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Bobby Richardson

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This article is about the baseball player. For the football player, seeBobby Richardson (American football).For the North Carolina politician, seeBobbie Richardson.

Bobby Richardson
Richardson, circa 1964–66
Second baseman
Born:(1935-08-19)August 19, 1935(age 88)
Sumter, South Carolina,U.S.
Batted:Right
Threw:Right
MLB debut
August 5, 1955, for the New York Yankees
Last MLB appearance
October 2, 1966, for the New York Yankees
MLB statistics
Batting average.266
Home runs34
Runs batted in390
Teams
Career highlights and awards

Robert Clinton Richardson, Jr.(born August 19, 1935) is an American former professional baseballsecond baseman.He played inMajor League Baseball(MLB) for theNew York Yankeesfrom 1955 through 1966. Batting and throwing right-handed, he formed a top double play combination with fellow YankeeinfieldersClete BoyerandTony Kubek.He became the onlyWorld Series Most Valuable Playerto be selected from the losing team when he won the award for his play in the1960 World Series.In 1962, he led theAmerican League(AL) inhitswith 209 and snared aline driveoff the bat ofWillie McCoveyto win the1962 World Seriesfor the Yankees.

Born inSumter, South Carolina,Richardson grew up desiring to play for the Yankees after seeing the 1942 filmThe Pride of the Yankees.Drawing interest from 11 out of 16 MLB teams, he signed with the Yankees and made his debut for them two years later. Earning a regular spot on the roster in 1957, Richardson reached his firstAll-Star Gamethat year. He lost starts at second base toGil McDougaldlater in the year, though, and was mostly a reserve player in 1958. It was not until 1959 that he would become a regular at second base. In 1960, he was named the World Series MVP; though the Yankees lost the Series in seven games to thePittsburgh Pirates,Richardsonbatted.367 with 12runs batted in(RBI). He won the next two World Series, ending the 1962 series by catching McCovey's line drive in whatThe Sporting Newscalled baseball's 13th most memorable play in 1999. Richardson led the AL in hits that year, with 209.

From 1961 to 1965, Richardson won five straightGold Glove Awardsat second base. He played in the All-Star Game every year from 1962 through 1966. In 1963, he won theLou Gehrig Memorial Award,and he played in the World Series in 1963 and 1964. His last two years in the major leagues, he had 164 and 153 hits, respectively. Though only 31 after the 1966 season, Richardson retired to spend more time with his family. The Yankees held a special day for him towards the end of the season, making Richardson the 10th Yankee to be so honored.

After his playing career, Richardsoncoachedcollege teams for several years. He led theUniversity of South Carolinato its firstCollege World Seriesin 1975 and laid the groundwork for their later success. In 1986, he ledCoastal Carolina University's baseball team to aBig South Conferencechampionship, and he coached atLiberty Universityfrom 1987 through 1990. Richardson ran for theUnited States House of RepresentativesinSouth Carolina's 5th congressional districtas aRepublicanin 1976 but lost to incumbentKenneth Holland.AChristian,Richardson was involved in many Christian organizations during and after his career. He spoke at theWhite Housein 1970 as a representative of theFellowship of Christian Athletes,appeared in fiveBilly Graham Crusades,and frequently speaks at churches and other organizations.

Early life

[edit]

Richardson was the middle child of Robert Sr. and Debbie Richardson ofSumter, South Carolina.He had two sisters, Inez (older) and Willie Ann (younger).[1]Richardson Marble and Granite Works in Sumter was managed by Robert Sr., who also owned some of the interest in the company.[2]

Ever since seeingPride of the Yankees,released in 1942, Richardson had dreamed of playing for theNew York Yankees.Growing up, he practiced his baseball skills with Harry Stokes, a boy in his neighborhood seven years his senior who would play catch with him. Richardson played on a localYMCA/Salvation Armyteam at the age of ten. Later, he played on ballclubs sponsored by the localKiwanis ClubandAmerican Legion.On the American Legion team, Richardson's coach wasFred Hutchinson,who would later manage theCincinnati Redswhen Richardson faced them in the1961 World Series.Hutchinson and Richardson became American Legion champions in 1952, Richardson's junior year of high school. Hutchinson also coached Richardson at Edmunds High School.[1]

TheUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillandGeorgia Techoffered Richardson baseball scholarships, and 11 out of 16Major League Baseball(MLB) teams showed interest in him as well.Mayo Smith,manager of theNorfolk Tars,a team in theClass BPiedmont Leagueand an affiliate of theNew York Yankees,scouted Richardson for New York, as didBill Harris.Ultimately, Richardson decided to forgo college and sign with the Yankees out of high school (though he later earned a degree in accounting).[1][3]

Career

[edit]

