Dale Long
From BR Bullpen
1955 Topps
Richard Dale Long
- Bats Left, Throws Left
- Height 6' 4", Weight 210 lb.
- Debut April 21, 1951
- Final Game July 18, 1963
- Born February 6, 1926 in Springfield, MO USA
- Died January 27, 1991 in Palm Coast, FL USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Dale Long is best remembered for two notable achievements. En route to his best year as a power hitter, he set a record by homering in eight consecutive games for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1956. That year he hit 27 home runs and had 91 RBIs.
His record was tied by Don Mattingly in 1987 and Ken Griffey Jr. in 1993.
Long's other notoriety is this: He was one of the last left-handed catchers in the Major Leagues. He caught in two games for the Chicago Cubs in 1958. Mike Squires and Benny Distefano have followed suit.
He umpired five years in the minor leagues and later was a field representative for the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues - the governing body of minor league baseball.
[edit] Notable Achievements
- 1953 MVP Pacific Coast League Hollywood Stars
- NL All-Star (1956)
- NL Triples Leader (1955)
- 20-Home Run Seasons: 3 (1956-1958)
- Won a World Series with the New York Yankees in 1962
