Year Award
  • Harvey Kuenn,Detroit Tigers,SS
  • Jim Gilliam,Brooklyn Dodgers,2B
• The Sporting News Player of the Year Award
  • Al Rosen,Cleveland Indians
• The Sporting News Pitcher of the Year Award
  • Bob Porterfield,Washington Senators
  • Warren Spahn,Milwaukee Braves
• The Sporting News Manager of the Year Award
  • Casey Stengel,New York Yankees

Statistical leaders

	American League		National League
Type	Name	Stat	Name	Stat
AVG	Mickey VernonWSH	.337	Carl FurilloBKN	.344
HR	Al RosenCLE	43	Eddie MathewsMIL	49
RBI	Al RosenCLE	145	Roy CampanellaBKN	143
Wins	Bob PorterfieldWSH	22	Robin RobertsPHP & Warren SpahnMIL	23
ERA	Ed LopatNYY	2.42	Warren SpahnMIL	2.10
Ks	Billy PierceCHW	186	Robin RobertsPHP	198

Major league baseball final standings

American League final standings

American League

Team	W	L	Pct.	GB	Home	Road
New York Yankees	99	52	.656	—	50‍–‍27	49‍–‍25
Cleveland Indians	92	62	.597	8½	53‍–‍24	39‍–‍38
Chicago White Sox	89	65	.578	11½	41‍–‍36	48‍–‍29
Boston Red Sox	84	69	.549	16	38‍–‍38	46‍–‍31
Washington Senators	76	76	.500	23½	39‍–‍36	37‍–‍40
Detroit Tigers	60	94	.390	40½	30‍–‍47	30‍–‍47
Philadelphia Athletics	59	95	.383	41½	27‍–‍50	32‍–‍45
St. Louis Browns	54	100	.351	46½	23‍–‍54	31‍–‍46

National League final standings

National League

Team	W	L	Pct.	GB	Home	Road
Brooklyn Dodgers	105	49	.682	—	60‍–‍17	45‍–‍32
Milwaukee Braves	92	62	.597	13	45‍–‍31	47‍–‍31
Philadelphia Phillies	83	71	.539	22	48‍–‍29	35‍–‍42
St. Louis Cardinals	83	71	.539	22	48‍–‍30	35‍–‍41
New York Giants	70	84	.455	35	38‍–‍39	32‍–‍45
Cincinnati Redlegs	68	86	.442	37	38‍–‍39	30‍–‍47
Chicago Cubs	65	89	.422	40	43‍–‍34	22‍–‍55
Pittsburgh Pirates	50	104	.325	55	26‍–‍51	24‍–‍53

Red Sox

White Sox

Indians

Tigers

Athletics

Browns

Yankees

Senators

Locations of teams for the 1942–1953American Leagueseasons
American League

Dodgers

Cubs

Redlegs

Braves

Giants

Phillies

Pirates

Cardinals

Locations of teams for the 1953–1957National Leagueseasons
National League

All-American Girls Professional Baseball League final standings

Rank	Team	W	L	W-L%	GB
1	Fort Wayne Daisies	66	39	.629	—
2	Grand Rapids Chicks	62	44	.585	4½
3	Kalamazoo Lassies	56	50	.528	10½
4	Rockford Peaches	51	55	.481	15½
5	South Bend Blue Sox	44	62	.415	22½
6	Muskegon Belles	38	67	.362	28

Nippon Professional Baseball final standings

Central League final standings

Central League	G	W	L	T	Pct.	GB
Yomiuri Giants	125	87	37	1	.702	—
Osaka Tigers	130	74	56	0	.569	16.0
Chunichi Dragons	130	70	57	3	.551	18.5
Hiroshima Carp	130	53	75	2	.414	36.0
Taiyo Shochiku Robins	130	52	77	1	.403	37.5
Kokutetsu Swallows	125	45	79	1	.363	42.0

Pacific League final standings

Pacific League	G	W	L	T	Pct.	GB
Nankai Hawks	120	71	48	1	.597	—
Hankyu Braves	120	67	52	1	.563	4.0
Daiei Stars	120	63	53	4	.543	6.5
Nishitetsu Lions	120	57	61	2	.483	13.5
Mainichi Orions	120	56	62	2	.475	14.5
Tokyu Flyers	120	50	67	3	.427	20.0
Kintetsu Pearls	120	48	69	3	.410	22.0

Events

January

• January 17 – TheBrooklyn Dodgerstrade veteran outfielderAndy Pafkoto theBoston Bravesfor infielderRoy Hartsfieldand $50,000. Two months later, Wisconsin-native Pafko will find himself playing in his home state when Boston'sNational Leaguefranchise abruptly transfers toMilwaukeeduringspring training.
• January 21 – TheBaseball Hall of Fameinducts formerSt. Louis CardinalspitcherDizzy Deanand formerPhiladelphia AthleticssluggerAl Simmons.
• January 27 – TheChicago White Soxacquire the reigning, two-timeAmerican Leaguebatting champion,first basemanFerris Fain,from thePhiladelphia Athleticsin a five-player trade. Chicago also receives a minor-league infielder and sends first basemanEddie Robinson,shortstopJoe DeMaestriand outfielderEd McGheeto Philadelphia in the deal.
• January 28 –St. Louis CardinalsownerFred Saighpleads no contest to two charges of income tax evasion in a U.S. federal court, and is sentenced to 15 months in prison. The penalty forces Saigh to put the Cardinals up for sale, and triggers fears that an out-of-town buyer could move the franchise out ofSt. Louis.

February

• February 9 – TheBoston Red Soxtrade shortstop/third basemanVern Stephens,32, an eight-timeAll-Starand 3x ALruns batted inchampion, to theChicago White Soxfor pitchersHal Brown,Marv GrissomandBill Kennedy.Stephens,Ted WilliamsandBobby Doerrhad formed a formidable slugging trio for the Bosox' late-1940s contending teams.
• February 13 – ThePhiladelphia Athletics' home field, known asShibe Parksince its 1909 opening, is renamedConnie Mack Stadiumin honor of the team's 90-year-old, legendary and longtime (1901–1950) former manager.
• February 16:
  • FutureBaseball Hall of FamehitterTed Williams,flying combat missions as aU.S. Marine Corpspilot during theKorean War,survives the crash-landing of hisF9F Panther fighter jetatSuwonairfield after it's hobbled by enemy anti-aircraft fire. The jet is "trailing smoke and a 30-foot ribbon of fire" as Williams brings it in on its belly; he escapes with minor injuries.
  • A complicated four-team, five-player trade occurs in theNational Leagueinvolving theBoston Braves,Brooklyn Dodgers,Cincinnati RedsandPhiladelphia Phillies.When the smoke clears, the Braves acquire first basemanJoe Adcockfrom the Reds and outfielderJim Pendletonfrom the Dodgers, Brooklyn obtains pitcherRuss Meyerfrom the Phillies, the Reds get infielderRocky Bridgesfrom the Dodgers, and the Phillies receive first basemanEarl Torgesonfrom Boston. Cash payments also figure in the transaction.
• February 20 – Brewing giantAnheuser-Buschand its president,August A. Busch Jr.,purchase theSt. Louis Cardinalsfranchise fromFred Saighfor $3.75 million, removing all concerns that the team will move elsewhere. Rumors had abounded that a group fromHoustonwere bidding on the club with the intention of transferring it to that Texas city.The Busch ownership will last until the start of1996,and witness six NL pennants and threeWorld Serieschampionships.