1953-56: Playing in the minor leagues, debuting with the Yankees

[edit]

Richardson started hisminor leaguecareer in 1953 with theNorfolk Tarsof theClass BPiedmont League,travelling by bus to Norfolk from Sumter with $85 in coins friends and family had given him.[1]After Richardsonbattedjust.211 in his first 27 games with the Tars, the Yankees assigned him to aClass Dteam, theOlean Yankeesof thePONY League.[1][4]With Olean, he batted.412 in 32 games and hit his firsthome run.[4]

In 1954, Richardson was promoted, heading up to theClass ABinghamton Tripletsof theEastern Leaguewithout having to return to Norfolk. Spending the whole year in Binghamton, he ranked among the Eastern League leaders in games (141, tied for first),runs(81, fifth),hits(171, first),doubles(29, second to Clyde Parris's 40), and batting average (.310, second to Parris's.313).[5]For his contributions, Richardson was named the Eastern League'sMost Valuable Player(MVP).[1]

Richardson spent most ofspring trainingwith the Yankees in 1955 but was sent to theClass AAADenver Bearsof theAmerican Associationto start the year.[6]In 119 games with the Bears, he batted.296 with 146 hits, 99 runs scored, 21 doubles, 12triples,six home runs, and 59 RBI.[4]

WhenGil McDougaldfound himself on the receiving end of aline driveduringbatting practicein August 1955, the Yankees called up Richardson.[1]He debuted on August 5, 1955, getting his first hit againstHall of FamerJim Bunningin a 3–0 victory over theDetroit Tigers.[1]In the field, he was a "nervous wreck" as he later described, but no balls were hit to him.[7]He started four games at second base in three days (including an August 7doubleheader), then entered three games in the late innings atshortstopbefore getting sent to the minor leagues on August 15 to make room for apitcherreturning from thedisabled list.[8][9]For some reason, he was sent to theRichmond Virginiansof the Class AAAInternational Leaguethis time, with whom he finished the season.[1]Called up again inSeptember,he appeared in four more games for the Yankees before the end of the year.[8]

In 1956, Richardson started the season with the Yankees. However, he only appeared in five games for them, batting.143 before getting sent back to Denver May 13.[10]With the Bears, he ranked among the American Association leaders in batting average (.328, third), runs scored (102, sixth), hits (175, fourth), doubles (30, ninth), and triples (12, tied withWillie Kirklandfor second behindLarry Raines's 14).[11]

1957-59: Becoming a full-time player

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Richardson made the team in 1957 and soon took over the second base job fromBilly Martin.The Yankees' volatile infielder had injured himself in a deliberate golf cart collision withMickey Mantlein spring training, then caused further trouble by getting into a highly publicized brawl at theCopacabana Clubin May before getting traded to theKansas City Athleticsin June.[12][13]Richardson proved a quieter sort of character, if not a great hitter in 1957; managerCasey Stengelsaid, "Look at him. He doesn't drink, he doesn't smoke, he doesn't chew, he doesn't stay out late, and he still can't hit.250."[1]His fielding was better;Louis EffratofThe New York Timeswrote June 25, "He has thrilled the fans with his great stops and catches... no one gets rid of the ball quicker [ondouble plays]. "[12]Actually, Richardson's.331 average trailed only Mantle among the Yankees on June 25,[12]and he made his first appearance in theAll-Star Gamethat year.[14]However, he batted.188 over the rest of the year, finishing the season with a.256 mark and 78 hits in 305at bats.[15]

By September, Richardson was losing a lot of starts toJerry Colemanat second base.[16]Even so, Stengel waited until the last minute to decide whether Coleman or Richardson would start at second base in the1957 World Seriesagainst theMilwaukee Braves.[17]Ultimately, Stengel chose Coleman, who started all seven games for the Yankees as Richardson was limited to two appearances as apinch-runneranddefensive replacement.[14][18]The Yankees lost the Series in seven games.[18]

Coleman retired following the 1957 season, and Richardson began 1958 as the Yankees' starting second baseman.[19]After batting.203 through the Yankees' first 18 games, he missed 20 in a row as McDougald began getting the starts at second.[20][21]Richardson started at second from June 5 through June 12 but thereafter spent most of the season on the bench until September, when he again got a few starts at second base.[20]In 73 games (182 at bats), he batted.247 with 18 runs scored and 45 hits.[14]Richardson considered quitting baseball that season because of his struggles, butRalph Houk,the Yankees' first base coach and Richardson's former manager at Denver, convinced him to keep playing.[1]In the1958 World Series,again against the Braves, Richardson finished three games for the Yankees atthird baseand also started Game 4 at third, though he was hitless in two at bats before getting pinch-hit for in the seventh byElston Howard.[22][23]However, he became a World Series champion for the first time, as this year the Yankees defeated the Braves in seven games.[22]

