Al Lakeman

From BR Bullpen

Albert Wesley Lakeman (Moose)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 2", Weight 195 lb.
• Debut April 19, 1942
• Final Game May 23, 1954
• Born December 31, 1918 in Cincinnati, OH USA
• Died May 25, 1976 in Spartanburg, SC USA

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[edit] Biographical Information

Al "Moose" Lakeman played nine seasons in the majors. He was mostly a catcher but sometimes appeared at first base and once came in as pitcher.

Lakeman was born on the last day of 1918 in Cincinnati, OH and attended high school there. He began in the minors in 1938 with Union City in the Cincinnati Reds organization. In all, Al played 16 years in the minors, with 13 different teams. He hit nearly 100 home runs in the minors with 56 triples.

Al came up to the majors at first in the war years (beginning in 1942) and stuck after the war. His most prominent year was 1945, when he was the regular catcher and had 277 plate appearances with 8 home runs and 4 triples. He was third on the team in homers and second in triples.

He was not in the majors in 1950-53 but came back for 5 games with the 1954 Tigers. His minor league career lasted through 1957, although by 1956 he was also the manager. He managed for 10 years in the minors.

Reported in TSN that he was inducted into the army during World War, II but I have learned from his daughter that he failed the induction examination and never went in the service.

Note from his daughter: While Dad was not allowed to go into service, he did make the Pacific Tour with other players. I have a picture of them getting on the airplane if you would like to use it.

After his playing career ended, Lakeman was a Boston Red Sox coach in 1963 and 1964 and again from 1967 to 1969. Lakeman also scouted for the Milwaukee Brewers 1971-1973.

[edit] Year-by-Year Managerial Record

[edit] Related Sites

Picture of Al Lakeman.

Another picture of Al Lakeman.