March

• March 13 –Boston BravesownerLou Periniannounces he is moving the team toMilwaukee,site of the Braves'top farm club,in time for the 1953 season. The move ends the club's presence inBostonafter 82 consecutive years, predating the formation of theNational League,of which it is a charter member; it began in 1871 as a member of the oldNational Association of Professional Base Ball Players.The franchise transfer is the NL's first of the 20th century, and MLB's first since 1903—but nine more will follow over the next two decades.
• March 19 – ThePittsburgh Piratessign twin brothersEddieandJohnny O'Brien,22, former baseball and basketball stars atSeattle University,tobonuscontracts as amateur free agents. The first twins to play on the same MLB team in 38 years, on June 7, they will start at shortstop and second base and become Pittsburgh's primary double-play combination for the 1953 season.
• March 26 – TheSt. Louis Brownsreturn minor-league southpawTommy Lasordato theBrooklyn Dodgers' organization. Lasorda's contract had been sold to the Browns on a conditional basis on February 21.

Jim Thorpe

• March 28 –Jim Thorpe,famed American Indian athlete considered by many as the greatest athlete in recorded history, dies inLomita, Californiaat the age of 64. A native ofPrague, Oklahoma,Thorpe played six seasons of Major League Baseball between 1913 and 1919, mostly for theNew York Giants,in addition to his Olympic gold medals in the 1912 pentathlon and decathlon competition, while playing and coaching for a long time in the National Football League.

April

• April 9:
  • The financially-stressedSt. Louis BrownssellSportsman's ParktoAugust A. Busch Jr.,new owner of theirNational Leaguetenants, theCardinals,for $800,000. The brewery magnate will refurbish the 44-year-old edifice and rename it "Busch Stadium."
  • TheCincinnati Redsannounce they're changing their official name to theCincinnati Redlegs.The name "Reds" dates to 1890 and is derived from the famousCincinnati Red Stockingsof 1869. But American troops are fightingCommunisminKoreaand theCold Waris escalating globally; as Cincinnati's general manager,Gabe Paul,notes later, "We wanted to be certain we weren't confused with the'Russian Reds'."The team's official identity will remain "Redlegs" until February 1959.
• April 13 – InCincinnati,over 30,000 see theMilwaukee Braveswin their first game, 2–0, behind the pitching ofMax Surkont.
• April 14 – After a motorcade through its downtown streets,Milwaukeehosts its first major-league baseball game since the"original" Brewers,a turn-of-the-centuryAmerican Leagueteam, played their last home game onSeptember 12, 1901before transferring toSt. Louisfor1902.Today, theNational LeagueBravesdebut before a deliriousCounty Stadiumcrowd by defeating theSt. Louis Cardinalsin ten innings, 3–2.Warren Spahngets the win, secured byrookieBill Bruton'swalk-off home run.The single-game attendance—34,357—represents 12 percent of the total turnstile count of the1952 Boston Braves.
• April 15 –Triple-Abaseball returns toToledowith the relocation of the minor-leagueMilwaukee Brewersfranchise that has been displaced by the MLB Braves. TheToledo Soxsucceed the famous originalMud Hens,who moved toCharleston, West Virginia,on June 23, 1952. The T-Sox will win the regular-seasonAmerican Associationpennantand lead the circuit in attendance.
• April 17 – TheNew York Yankees'Mickey Mantlehits the longest home run inGriffith Stadiumhistory, a 565-foot shot offWashington Senators' left-handerChuck Stobbs.The Yankees win, 7–3.
• April 29 –Joe Adcockof theMilwaukee Braveshits the first home run ever hit over the center field wall of thePolo Grounds.The shot, measured 475 feet, comes offJim Hearnin the third inning of the Braves' 3–1 victory over theNew York Giants.
• April 30 – The Little-Bigger League changes its name to theBabe Ruth League.

May

• May 6 – AtSportsman's Park,Bobo Hollomanof theSt. Louis Brownsno-hitsthePhiladelphia Athletics,6–0, in his very first Major Leaguestart.(He had pitched five previous games inrelief.) Holloman walks five and strikes out three. He will only post two more victories in his MLB career, with his final appearance coming on July 19 of this season.
• May 27 – TheDetroit TigersandChicago White Soxbattle 15 innings atComiskey Park,but can't break a 2–2 deadlock. Each team has 12 hits. The game, halted by a 1 a.m. curfew, will be replayed in full at a later date.
• May 28 – It's theNational League'sturn for a tie game: in this case, atCrosley Field,theCincinnati Redlegsbattle back with two runs in the home half of the tenth to tie theSt. Louis Cardinals,10–all. Then the game is called so the Redbirds can catch a train.
• May 31 – AtEbbets Field,theBrooklyn Dodgerssweep a Sunday doubleheader from the last-placePittsburgh Pirates,4–3 and 4–1, to stretch their winning streak to ten. At 27–14, they lead the surprising, second-placeMilwaukee Braves(25–13) by half a game.

June

• June 3 –Congresscites the research of New York City librarian Robert Henderson in proving thatAlexander Cartwright"founded" baseball and notAbner Doubleday.His 1947 bookBat, Ball and Bishopdocuments Cartwright's contributions to the origins of the game of the baseball.
• June 4 – FutureHall-of-FamesluggerRalph Kiner,who has led (or co-led) the NL in home runs every year since 1946, is traded by thePittsburgh Piratesto theChicago Cubsin a ten-player blockbuster. The Bucs send Kiner, pitcherHowie Pollet,catcherJoe Garagiolaand outfielderCatfish Metkovichto Chicago for pitcherBob Schultz,catcherToby Atwell,infieldersPreston WardandGeorge Freese,outfieldersBob AddisandGene Hermanski,and cash.
• June 13 – TheChicago White Soxacquire veteran right-handed fire-ballerVirgil Trucksand third basemanBob Elliottfrom theSt. Louis Brownsfor pitcherLou Kretlow,catcherDarrell Johnsonand $75,000. Trucks, 36, will win 47 games for the ChiSox over the next 2½ seasons.
• June 14 – TheNew York Yankeessweep the second-placeCleveland Indians,6–2 and 3–0, before 74,708 atCleveland Stadiumto extend their winning streak to 18 games. The Bombers are 41–11 and 10½ games ahead of Cleveland in theAmerican League.Two nights later, theSt. Louis Browns'Duane PillettedefeatsWhitey Ford3–1 atYankee Stadiumto end the skein, withSatchel Paigegetting thesave.
• June 15 – Second-placeClevelandand the last-placeDetroit Tigersmake an eight-player trade. The Indians get pitchersArt HouttemanandBill Wight,catcherJoe Ginsbergand infielderOwen Friendin exchange for hurlersAl Aber,Steve GromekandDick Weik,and hard-hitting infielderRay Boone.
• June 18 – In a 23–3 thrashing of theDetroit TigersatFenway Park,theBoston Red Soxset a still-standing Major League record by scoring 17 runs in one inning. After scoring twice in the sixth to break a 3–3 tie, the Red Sox go on their record-breaking run-scoring output in the seventh. Eleven Boston players score in the inning, withSammy Whitescoring three times andGene Stephens(who also collects three hits in the inning, becoming the first Major Leaguer in modern history to do so),Tom Umphlett,Dick Gernertand winning pitcherEllis Kinderscoring twice.
• June 19 – In perhaps the brightest moment of their so-far dismal season, the 15–43Tigerssign 18-year-old "bonus baby"Al Kalineone day after he graduates fromBaltimore'sSouthern High School.
• June 25 –Ted Kazanskicollects three hits and fourruns batted inin his MLB debut to lead thePhiladelphia Philliesto a 13–2 victory over theChicago CubsatWrigley Field.As a result, Kazanski becomes the first player in Major League history to drive in at least four runs as ashortstopin his major league debut, according to theElias Sports Bureau.