Richardson began 1959 as the Yankees' shortstop; Effrat wrote, "[Richardson] is a tremendous fielder no matter where [the Yankees] play him."[24]He moved to second base on April 18 after McDougald suffered cracked knuckles, then returned to shortstop on April 29 when McDougald returned to the lineup.[24][25]Only batting.232 through the season's first twenty games, he was benched after May 5 in favor ofTony Kubek.[25][26]

Bill Dickey,thehitting coachfor the Yankees, worked with Richardson to improve his hitting. In 1959, Richardson switched to a heavier bat and tried swinging harder at pitches.[1]Given the chance to start at second base again in mid-June, Richardson raised his batting average from.232 to.300 over six games with 11 hits in 18 at bats.[25]He was on the roster for thesecond All-Star Gameof the year and remained the starting second baseman the rest of the season.[25][27]On July 25, 1959, Richardson andFritz Brickellboth hit their first major league home runs, Richardson's coming againstPaul Foytackin a 9–8 victory over the Tigers.[28]Batting.298 coming into the final game of the year, Richardson was the only Yankee with a chance at hitting.300. Stengel promised to remove him from the game if he got a hit in his first at bat (moving his batting average to.300). Richardson flew out toAlbie Pearsonin his first at bat but got hits in his next two at bats to move his average to.301, then was pinch-hit for in the eighth, preserving the mark.[1]In 134 games (469 at bats), he had 53 runs scored, 141 hits, 18 doubles, six triples, two home runs (both against Foytack), and 33 RBI.[14][29]His.301 average topped the Yankees and ranked sixth in theAmerican League(AL),[30]and he finished 18th in ALMost Valuable Player (MVP)voting after the season.[14]

1960-62: Starring in the World Series

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In 1960, Richardson remained the Yankees' starting second baseman all season.[31]On April 30, June 30, and July 18, he had a season-high three hits.[31]One of those hits on April 30 was his only home run of the year, againstArnie Portocarrero,in a 16–0 victory over theBaltimore Orioles.[32]With the Yankees and Athletics tied 7–7 on May 6, Richardson singled againstBob Trowbridge,stole second base, moved to third on a groundout byRyne Duren,then scored the winning run on a single by McDougald.[33]Batting.208 through June 17, he hit.370 from June 18 through July 23, raising his season average to.273. Thereafter, he batted.215 to finish the year with a.252 mark.[31]In 150 games (460 at bats), he had 45 runs scored, 116 hits, 12 doubles, three triples, and 26 RBI.[14]

The Yankees faced thePittsburgh Piratesin the1960 World Series.Richardson went hitless in Game 1 but contributed three in Game 2, scoring three runs as well as the Yankees won 16–3.[22]In Game 3, he came to bat in the first inning with the bases loaded againstClem Labine.[34]Third base coachFrank Crosettisignaled him tobunt,but after running the count to two strikes, Richardson cancelled the plan.[1][a]He remained at the plate long enough to run the at bat to afull count,then hit agrand slamto put the Yankees ahead 6–0. Up to bat with the bases loaded again in the fourth inning, he had a two-RBI single againstRed Witt.His six RBI set a new record for most in a single World Series game.[1]In Game 4, he had two hits and drove in another run, but the Yankees lost this one 3–2.[22]After going hitless in Game 5, he hit two triples in Game 6, drove in three runs, and scored one in the Yankees' 12–0 rout of the Pirates to force Game 7.[1][22]He scored a run in the sixth inning, led off the ninth with a single againstHarvey Haddix,and scored another run, but New York lost the game 10–9.[36]Though Pittsburgh second basemanBill Mazeroskihit awalk-off home runin the bottom of the ninth to win the Series for Pittsburgh,[37]it was Richardson who would be named theWorld Series MVPafter hitting.367 with 12 RBI.[1][22]He is both the only World Series MVP who played primarily second base and the only MVP who was playing for the losing team when he won the award.[38]SportMagazine gave him a new Corvette for his efforts.[1][3]Since he had a growing family, Richardson traded the car for a Chevrolet station wagon.[1]

Houk took over from Stengel as the Yankee manager in 1961; he inserted Richardson either first or second into thebatting ordereach game.[1]On June 15, he had three hits and four RBI, including a three-run home run againstJohnny Antonellias the Yankees beat theCleveland Indians11–5.[39]He had four RBI again in the second game of a doubleheader on July 9, including a three-run home run againstDon Schwall,but the Yankees lost that game 9–6 to theBoston Red Sox.[40]On August 17, he had three hits and scored three runs in a 5–3 victory over theChicago White Sox.[41]The Yankees lost 6–4 to theLos Angeles Angelson August 26, but Richardson had five hits in the game.[42]Playing all 162 games for the Yankees, Richardson batted.261 with 80 runs scored, 17 doubles, five triples, three home runs, and 49 RBI.[14]His 662 at bats were third in the AL (behindBrooks Robinson's 668 andJake Wood's 663), and his 173 hits were fifth in the league.[43]Defensively, he led the AL with 413putoutsand 136 double plays assisted in.[1]Richardson finished 24th in MVP voting and won theGold Glove at second base,the first of five straight he would win at the position.[14]

Richardson had no RBI in the1961 World Seriesagainst theCincinnati Redsbut did bat.391, with nine hits in 23 at bats. He had three hits apiece in Games 1 and 4.[22]In Game 4, he led off the seventh inning with a single againstJim Brosnan,advanced to second whenVada Pinsonmisplayed the ball, moved to third base on awild pitchby Brosnan, and scored on a single byHéctor Lópezas the Yankees won 7–0.[44]The Yankees defeated the Reds in five games, making Richardson a World Series champion for the second time.[22]

On June 9, 1962, against the Orioles, Richardson had four hits, including a two-run home run againstSteve Barberthat tied the game at two in the seventh; the Yankees went on to win 7–3.[45]He was selected to both of the All-Star Games in 1962.[14]With the Yankees trailing theMinnesota Twins7–4 in the ninth inning on August 16, 1962, atMetropolitan Stadium,Richardson came up to the plate with the bases loaded. Before the at bat, Mantle told him, "See if you can hit one out. I'm not feeling too good today."[1]Richardson hit a home run to left field againstDick Stigman,the only grand slam of his career besides his one in the 1960 World Series. Though the hit put the Yankees ahead 8–7, they would lose the lead in the bottom of the ninth and lose inextra innings.[1]Two days later, he had three hits and two runs scored, including a three-run home run againstOrlando Peñain an 11–7 victory over the Athletics.[46]Against theWashington Senatorson September 19, he had four hits, two runs scored, and an RBI in an 8–5 victory.[47]Len Pasculi of theSociety for American Baseball Researchcalled 1962 his most productive year, as he batted.302 with eight home runs, 59 RBI, and 11 stolen bases in 161 games.[1][14]He led the AL in hits (209) and at bats (692). Richardson also ranked among the league leaders in runs scored (99, tied for fourth withCarl Yastrzemski), batting average (.302, seventh), and doubles (38, fourth).[48]He finished second to Mantle in AL MVP voting.[49]

The Yankees faced theSan Francisco Giantsin the1962 World Series.Richardson batted a mere.148 in this Series,[22]though he did have two hits and two runs scored in the Yankees' 5–3 triumph of Game 5.[50]However, his glove would provide one of the most famous memories of the series.[51]In Game 7, the Yankees had the only run of the game going into the bottom of the ninth inning, needing three outs to win the series.Matty Alouled off with a single, however, and after two strikeouts, Mays doubled to put the tying run (Alou) at third with future Hall of FamerWillie McCoveycoming to bat. If Mays scored, the Giants would win the series.[1]McCovey hit a screaming line drive up the middle which likely would have scored both runs had it made it out of the infield. Hardly moving from his position, Richardson snared the ball for the third out, winning the Series for the Yankees.[1]"People often suggest that I was out of position on that play," Richardson remembered later. "But McCovey hit two hard ground balls to me earlier in the Series, so I played where I thought he would hit the ball."[1]McCovey still had bad memories of it years later. "I broke in with a 4-for-4 my rookie year against a Hall of Fame pitcher,Robin Roberts,"he recalled." I hit more grand slams [18] than anybody inNational Leaguehistory. I hit more home runs [521] than any lefthanded hitter in the National League. But that out is what many people remember about me....I would rather be remembered as the guy who hit the ball six inches over Bobby Richardson's head. "[1]Sporting Newsranked the catch the 13th most memorable moment in baseball history in 1999,[1]andCharles Schulzfamously referenced it in aPeanutscomic strip, whereCharlie Brownyells, "Why couldn't McCovey have hit the ball just three feet higher?"[52]

1963-66: Extending his streaks

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Richardson in 1963.