July

• July 1 – TheNew York Giantsclaim right-handerMarv Grissomoff waivers from theBoston Red Sox.Grissom, 35, will become one of the toprelief pitchersin theNational Leagueover the next five seasons.
• July 4 – When the holiday doubleheaders are in the books, the half-way point of the 1953 season sees1952's champions setting the pace once more: theBrooklyn Dodgers(45–27) hold a two-game lead over theMilwaukee Bravesin theNational League,and theNew York Yankees(50–22) occupy first place in theAmerican Leagueby 6½ games over theChicago White Sox.
• July 14 – TheNational Leaguewins its fourth consecutiveAll–Star Game,5–1, at Cincinnati'sCrosley Fieldbehind the stellar pitching ofRobin RobertsandWarren Spahn.National League outfielderEnos Slaughtergets two hits, scores twice and robsHarvey Kuennof an extra-base hit.
• July 31 – AtMilwaukee County Stadium,theBraves'Max SurkontandPhiladelphia Phillies'Bob Millereach throw ten shutout innings and allow only four hits, before rain forces the game to end in a 0–0 tie.

August

• August 1 –Milwaukee Bravesleft-handerWarren Spahnthrows a one-hitter to defeat the visitingPhiladelphia Phillies,5–0. He walks none, strikes out eight and faces 28 hitters, one over the minimum. Fellow futureHall-of-FamerRichie Ashburnreaches him for a single in the fourth inning for the only blemish on an otherwise perfect outing. It's Spahn's second and last career one-hitter, although he'll fireno-hittersin both1960and1961.
• August 2 – Over fiftyLos Angeles policeare dispatched toGilmore Fieldto quell an on-field brawl between the city's twoPacific Coast Leagueteams, theminor-league Angelsand theHollywood Stars.The melee between the bitter rivals, engaged in abeanballwar, is the third within three days, and lasts for a full half-hour. Los Angeles police chiefWilliam Parkeris watching the game on television from his home when the slugfest breaks out, and he orders his men to Hollywood's home stadium to restore order. No arrests are made, but Parker warns both sides that further violence will result in "disturbing the peace" charges.
• August 5 – RookieDon Larsenof theSt. Louis Brownspitches a complete game but drops a 5–0 decision to theBoston Red SoxatFenway Park.However, he goes three for three at the plate to set a consecutive-hits record for pitchers with seven. Over the course of Larsen's 14-season career, he will prove to be one of MLB's best-hitting hurlers, batting.242 with 144 hits (including 25 doubles, five triples and 14 home runs) and 72 RBI in 596 at bats.
• August 6 –Ted Williams' name appears in an MLBbox scorefor the first time since April 30, 1952, days before he began his activeKorean Warservice as aUnited States Marine Corpspilot. TheBoston Red Soxlegend flew 37 combat missions during his tour of duty, and survived a crash-landing when his plane was hit by enemy fire in February. Today, Williamspinch hitsforTom Umphlettin the ninth inning of a 7–7 tie against theSt. Louis BrownsatFenway Park.He pops out to first base, but after six more appearances as an emergency batsman, he returns to his familiar post in left field and resumes his lusty hitting. By season's end, he gets into 37 games (26 of them as startingleft fielder), and smashes 37 hits, including 13 home runs, in 91at bats,for a batting average of.407 and anOPSof 1.410.
• August 8 – TheNew York Yankeesdeal a double setback to their closest pennant pursuer, theChicago White Sox,by shutting them out in both ends of a doubleheader atYankee Stadium,1–0 (behindWhitey Ford) and 3–0 (behindBob Kuzava). In the second game, Kuzava throws a one-hitter, allowing only a double toBob Boydin the second inning. The double defeat drops the White Sox to eight games out of first place.
• August 10 – TheWashington Senators'Bob Porterfieldone-hits theBoston Red Sox,winning 2–0 atGriffith Stadium.Jimmy Piersallreaches base twice, with Boston's only hit (in the third inning) and a base on balls.
• August 12 – The visitingNew York Yankeeslash 28 hits in their 22–1 pasting of theWashington Senators.Yogi Berrabelts the Bombers' only home run, and he andBilly Martineach drive in five tallies.Hank Bauerscores five runs, andWhitey FordandGene Woodlingeach have four hits.
• August 30 – In Game 1 of adoubleheader,Jim Pendletonslugs three home runs, as theMilwaukee Bravesrout thePittsburgh PiratesatForbes Field,19–4. The Braves tie the major league record for most home runs in a single game with eight, held by theNew York Yankeessince 1939. Pendleton becomes only the secondrookiein history to hit three home runs in one game, joining teammateEddie Mathews,who accomplished the feat just a year earlier.In the second game of the twin bill, the Braves hit four more long balls and crush Pittsburgh again, 11–5. Mathews belts three dingers on the day, giving him a National League-leading 43. He will finish the season with 47 home runs, 30 of them on the road—also a major league record.Only the Yankees have ever hit more home runs in consecutive games, or in a doubleheader: on June 28, 1939, against thePhiladelphia AthleticsatShibe Park,they belted eight home runs in a 23–2 victory in the first game of a twin bill, then five more in a 10–0 win in the nightcap.