On April 23, 1963, Richardson had three hits, two RBI, and two runs scored in a 7–6 victory over the Senators.[53]His father suffered a stroke in May, then died on July 17. Richardson missed 11 games during the year visiting him and helping get his affairs in order.[1][2]He had a season high of four hits in a game twice in quick succession, on July 4 in the first game of a doubleheader and on July 6.[54]He again represented the Yankees in theAll-Star Game.[14]On September 5, he singled againstSteve Ridzik,stole second base, and scored on aRoger Marishit due to an error by shortstopEd Brinkmanto tie a game with the Senators at 2 in the sixth inning. The Yankees went on to win 3–2 in 12 innings.[55]After setting a career high with eight home runs the year before, Richardson hit three in 1963, all in Yankee losses.[54]In 151 games, Richardson batted.265 with 72 runs scored and 48 RBI.[14]He led the league in at bats (630) for the second year in a row, finished seventh with 167 hits and tied three other players for seventh with 15 stolen bases.[56]Richardson again garnered AL MVP votes, finishing tenth this time.[14]He won theLou Gehrig Memorial Award,given by Gehrig'sColumbia Universityfraternity to themajor leaguerwho best demonstrates Gehrig's character.[1]

In Game 1 of the1963 World Series,which theLos Angeles Dodgersswept in four games, Richardson struck out three times againstSandy Koufax—his only three-strikeout game in 1,448 regular-season/World Series games.[22][57](Koufax would finish with 15 strikeouts, then a World Series single-game record.) Just that regular season, Richardson had struck out only 22 times in 630 at-bats.[14]He had a mere three hits in the World Series but played each game; Richardson had now played in 23 straight World Series games dating back to 1960.[1][22]

On May 10, 1964, Richardson had five hits and scored three runs in a 12–2 victory over the Indians.[58]Less than a month later, he had five hits on June 4 in a 9–7 victory over the Twins.[59]He picked up his 1,000th hit on June 12 with aline driveto left field againstFrank Baumannin a 6–1 victory over the White Sox in the first game of a doubleheader. The hit had proved difficult to come by for Richardson, who had put the ball in play seven times in his last two games without reaching base safely.[60]Once again, he was selected to theAll-Star Game.[14]In the first game of a doubleheader on July 26, he had three hits, including a two-RBI single againstMickey Lolichand a solo home run againstTerry Foxin an 11–6 victory over the Tigers.[61]In 159 games, he batted.267 with four home runs, 50 RBI, and 11 stolen bases.[14]For the third year in the row, he led the AL in at bats with 679. He also led the league with 148 singles, ranked third in the league with 181 hits (behindTony Oliva's 217 and B. Robinson's 294), and tiedBob Allisonfor ninth in the AL with 90 runs scored.[62]He finished 17th in AL MVP voting after the season.[14]

In theWorld Seriesagainst theSt. Louis Cardinals,Richardson set a World Series record with 13 hits; this record has since been tied byLou BrockandMarty Barrettin the1968and1986 World Series,respectively.[63]However, batting against Cardinal aceBob Gibsonwith the Yankees trailing 7–5 in the ninth inning of Game 7, he popped out toDal Maxvillfor the final out of the Series. Richardson also had the dubious distinction of committing errors that affected the outcome of two games in the Series. In the sixth inning of Game 4, he mishandledDick Groat's ground ball for a double play that would have ended the inning with no runs scoring; the error was followed one batter later byKen Boyer's grand slam—the four runs the Cardinals needed in defeating the Yankees 4–3.[64]In the fifth inning of Game 5, he bobbledCurt Flood's double play ground ball, which also would have ended that inning without any damage. The Cardinals eventually scored twice in the inning, then won the game 5–2 onTim McCarver's 10th inning, three-run home run.[65]This was Richardson's final (of seven) World Series; he played all 30 World Series games from 1960 through 1964.[22]

On May 24, 1965, he had three hits, drove in two runs, and scored two more times in a 15–5 victory over Cleveland.[66]After hitting into afielder's choiceon June 15, Richardson stole second base, then scored on a Maris single to put the Yankees up 1–0; however, the Yankees would lose the game 2–1 in the 10th inning.[67]He was selected to theAll-Star Gameonce again.[14]On July 17, he had four hits and scored twice in a 5–4 victory over Washington.[68]Five days later, his home run againstGary Petersput the Yankees ahead to stay in a 2–1 victory over the White Sox.[69]On August 8,Ray Barkerand Richardson hit back-to-back home runs againstDenny McLainin a 6–5 victory over the Tigers.[70]In 160 games, Richardson batted.247 with 76 runs scored, 164 hits, 28 doubles, six home runs, and 47 RBI.[14]He finished 20th in AL MVP voting.[14]

Richardson had three hits and scored three times on May 25 in an 11–6 victory over the Angels.[71]He hit a three-run double againstTommy Johnon June 2 to turn a 3–2 deficit into a 5–3 lead for the Yankees, who defeated the White Sox.[72]Five days later, he had three hits, three runs scored, and three RBI, including a home run againstJohn O'Donoghuein a 7–2 victory over the Indians.[73]On June 29, he had five hits, one of which was a home run againstRollie Sheldonand was followed by two more by Mantle andJoe Pepitonein a 6–5 victory over the Red Sox.[74]Richardson made theAll-Star Gamefor the fifth year in a row, his seventh and final selection.[14]He had four hits on August 15, including a home run against Lolich, as the Yankees defeated the Tigers 6–5.[75]On September 11, he hit his last major league home run againstJohn Wyattin the 10th inning of a 4–2 victory over the Red Sox.[1]He played in his final game on October 2, recording a hit and an RBI in a 2–0 victory over the White Sox.[1]In 149 games, he batted.251 with 71 runs scored, 153 hits, 21 doubles, seven home runs, and 42 RBI.[14]

Though he was just 31 following the 1966 season, Richardson retired following the year. He had decided to retire after the 1965 season, but the Yankees convinced him to play one more season since Kubek had to retire due to injuries after the 1965 season.[1]“I wanted to take the kids to school, help them with homework and watch or help coach their teams,” he explained.[76]The Yankees honored him by declaring September 17 "Bobby Richardson Day," making Richardson the tenth Yankee to be honored at the stadium with a special day. “How lucky it has been for me to have been a Yankee. To God be the glory," he said to the fans.[76]

Legacy

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Richardson racked up 1,432 hits in his career, with a lifetime batting average of.266, 34 home runs and 390 RBIs. Over his 12-year major league career, he scored 643 runs and stole 73 stolen bases. He also had 196 doubles and 37 triples. Defensively, he had an all-timefielding percentageof.979 at second base, and six seasons with 100 or more double plays turned.[14]

From 1961 to 1965, Richardson won five straight Gold Gloves at second base (not untilRobinson Canóin 2010 would another Yankee second baseman win a Gold Glove)[77]while forming a top double play combination with shortstop and roommate Kubek. With the light-hitting but superb-fielding Yankeethird basemanClete Boyer,Richardson and Kubek gave the Yankees arguably the best defensive infield in baseball in the early 1960s.[78][79]

Richardson was also known for his ability tomake contact.[80]He struck out just 243 times, less than 5% of hisplate appearances.[14]A leadoff hitter who rarely missed a game, Richardson led the league in at bats three times.[1][14]Following Martin's trade, he wore the uniform number 1 for the majority of his career (1958–1966).[1][14]He led the league in at bats per strikeout three times during his career, 1964–1966.[81]A skilled bunter, he led the league insacrifice hitsin 1962 and 1964.[14]

Despite the raw totals, Richardson was a poor offensive player when measured bysabermetrics.Since he rarely walked, his careerOBPwas.299, and since he had little power, his careerslugging percentagewas only.335. Every year from 1961-1966 he finished in the top five in the American League in outs made, leading the league four of those six years. AsBill Jamesremarked, "Richardson, frankly, was a horrible leadoff man. He rarely got on base and almost never got into scoring position. Leading off for the 1961 Yankees, playing 162 games and batting 662 times, with 237 home runs coming up behind him, Richardson scored only 80 runs. 80. Eight-zero...Plus Richardson used up a zillion outs while he was not scoring runs."[82]Only once, in 1962, which was Richardson's best year, was hisOPS+over 100, and his career OPS+ was only 77.[83]

Coaching

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In the late 1960s,Paul Dietzelasked Richardson if he would become the head baseball coach for theUniversity of South Carolina Gamecocks.Richardson told him no twice, as he was under a personal services contract with the Yankees. However, after Dietzel asked him a third time, Richardson secured permission from the Yankees to take the job, assuming the role in 1970.[84]He would often pitch batting practice and drive the team bus for events. Richardson also tried to perform recruiting for the school but delegated the responsibility to others after he figured out "I wasn't going after the good players."[85]Under Richardson, Larry Keith ofSports Illustratedwrote, "South Carolina rarely bunts, often hits-and-runs and is always looking for the big inning."[85]Richardson led the Gamecocks to their firstNational Collegiate Athletic Association(NCAA) Tournament appearance in 1974, which set the stage for what would happen a year later in 1975 when South Carolina posted a 51–6–1 record and made theCollege World Seriesfor the first time ever. They advanced all the way to the national championship game against Texas before losing 5–1 to the Longhorns. Richardson left South Carolina after the 1976 season, finishing his tenure with a 221–92–1 record and three NCAA tournament appearances.[84]Dennis Brunson ofThe Itemsaid of Richardson's contributions, "Richardson had laid the groundwork for a program that would participate in the regionals in nine of the first 13 years under [new head coach [June] Raines and would play in the CWS four times."[84]In the 1980s, Richardson served as the baseball coach for two seasons (1985–86) atCoastal Carolina UniversityinConway, South Carolina,where he compiled a record of (61–38) and led the team to theBig South Conferencechampionship in 1986.[1][86]After the 1986 season, he resigned as head coach at Coastal Carolina to replaceAl Worthingtonas the baseball coach atLiberty University."I came here as athletic director under a different administration and [Chancellor] Ron [Eaglin] felt I should resign as athletic director and focus on baseball," Richardson explained the decision to resign, with Eaglin saying the two had disagreed on a budget for the next season.[87]Worthington, who had become Liberty's athletic director, served as pitching coach under Richardson, who coached the Flames for the next four seasons before retiring in 1990.[1][88]