September

• September 1 – The last month of MLB's regular season holds little promise of pennant races. TheBrooklyn Dodgers,having gone 48–14 (.774) in July and August, have built a 10½-game lead over theMilwaukee Bravesin theNational League;meanwhile, theNew York Yankeesremain comfortably in front of theChicago White Sox(8½ lengths) in theAmerican Leaguewith 22 games left to play.
• September 2 – TheSt. Louis Cardinalsovercome a three-runinside-the-park home runby shortstopTed Kazanskito beat the Philadelphia Phillies‚ 10–7.Rip Repulskihits his 20th home run of the season for St. Louis‚ breaking the team's rookie record set byJohnny Mizein1936.The Cardinals hammer 10 hits off Phillies starter Robin Roberts to hand him his 12th loss.
• September 5 –Dick Kokos' 12th-inning home run settles matters as theSt. Louis Brownsdefeat theDetroit Tigers,1–0 inSt. Louis.The Browns'Bob Turleyfans 14 and gains the shutout win, while veteranRalph Branca,who went 11 scoreless innings for Detroit, absorbs the hard-luck defeat.
• September 8 – TheChicago Cubssign shortstopErnie Banksof theKansas City Monarchs.On September 17, Banks will becomethe first black player in Chicago Cub history.Moreover, he will earn fame as "Mister Cub" who, over 19 seasons, will blast 512 home runs as a 14-timeAll-Star,two-timeNational League MVP(1958,1959) andGold Glove Awardwinner. Then, in 1977, he becomes a first-ballotHall of Famer.
• September 12 –Carl Erskinedefeats the second-placeMilwaukee Braves5–2, as theBrooklyn Dodgersclinch the pennant earlier than any other team in history. Brooklyn (98–44) leads Milwaukee by 13 games with 12 to play.
• September 13 – PitcherBob Tricebecomes thefirst black player in Philadelphia Athletics history.
• September 14 – TheNew York Yankeesclinch their fifth straight pennant with an 8–5 win over theCleveland Indians.Second basemanBilly Martinhas four RBIs. The Yankees and Dodgers will meet in the1953 World Seriesfor the second straight year and the fourth time in seven years.
• September 16 –Hall-of-Fameformer second basemanRogers Hornsbyresigns as manager of the sixth place, 64–82Cincinnati Redlegs.Hornsby, whose.358 lifetimebatting averageis contemporaneously ranked as second only toTy Cobb's.367, wraps up a 14-year MLB managerial career with a won–lost mark of 701–812–17 (.463). After coachBuster Millsfinishes Cincinnati's season as interim manager, the Redlegs will hire formerAmerican LeaguecatcherBirdie Tebbettsas their pilot for 1954.
• September 20 – TheMilwaukee Bravessplit a double-header with theRedlegsatCounty Stadiumin their final home date of 1953. They draw 36,011 fans, setting a newNational Leagueattendance record (1,826,397) which they will promptly shatter in 1954 by drawing over 2.1 million spectators. On and off the field, 1953 is a spectacular first season in Wisconsin for the Braves, who improve from seventh to second place and signal their arrival as a contending team for the rest of the 1950s.

Cleveland'sAl Rosen

• September 27
  • Al Rosenof theCleveland Indians,who leads theAmerican Leaguein home runs (43) and runs batted in (145), is chasing theTriple Crownas he battlesMickey Vernonof theWashington Senatorsfor thebatting title.Rosen is batting.3361 entering his final at bat in the ninth inning; a hit will lift his average to.3372, one ten-thousandth of a point higher than Vernon's.3371, and earn him the crown. But he bounces out to third base, to finish the season at.3356.
  • Only 3,174 are on hand as theSt. Louis Brownsplay their final home game atSportsman's Park.The Brownies fall to theChicago White Sox'Billy Pierce2–1 in 11 innings. In their 52nd and last season inSt. Louis,the American Leaguers attract only 297,238 fans.

October

• October 5 – TheNew York Yankeesdefeat theBrooklyn Dodgers,4–3, in Game 6 of theWorld Series,to win their record-setting fifth consecutiveWorld Championshipand sixteenth overall, four games to two.Billy Martinis the star of the Series with a record-setting 12 hits, including the game-winning single in the bottom of the ninth of Game 6 to clinch the title.
• October 7 –Bill Veeck,facing dwindling attendance and revenue, is forced to sell theSt. Louis Brownsto aBaltimore-based group led by attorneyClarence Milesand brewerJerry Hoffberger.The Browns will move toBaltimoreand be known as theOriolesstarting in the1954season.
• October 14 –Brooklyn DodgerspresidentWalter O'Malleytells the press that "the Dodgers will have a newmanagernext year. "The announcement reveals that incumbent skipperChuck Dressen,coming off 105 victories and a second-straightNational Leaguepennant in 1953, has demanded a three-year contract to return for 1954; O'Malley's policy is to limit his managers' contract terms to one year only. Although O'Malley gives Dressen a few more days to reconsider his demand, on October 28 it's reported that Dressen will not return to Brooklyn, instead signing a three-year pact to manage theOakland Oaksof theOpen-ClassificationPacific Coast League.The defending NL champs begin their search for a new pilot.
• October 28 – LegendaryBrooklyn Dodgers' play-by-play announcerRed Barberresigns and takes a job as broadcaster for the rivalNew York Yankees.Barber is upset that Dodger ownerWalter O'Malleyhas refused to support him in his fee-negotiation dispute withGillette,sponsor of the television coverage of the 1953 World Series.

November

• November 4 – In what some see as a cost-cutting measure, thePhiladelphia Athleticsreplace skipperJimmy Dykeswith player-managerEddie Joost,37, the club's longtime shortstop.
• November 9 – Reaffirming its earlier position, theUnited States Supreme Courtrules, 7–2, that baseball is a sport and not a business and therefore not subject to antitrust laws. The ruling is made in a case involving New York Yankees minor league player George Toolson, who refused to move from Triple-A to Double-A.
• November 10 – TheNew York Giantsend their tour of Japan. It is reported that each Giants player received just $331 of the $3,000 they were promised.
• November 14 –Jimmy Dykesbecomes the first manager of the rebornBaltimore Orioles,ten days after his release from the same position with thePhiladelphia Athletics.In October,Arthur Ehlers,former Philadelphiageneral manager,made the same switch to Baltimore. The Orioles are the formerSt. Louis Browns,set to rejoin theAmerican Leagueafter a 52-year absence in 1954. On November 11, Ehlers had firedMarty Marion,the Browns' manager whom he and the Orioles have inherited.
• November 19 –Roy Campanella,Brooklyn'sCooperstown-boundcatcher, wins the second of what will be his threeNational League MVP Awards,capturing 17 of 24 first-place ballots. In an unusual pattern, Campanella will be named MVP every other year beween1951and1955.
• November 24 – After whatThe New York Timescalls a month-long "guessing game," theBrooklyn DodgerssignWalter Alston,42, a veteran minor-league manager, to a one-year pact to lead their team on the field in 1954. Although he has fashioned an outstanding record in Brooklyn'sfarm system,most recently with theTriple-ASt. Paul SaintsandMontreal Royals,Alston is so obscure a choice compared to well-known figures such asPee Wee Reese,Bill TerryandFrank Frisch—all objects of press speculation—that some New York newspapers bear the headline "Wally Who?" But Alston will manage the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers over the next 23 seasons (all on one-year contracts), winning 2,040 games, seven NL pennants, four World Series championships, and a berth in theBaseball Hall of Fame.
• November 27 –Cleveland Indiansthird basemanAl Rosen,who missed out on theAmerican League'sTriple Crownby.0015 batting average points, is unanimously selectedthe AL's Most Valuable Player.

December

• December 1 – TheBoston Red Soxtrade for hard-hitting right fielderJackie Jensen,sending pitcherMickey McDermottand outfielderTom Umphlettto theWashington Senators.Jensen will average 25 home runs a year during his seven seasons for Boston, lead the league in RBI three times, make twoAll-Starsquads, and win aGold Glove Awardand theAmerican League Most Valuable Player Awardin1958.A fear of flying will end his career prematurely.
• December 16 – In an 11-player deal, theNew York Yankeestrade pitcherJohnny Gray,catcherJim Robertson,first basemenDon BollwegandVic Power,third basemanJim Finigan,outfielderBill Rennaand $25,000 to thePhiladelphia Athleticsfor pitcherHarry Byrd,first basemanEddie Robinson,third basemanLoren Babe,and outfieldersTom HamiltonandCarmen Mauro.
• December 17 – TheAthleticsobtain left-handed pitcherBob Cainfrom theBaltimore Oriolesfor hurlersJoe Coleman Sr.andFrank Fanovich.
• December 23 –Jim Gilliamof theBrooklyn Dodgersis namedNL Rookie of the Year,beating outHarvey HaddixandRay Jablonskifor the honor. Eight days earlier,Harvey Kuennof theDetroit Tigerstook home theAmerican Leagueversion of the award, winning 23 of 24 votes cast.
• December 26 – TheMilwaukee Bravestrade six players, plus $100,000 cash, to thePittsburgh Piratesfor 24-year-old third basemanDanny O'Connell.The six: pitchersCurt Raydon,Max Surkont,Fred Watersand minor-leaguer Larry Lassalle and outfieldersSid GordonandSam Jethroe.The Braves plan to use O'Connell at second base in 1954.

Movies

• The Kid from Left Field
• Big Leaguer

Births

January

• January 1 –Lynn Jones
• January 1 –Joe Pittman
• January 5 –Jim Gantner
• January 8 –Bruce Sutter
• January 9 –Iván DeJesús
• January 9 –Phil Mankowski
• January 12 –Terry Whitfield
• January 13 –Odell Jones
• January 16 –Dennis DeBarr
• January 17 –Mark Littell
• January 24 –Tim Stoddard
• January 25 –Junior Moore
• January 26 –Tom Bruno
• January 31 –Mike Rowland

February

• February 4 –Rob Picciolo
• February 7 –Dan Quisenberry
• February 11 –Tom Veryzer
• February 12 –Dave Revering
• February 17 –Jamie Easterly
• February 17 –Jim Umbarger
• February 21 –Rick Lysander
• February 22 –Gerry Davis
• February 23 –Fred Kuhaulua
• February 24 –Mike Sember
• February 24 –Frank Riccelli
• February 27 –Ron Hassey

March

• March 1 –Jeff Holly
• March 2 –Dave Tobik
• March 2 –Larry Wolfe
• March 6 –Gerry Hannahs
• March 7 –Randy Stein
• March 8 –Jim Rice
• March 8 –Don Werner
• March 14 –Tim Ireland
• March 16 –Jay Franklin
• March 16 –Rich Puig
• March 18 –Randy Miller
• March 19 –Tim Corcoran
• March 22 –Dan Boitano
• March 23 –Bo Díaz
• March 27 –Gary Alexander
• March 29 –Tom Hume
• March 30 –Mike Miley
• March 31 –Tom Hausman

April

• April 1 –Larry Murray
• April 2 –Héctor Cruz
• April 5 –Kim Allen
• April 14 –Mark Bomback
• April 16 –Don Reynolds
• April 16 –Bruce Taylor
• April 21 –Joe Keener
• April 26 –Arturo DeFreites

May

• May 3 –Keith Smith
• May 5 –Gary Christenson
• May 6 –Larry Andersen
• May 9 –Ron Jackson
• May 12 –Taylor Duncan
• May 15 –George Brett
• May 16 –Rick Rhoden
• May 28 –Rafael Landestoy
• May 29 –Mike Dupree

June

• June 1 –Rick Baldwin
• June 3 –Ed Glynn
• June 4 –Larry Demery
• June 5 –Paul Siebert
• June 6 –Dave Bergman
• June 8 –Jack Kucek
• June 10 –Francisco Barrios
• June 10 –Rick Camp
• June 14 –Luis Aponte
• June 14 –Mark Lee
• June 20 –Tony Chévez
• June 21 –Charlie Moore
• June 21 –Gene Pentz
• June 22 –Roy Thomas
• June 27 –Joe Zdeb

July

• July 2 –Tony Armas
• July 3 –Frank Tanana
• July 11 –Sam Hinds
• July 12 –Roy Branch
• July 13 –Joe Cannon
• July 14 –Billy Smith
• July 16 –Sheldon Mallory
• July 20 –Gary Woods
• July 22 –Kevin Pasley
• July 25 –Biff Pocoroba
• July 28 –Jerry Maddox
• July 28 –Mark Williams
• July 31 –Hank Small

August

• August 4 –Masataka Nashida
• August 5 –Rick Bosetti
• August 5 –John Hale
• August 5 –Jesús de la Rosa
• August 5 –Rick Mahler
• August 8 –Alvis Woods
• August 10 –Tom Brookens
• August 11 –Rex Hudson
• August 11 –Dennis Lewallyn
• August 15 –Nino Espinosa
• August 16 –Nick Leyva
• August 20 –Dan Dumoulin
• August 24 –Luis Sánchez
• August 25 –Bob Lacey
• August 29 –Marv Foley
• August 31 –Juan Bernhardt
• August 31 –Bill Nahorodny

September

• September 1 –Rob Wilfong
• September 2 –Danny Goodwin
• September 3 –Mike Paxton
• September 7 –La Rue Washington
• September 9 –Steve Ratzer
• September 11 –Mike Gordon
• September 12 –Greg Keatley
• September 15 –Oswaldo Olivares
• September 16 –Chris Knapp
• September 18 –Mark DeJohn
• September 23 –Brian Asselstine
• September 25 –Dick Davis
• September 25 –Ed Putman
• September 26 –Jim Gideon
• September 29 –Warren Cromartie
• September 29 –Gene Richards
• September 29 –Carlos Tosca
• September 30 –Dan Gonzales

October

• October 1 –Pete Falcone
• October 2 –Kevin Kobel
• October 4 –Dave Schuler
• October 6 –Victor Bernal
• October 7 –Andy Replogle
• October 14 –Kiko Garcia
• October 16 –Rodney Scott
• October 20 –Keith Hernandez
• October 21 –Juan Eichelberger
• October 22 –Rich Wortham
• October 23 –Bo McLaughlin
• October 27 –Barry Bonnell
• October 27 –U L Washington
• October 29 –Randy McGilberry

November

• November 2 –Paul Hartzell
• November 3 –Larry Herndon
• November 3 –Bobby Thompson
• November 4 –Roger Slagle
• November 6 –John Candelaria
• November 6 –Brock Pemberton
• November 10 –Larry Christenson
• November 10 –Larry Parrish
• November 10 –Paul Thormodsgard
• November 14 –Kim Andrew
• November 18 –Gilberto Rondón
• November 20 –Duane Theiss
• November 22 –Rick Matula
• November 29 –Sixto Lezcano

December

• December 3 –Bob Pate
• December 3 –Pat Putnam
• December 4 –Charlie Beamon Jr.
• December 6 –Gary Ward
• December 9 –Hiromitsu Ochiai
• December 18 –Roy Howell
• December 20 –Paul Moskau
• December 22 –Tom Underwood
• December 23 –Jerry Manuel
• December 25 –Rick Anderson
• December 30 –Steve Davis
• December 31 –José Báez