Head coaching record

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Statistics overview
Season Team Overall Conference Standing Postseason
South Carolina(Atlantic Coast Conference)(1970–1971)
1970 South Carolina 14–20 9–12 6th
1971 South Carolina 19–13 7–7 T–4th
South Carolina(NCAA Division I District 3 baseball independents)(1972–1976)
1972 South Carolina 25–16
1973 South Carolina 26–15–1
1974 South Carolina 48–8 NCAA Regional
1975 South Carolina 51–6–1 College World Series Runner-Up
1976 South Carolina 38–14 NCAA Regional
South Carolina: 220–92–2 (.705) –
Coastal Carolina(NAIABig South Conference)(1985–1985)
1985 Coastal Carolina 30–19 13–5 NAIA District
Coastal Carolina(Big South Conference)(1986–1986)
1986 Coastal Carolina 31–19 9–9 2nd
Coastal Carolina: 61–38 (.616) –
Liberty(NCAA Division I Independents)(1987–1990)
1987 Liberty 12–26
1988 Liberty 18–32
1989 Liberty 25–24
1990 Liberty 23–24–1
Liberty: 78–106–1 (.424) –
Total: 359–236–4 (.593)

National champion Postseason invitational champion
Conference regular season champion Conference regular season and conference tournament champion
Division regular season champion Division regular season and conference tournament champion
Conference tournament champion

1976 political campaign

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In 1974, Nixon tried to convince Richardson to run as aRepublicanfor theUnited States House of RepresentativesinSouth Carolina's 5th congressional district.Later, a private poll indicated he would have been the favorite had he run.[85]Two years later, PresidentGerald Fordconvinced Richardson to resign from his coaching position at the University of South Carolina to run for the seat.[1][84]Richardson lost to incumbentDemocratKenneth Hollandby a narrow margin. Holland was aided by the strength ofJimmy Carter's winning campaign in South Carolina to hold off Richardson by a tally of 66,073 (51.4%) to 62,095 (48.3%). Richardson's campaign was supported by former baseball playersJoe DiMaggio,Ted Williams,Bob Feller,andWilmer "Vinegar Bend" Mizellamong others, though former roommateTony Kubekdeclined to campaign for him because Kubek was a Democrat.[89]

Personal life

[edit]
Richardson (left) with North Carolina GovernorMoorein 1968

Betsy Dobson, Richardson's future spouse, met him at Grace Baptist Church of Sumter.[76]In 1954, they went to aminiature golfcourse on their first date. Two years later, they were married. In an unusual move, Houk granted Richardson permission to leave the Denver Bears midseason to get married.[1]The couple had three sons–Robbie (born 7/2/57), Ron (7/13/58), and Rich (8/27/68)–and two daughters–Christie (12/30/60) and Jeannie (1/21/64).[1]In 1960, the Richardsons were renting a house inRidgewood, New Jersey.[29]They lived in Sumter during the offseason, where Richardson was a general secretary for the localYoung Men's Christian Associationand host for a radio sports show.[29]Hunting is one of his favorite hobbies.[29]He and teammateBobby Shantzwent gun shopping together in Kansas City in 1959,[29]and fellow major-leaguerBilly O'Dellused to hunt with him in the offseason.[1]His roommates when travelling with the Yankees at various times included Kubek and Shantz.[29]

Richardson is aChristian.During his time with the Yankees, he would organize church services for the team when they were travelling. Friend and teammateMickey Mantledescribed him as a "clean-living, practicing Christian."[90]He was involved with theFellowship of Christian Athletes(FCA) and theAmerican Tract Society(ATS) during his career, as well as many charities.[1]After his career, he continued to be involved with those organizations. He served as the president of the Baseball Chapel for 10 years, served on the President's Council for Physical Fitness, and earned the Golden Gavel Award fromToastmasters International.[1]PresidentRichard Nixon,who hosted church services at theWhite Houseeach week of his presidency, invited the FCA to speak on October 18, 1970. One of four representatives, Richardson spoke onJesus and the rich young manfromMark,Chapter 10. Concerning the young man's search for guidance, Richardson said, "He didn't go to India and ask a guru; he didn't get caught up in the younger generation, but he went to God's son, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, with his question.”[91]He has spoken at fiveBilly Graham Crusades,as well as at various churches.[76]Richardson is a speaker with Christian Speakers 360, available to appear at events.[92]Several of his Yankee teammates requested that he preside at their funerals, most notably Mickey Mantle. Speaking to an audience of 2,000 (plus television viewers) at Mantle's interment, Richardson said there were two types of people in this world, those who said yes to Christ and those who said no. Shortly before Mantle's death, as Richardson had visited Mantle in a Dallas hospital, Mantle had told Richardson that he had become a Christian.[84]