Deaths

January

• January 1 –Doug McWeeny,56, pitcher who played for theChicago White Sox,Brooklyn RobinsandCincinnati Redsover seven seasons between 1921 and 1930.
• January 2 –Harry Atkinson,78, left fielder for the1895 St. Louis Browns.
• January 3 –Joe Houser,61, pitcher who played for theBuffalo Buffedsof the outlawFederal Leaguein 1914.
• January 3 –Chuck Workman,37, right fielder and third baseman who played for theCleveland Indians,Boston BravesandPittsburgh Piratesin parts of four seasons spanning 1938–1946.
• January 5 –Mike Cantwell,58, pitcher who played with theNew York Yankeesin 1916 and for thePhiladelphia Philliesfrom 1919 to 1920.
• January 5 –Pete Lapan,61, backup catcher for theWashington Senatorsin 1922 and 1923.
• January 9 –Pat Carney,76, pitcher who played from 1901 through 1904 for theBoston Beaneatersof the National League.
• January 11 –Doc Moskiman,73, first baseman and right fielder for theBoston Red Soxinits 1910 season,who also spent parts of 13 seasons playing minor-league and independent-league ball, pitching more often than not and obtaining considerably good results.
• January 14 –Charlie Small,47, center fielder who played in 25 games for theBoston Red Soxduringtheir 1930 season.
• January 15 –Carl East,58, outfielder and pitcher who played with theSt. Louis Brownsin 1915 and for theWashington Senatorsin 1924.
• January 21 –Lorenza Cobb,64, Negro league baseball catcher who played for theIndianapolis ABCs,West Baden Sprudels,St. Louis GiantsandLincoln Giantsover seven seasons spanning 1914–1920.
• January 21 –José Rodríguez,58, Cuban Baseball Hall of Fame infielder whose 18-year career in professional baseball included a stint with theNew York Giantsof the National League from 1917 to 1918.
• January 24 –Ben Taylor,64,National Baseball Hall of Fameplayer, manager, coach and umpire, who played for 24 different teams in Negro League Baseball between 1908 and 1941, being considered the best first baseman in black baseball prior to the arrival ofBuck Leonardand one of the most productive players offensively, while collecting a.334 lifetime batting average and hitting over.300 in fifteen of his first sixteen years in baseball.
• January 27 –Merv Shea,52, catcher who played in 439 games for seven teams in a span of 11 seasons from 1927 to 1944; also coached for the Detroit Tigers, Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago Cubs during the 1940s.
• January 28 –Howie Haworth,59, catcher who made seven game appearances for theCleveland Indiansinits 1915 season.
• January 31 –Mike Handiboe,65, backup outfielder for the1911 New York Highlanders.

February

• February 13 –Happy Foreman,53, relief pitcher who played with theChicago White Soxin 1924 and for theBoston Red Soxin 1926.
• February 2 –Mike Dejan,38, outfielder for theCincinnati Redsinits 1940 season.
• February 3 –Frank Donnelly,83, pitcher who played for theChicago Coltsin part of two seasons from 1893 to 1894.
• February 6 –Ed Haigh,86, backup outfielder for theSt. Louis Brownsof the National League in 1892.
• February 6 –Tex Pruiett,69, pitcher who played from1907through1908for theBoston Americans and Red Sox.
• February 21 –Buck Freeman,56. pitcher who played for theChicago Cubsin the 1921 and 1922 seasons.
• February 24 –Lenny Metz,53, shortstop who played for thePhiladelphia Philliesin a span of three seasons from 1923 to 1925.
• February 27 –Barney Wolfe,77, pitcher who played four seasons from 1903 to 1906 for theNew York Highlandersand theWashington Senators.

March

• March 3 –Clyde Milan,65, speedy outfielder and solid line drive hitter who batted.285 for theWashington Senatorsover the course of 16 seasons from 1907 to 1922, collecting 2,100 hits, 1,004 runs and 495 stolen bases, and leading the American League by stealing 88 bases in 1912 and 75 in 1913, while setting a modern-rules MLB season record for steals in 1912, a mark surpassed three years later byTy Cobb;player-manager of 1922 Senators and member of Washington coaching staff for 17 seasons (1928–1929 and 1938 until his death).
• March 6 –Tex Pruiett,69, pitcher who played from 1907 through 1908 for theBoston Americans and Red Sox.
• March 7 –Tom Wilson,62, backup catcher who played for theWashington Senatorsinits 1914 season.
• March 11 –Jock Menefee,85, pitcher for thePittsburgh Pirates,Louisville Colonels,New York Giants,Chicago OrphansandChicago Cubsin a span of nine seasons from 1892 to 1903, who gained notoriety with the Cubs on July 15, 1902, when he became the first pitcher in National League history to pull off a successfulsteal of home,a feat which he accomplished against theBrooklyn Superbason July 15, 1902,and later on August 8, 1903 for start and win both games of adoubleheaderagainst Brooklyn,as he finished his career starting both games of a doubleheader for the third time of the season, against Pittsburgh on September 7, but did not get a decision in either contest.
• March 11 –Fred Toney,64, trustworthy pitcher whose 11-season major league career included stints with theChicago Cubs,Cincinnati Reds,New York GiantsandSt. Louis Cardinalsbetween 1911 and 1923, being a member of the Giants that won World Series titles in1921and1922,while pitching a 10-inningno-hitterwith Cincinnati against the Cubs on May 2, 1917,and ending his career with a 139–102 record and 2.69earned run averagein 336 appearances, including 158complete gamesand 28shutoutsin 2,206innings of work.
• March 16 –Oscar Jones,76, pitcher who played from 1903 through 1905 for theBrooklyn Superbas.
• March 20 –John Brackenridge,72, pitcher who played for thePhiladelphia Philliesinits 1904 season.
• March 21 –Harry Truby,82, 19th century second baseman who played from 1895 to 1896 with theChicago ColtsandPittsburgh Pirates.
• March 22 –Michael Driscoll,60, pitcher for the1916 Philadelphia Athletics.
• March 25 –Tim Griesenbeck,55, backup catcher for the1920 St. Louis Cardinals.
• March 28 –Jim Thorpe,65,Native Americanand one of the greatest all-around athlete in the first half of the 20th century, who in addition to playing inMLBfor six seasons between 1913 and 1919,won gold medals in the1912 Summer Olympicsinpentathlon and decathlon,played in theNFLfor eight seasons between 1920 and 1928,barnstormedas a basketball player with a team composed entirely of American Indians, playing professional sports before retiring in 1928 at age 41,and later appeared in several films as an actorwhile being portrayed byBurt Lancasterin the1951 biopicJim Thorpe – All-American.
• March 30 –Alva Bradley,69, principal owner of the Cleveland Indians from 1927 until he sold the franchise toBill Veeckin 1946.

April

• April 3 –Larry Benton,55, pitcher who played for theBoston Braves,New York GiantsandCincinnati Redsover parts of thirteen seasons from 1923 to 1935, leading the National League with 25 wins and 28complete gamesin 1928, and twice inW-L recordfrom 1927 to 1928.
• April 5 –Tex Erwin,67, catcher who played with theDetroit Tigersin 1907, and for theCincinnati Redsand theBrooklyn Superbas, Robins and Dodgers clubsin a span of five seasons from 1910 to 1914.
• April 5 –Connie Walsh,70, pitcher who appeared in one game for thePittsburgh Piratesinits 1907 season.
• April 5 –Herb Gorman,28, first baseman who made apinch-hitappearance for the1952 St. Louis Cardinals;suffered a fatal heart attack while playing in a Pacific Coast League game.
• April 11 –Kid Nichols,Hall of Famepitcherwho posted 361 victories for theseventh most wins in Major League Baseball history,died inKansas City, Missouriat the age of 79. Born inMadison, Wisconsin,Nichols anchored the pitching staff of theBoston Beaneatersbetween 1890 and 1901, guiding Boston to five National League championships in his first nine seasons with the club. He surpassed the 30-victory plateau seven times from 1891 to 1894 and 1896–1898, as his career record shows that he hurled 20 or more wins in ten consecutive seasons from 1891 to 1994 and in 1904.In addition, he remains as the youngest pitcher to reach the illustrious 300-win milestone, getting there months before his 31st birthday. His most productive season came in 1892, when he had a 35–16 record and won two games in the league's Championship Series as the Beaneaters defeatedCy Youngand theCleveland Spiders.Nichols remained with Boston through 1901, when the team let him go in an effort to save money.After a two-year lapse, he returned to the majors asmanagerand pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals from 1904 to 1905 and ended his career with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1905.Overall, Nichols posted a 2.96ERA,led the National league in wins for three straight years from 1896 to 1898, pitched more than 300inningsin every season but three and more than 400 five times while pitching 532complete gamesand 48shutoutsin 562starts,and was never removed from a game for arelief hurler.Besides, his record of seven seasons with 30 or more victories is a mark that is likely to stand forever, since the implementation of five-man rotations, pitch count and inning limits in modern baseball.
• April 11 –Bruce Wetmore,77, Canadian-born Boston businessman and associate ofCharles F. Adamswho was a co-owner of the Braves from 1927 through 1935.
• April 14 –Roy Patterson,77,Chicago White Soxpitcher best remembered for throwing the first pitch and recording the first win in the first official American League game on April 24, 1901, defeating theCleveland Bluesat Chicago'sSouth Side Park,8–2, while collecting an 81-72 career record and 2.75ERAfor Chicago in seven seasons from 1901 to 1907, including AL pennants in 1901 and 1906, though he did not pitch for the1906 World Series champion White Sox team.
• April 16 –Sam Gray,55, pitcher in 379 games for the Philadelphia Athletics and St. Louis Browns over ten seasons from 1924 to 1933; won 20 games for 1928 Browns, then lost 24 for them three years later; led American League in shutouts in 1929.
• April 18 –Harry Niles,72, outfielder and second baseman who played from 1906 through 1910 for the St. Louis Browns, New York Highlanders, Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Naps.
• April 18 –Cotton Tierney,59, second baseman and third baseman who played from 1920 to 1925 for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Braves and Brooklyn Dodgers, being honored by his great-great-nephew Jeff Euston, who created in 2005 a website namedCot's Baseball Contracts,which track all salaries of MLB players, contracts, bonuses, service time and franchise values.
• April 26 –Don Brennan,49, pitcher who played for the New York Yankees, Cincinnati Reds and New York Giants in a span of five seasons from 1933 to 1937.
• April 29 –Gene McAuliffe,81, backup catcher for the1904 Boston Beaneaters

May

• May 2 –Fred Miller,66, pitcher who made six appearances for the1910 Brooklyn Superbas.
• May 3 –Kewpie Pennington,56, pitcher for the1917 St. Louis Browns.
• May 3 –Pete Scott,55, backup outfielder who played from 1926 through 1928 for the Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates.
• May 6 –Jim Jones,76, outfielder who played for theLouisville ColonelsandNew York Giantsin part of three seasons spanning 1897–1901.
• May 11 –Ed Hug,68, backup catcher who played for theBrooklyn Superbasinits 1903 season.
• May 12 –Ed Summers,68, pitcher for theDetroit Tigersover five seasons from 1908 to 1912, who posted a 24–12 record and 1.64ERAin 301 innings of work in his rookie season, including twocomplete gamevictories over thePhiladelphia Athleticsin adoubleheader,finishing with a two-hit, 1–0shutoutin ten innings in the second game, becoming the only pitcher in major league history to throw two complete game victories and more than eighteen innings in both games of a doubleheader, a record that remain intact.
• May 13 –Jim Field,90, 19th-century first baseman who played most of his career with fiveAmerican Associationclubs during four seasons between 1883 and 1890, but also played in theNational Leaguefor the1898 Washington Senators.
• May 16 –Jim Wallace,71, backup outfielder for the1905 Pittsburgh Pirates.
• May 19 –Sam Leever,81, pitcher who spent his 13-year career with thePittsburgh Piratesfrom 1898 to 1910, compiling a 194–100 record for a.660W–L percentage,the ninth highest in MLB baseball history, leading the National League with a 2.06ERAand sevenshutoutsin 1903 and in W-L% three times, while amassing 20 or more wins in four seasons.
• May 25 –Ray Grimes,69, first baseman for the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies in a span of six seasons from 1921 to 1926, who posted a.329/.413/.480 line in 433 games andestablished a Major League season recordwith at least onerun batted inover 17 consecutive games in 1922, a mark which still stands.
• May 27 –Jesse Burkett,Hall of Fame left fielder and three-time batting champion, died inWorcester, Massachusetts,at the age of 84. Born on December 4, 1868, inWheeling, West Virginia,Burkett made his professional baseball debut in 1888 as a pitcher, winning 27 games for a minor league team in Pennsylvania.The next year, he posted a 39–6 record for a team in his native Worcesterbefore surfacing in theNational Leaguein 1890 with theNew York Giants,where he was turned into an outfielder.Afterwards, he joined theCleveland Spidersfrom 1891 to 1898. In 1899, Burkette was assigned to theSt. Louis Perfectos/Cardinals.He won three National League batting titles from 1895 to 1901, surpassing the.400 mark twice,hitting for the Spiders.405 and.410 in 1895 and 1896, respectively. In 1901, Burkett captured his third batting title with a.376 mark for the Cardinals, before finishing his 16-year career in theAmerican League.Burkett jumped to theSt. Louis Brownsin 1902, playing for them three years before ending his career with the1905 Boston Americans,who later became the Red Sox. Overall, Burkett compiled a lifetime batting average of.338 on the strength of 2,850hitsin 2,607 games, including a.415on-base percentage,320doublesand 1,720runs scored,while sharing withRogers HornsbyandTy Cobbthe record of hitting.400 or better the most times.He also earned a1916 World Series ringas acoachfor his former Giants team.

June

• June 7 –Bill Burns,73, left handed pitcher for five Major League Baseball teams in five seasons from 1908 to 1912, who infamously returned to the majors as one of the conspirators in the famousBlack Sox Scandal.
• June 11 –Tex Vache,64, fourth outfielder for the1925 Boston Red Sox.
• June 22 –Charlie Hemphill,77, outfielder who played for six teams over 11 seasons from 1899 to 1911, being also the firstOpening Dayright fielder inBoston Americans/Red Soxfranchise history inits 1901 season.

July

• July 5 –Frank McCue,54, third baseman who made two games appearances for the1922 Philadelphia Athletics.
• July 11 –Lew Wendell,61, catcher for theNew York GiantsandPhiladelphia Philliesover five seasons spanning 1915–1926.
• July 21 –Al Kellogg,66, pitcher for thePhiladelphia Athleticsduringtheir 1908 season.
• July 25 –Pat Hilly,66, right fielder for thePhiladelphia Philliesinits 1914 season.
• July 30 –Leon Chagnon,50, pitcher who played for thePittsburgh PiratesandNew York Giantsin a span of six seasons between 1929 and 1935.