In 1965, Richardson released his autobiography,The Bobby Richardson Story.[93]The story became a movie in 1968.[94]Excerpts from the film's audio track were available on anLP recordtitled:The Bobby Richardson Story: The Exciting First-Person Account of His Own Life, By the Yankees' Famous Second Baseman.[95]He released a new autobiography in 2012 calledImpact Player.[96]

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^A bunt that goesfoulwith two strikes is considered the third strike to complete the strikeout.[35]

References

[edit]
  1. ^abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyzaaabacadaeafagahaiajakalamanaoapaqarasPasculli, Len."Bobby Richardson".SABR.RetrievedApril 9,2020.
  2. ^ab"Bobby Richardson's Father, 57".The New York Times.June 18, 1963. p. 37.RetrievedApril 10,2020.
  3. ^abGlover, Emery (March 20, 2011)."T&D Sunday Conversation with...Bobby Richardson".The Times & Democrat.RetrievedApril 9,2020.
  4. ^abc"Bobby Richardson Minor League Statistics & History".Baseball-Reference.RetrievedApril 10,2020.
  5. ^"1954 Eastern League Batting Leaders".Baseball-Reference.RetrievedApril 9,2020.
  6. ^Effrat, Louis (April 1, 1955)."Five Players Cut From Squad Before Yanks Start Northward".The New York Times.p. 31.RetrievedApril 10,2020.
  7. ^Richardson, Bobby (1965).The Bobby Richardson Story.Old Tappan, New Jersey: Fleming H. Revell Co. p. 84.
  8. ^ab"Bobby Richardson 1955 Batting Gamelogs".Baseball-Reference.RetrievedApril 10,2020.
  9. ^Drebinger, John (August 16, 1955)."Home Runs Mark 5–4, 12–6 Triumphs".The New York Times.p. 26.RetrievedApril 10,2020.
  10. ^Effrat, Louis (May 14, 1956)."Bombers Win, 11–2; Drop 5–1 Decision".The New York Times.p. 42.RetrievedApril 10,2020.
  11. ^"1956 American Association Batting Leaders".Baseball-Reference.RetrievedApril 10,2020.
  12. ^abcEffrat, Louis (June 25, 1957)."Silence! Bobby Richardson at Work".The New York Times.p. 34.RetrievedApril 10,2020.
  13. ^Golenbock, Peter (2014) [1994].Wild, High and Tight: The Life and Death of Billy Martin(Kindle version of Antenna Books ebook ed.). New York: Antenna Books. pp. 2631–2644.ISBN978-1-62306-022-0.
  14. ^abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyzaa"Bobby Richardson Stats".Baseball-Reference.RetrievedApril 9,2020.
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  84. ^abcdeBrunson, Dennis (December 26, 2019)."The Sumter Item's Top 125 Sports Figures: No. 1 - Bobby Richardson".The Sumter Item.RetrievedApril 20,2020.
  85. ^abcKeith, Larry (June 2, 1975)."Nothin', could be finah".Sports Illustrated.RetrievedApril 17,2020.
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  88. ^Jacobs, Barry (March 21, 1989)."Building From the Ground Up; Falwell Sees Liberty as an Athletic Powerhouse".The New York Times.p. B9.RetrievedApril 20,2020.
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  90. ^Mantle, Mickey (1985).The Mick.New York: Jove Books. p. 220.ISBN978-0385194563.
  91. ^Fiske, Edward B. (August 8, 1971)."Praying With the President In the White House".The New York Times.p. SM-14.RetrievedApril 16,2020.
  92. ^"Bobby Richardson Speaker Information".Christian Speakers 360.Archived fromthe originalon August 13, 2016.RetrievedApril 16,2020.
  93. ^Richardson, Bobby."The Bobby Richardson Story".Goodreads.RetrievedApril 19,2020.
  94. ^"Bobby Richardson Film To Be Shown Saturday".The New York Times.April 24, 1968. p. 35.RetrievedApril 19,2020.
  95. ^Richardson, Bobby (author and narrator) (1968).The Bobby Richardson Story: The Exciting First-Person Account of His Own Life, By the Yankees' Famous Second Baseman(LP record). Waco, TX: Word Records Inc.
  96. ^Freeze, Trevor (January 9, 2012)."Bobby Richardson Leaving a Legacy".Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.RetrievedApril 19,2020.
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