August

• August 6 –Bill Phyle,78,two-way playerwhopitchedover twelve seasons from 1898 through 1999 with theChicago Orphansand for theNew York Giantsin 1901, before performing as athird basemanfor theSt. Louis Cardinalsin 1906, working later as anumpirein thePacific Coast League.
• August 7 –Abner Powell,98, 19th century pitcher who played in theUnion Associationfor theWashington Nationalsin 1884, playing later in theAmerican Associationfor theBaltimore OriolesandCincinnati Red Stockingsduring the 1886 season.
• August 9 –Joe Evans,56, third baseman and outfielder whose career included stints with theCleveland Indians,Washington SenatorsandSt. Louis Brownsin eleven seasons spanning 1911–1925, being also a member of the1920 World Series Cleveland champion team.
• August 16 –Ty Tyson,61, outfielder who played from 1926 through 1928 for theNew York GiantsandBrooklyn Robins.
• August 22 –Jim Tabor,36, slugging third baseman for theBoston Red SoxandPhiladelphia Philliesover nine seasons from 1938 to 1947; led the American League inassistsin 1939 andputoutsin 1942; collected fourhome runs,11runs batted inand 19total basesin a 1939doubleheaderagainst thePhiladelphia Athletics;three of his homers came in the second game, including a record-tying twogrand slamsin consecutive innings, while his 11 RBI is an American League record that remains intact as of 2019.
• August 25 –Charlie Maisel,63, catcher who played in 1915 for theBaltimore Terrapinsof the outlawFederal League.
• August 27 –Charlie Shields,73, pitcher who played in 1902 with theBaltimore OriolesandSt. Louis Brownsand for theSt. Louis Cardinalsin 1907.

September

• September 3 –Jack Pfiester,75, pitcher for thePittsburgh PiratesandChicago Cubsover eight seasons between 1903 and 1911, who won twoWorld Serieswith the Cubs in 1907–1908, led the National League with a 1.15earned run averagein 1907, winning 20 games in 1906 and posting a career record of 71-44, whose lifetime 2.02 ERA is the third best of all-time for MLB pitchers with at least 1,000innings of work.
• September 4 –Buck Herzog,53, versatile infielder who played from 1908 through 1920 with four National League teams and also managed theCincinnati Redsfrom 1914 to 1916, winning four NL pennants, while collecting 12 hits in the1912 World Seriesto set a series record since then tied and broken.
• September 4 –Roy Van Graflan,59, American League umpire from 1927 to 1933 who worked 1,034 AL games and two World Series; one of only six umpires who ever ejectedLou Gehrigfrom a game (July 1, 1929).
• September 11 –Bob Coulson,66, outfielder for theCincinnati Reds,Brooklyn Superbas/DodgersandPittsburgh Rebelsin part of three seasons spanning 1908–1914.
• September 13 –Wese Callahan,6s, shortstop for the1913 St. Louis Cardinals.
• September 15 –Seth Sigsby,79, 19th century pitcher who played in 1893 for theNew York Giants.
• September 18 –Chub Aubrey,72, shortstop who played for theBoston Beaneatersinits 1903 season.
• September 26 –Bill Cunningham,59, outfielder who played from 1921 through 1924 for theBoston BravesandNew York Giants,whose two-run single in the decisive game of the1922 World Seriessparked the Giants to a 5–3 victory over theNew York Yankeesat thePolo Groundsen route to the championship title.
• September 29 –Lefty Tyler,63, pitcher who played with theBoston Doves/Rustlers/Bravesclubs from 1910 to 1917 and for theChicago Cubsfrom 1918 to 1921, being also a member of the famousMiracle Braveswho swept the highly favoredPhiladelphia Athleticsin the1914 World Series.

October

• October 5 –Rags Faircloth,61, pitcher who made two appearances for thePhiladelphia Philliesin 1919.
• October 17 –Jim Delahanty,74, one of five Delahanty brothers to play in the majors, a fine defensive second baseman who had a 13-year career with eight teams spanning 1901–1915, while batting a solid.283/.357/.373/.730lineand 1,159hitsin 1,186 career games.

November

• November 3 –John Chapman,54, shortstop for the1924 Philadelphia Athletics.
• November 6 –Tom Dougherty,72, pitcher who made one-game relief appearance for theChicago White Soxin 1904, who is probably unique in Major League Baseball history for hisperfect1-0 winning record in a game where he faced the minimum six batters over two innings, without giving up arun,hitorwalkin his immaculate work.
• November 18 –Mike McCormick,71, third baseman for the1904 Brooklyn Superbas.
• November 19 –Guy Lacy,56, second baseman who played for theCleveland Indiansinits 1926 season.
• November 19 –Dutch Schesler,53, German pitcher who appeared in 17 games for thePhiladelphia Philliesin 1931.
• November 20 –Billy Maharg,72, professionalboxerthat achieved three distinct historical connections with Major League Baseball, 1) as a replacement player in the1912 Detroit Tigers' players strike,2) for a one-game stint with the1916 Philadelphia Phillies,and 3) because of his role in the1919 Chicago Black Sox Scandal.

December

• December 7 –Slats Jordan,75,utility manfor the1901–02 Baltimore Orioles.
• December 10 –Harry Armbruster,71, backup outfielder for thePhiladelphia Athleticsinits 1906 season.
• December 13 –Klondike Douglass,81, 19th century first baseman and catcher who played in the National League for theSt. Louis BrownsandPhiladelphia Philliesin a span of nine seasons from 1896 to 1904.
• December 15 –Ed Barrow,85, Hall of Fame executive and notable judge of talent, who discoveredHonus Wagner1896 and later convertedBabe Ruthfrom pitcher to outfielder, also signing contracts withLou Gehrig,Joe DiMaggio,Lefty Gomez,Tony LazzeriandRed Ruffing;as business/general manager and club president, oversaw the New York Yankees' dynasty that captured 14 American League pennants and 10 World Series championships from 1921 to 1945, including five Series sweeps; earlier, served as field manager of 1903–1904 Detroit Tigers and 1918–1920 Boston Red Sox, leading 1918 Bosox to world championship
• December 17 –Walt Devoy,68, multi-sport athlete who played right field for the1903 St. Louis Browns,playing also in theSt. Louis Soccer League,where he later was an executive for theBen Millers
• December 17 –Walt Devoy,68, multi-sport athlete who played right field for the1903 St. Louis Browns,playing also in theSt. Louis Soccer League,where he later was an executive for theBen Millers FC.
• December 17 –Lou McEvoy,51, who made 34 pitching appearances for theNew York Yankeesfrom 1931-32.
• December 24 –Pinch Thomas,65, backup catcher whose nickname reflects hispinch-hittingabilities, as he posted abatting averageof.419 (13-for-31) for the Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Indians from 1912 to 1921, while earning fourWorld Seriestitles with Boston (1912; 1915–16) and Cleveland (1920).
• December 25 –Patsy Donovan,88, Irish-American right fielder and manager who played for several teams over 17 years spanning 1890–1907, while managing five teams in 11 seasons from 1897 to 1911, collecting a.301 batting career average of.301 with 2,253hitsand 518stolen bases,and a managerial record of 684–879 (.438).

External links

• Baseball Reference – 1953 MLB season summary
• Baseball Reference – MLB Players born in 1953
• Baseball Reference – MLB Players died in 1953