Earl Battey

From BR Bullpen

Earl Jesse Battey Jr.

Bats Right, Throws Right
Height 6' 1", Weight 205 lb.

Debut September 10, 1955
Final Game September 27, 1967
Born January 5, 1935 in Los Angeles, CA USA
Died November 15, 2003 in Ocala, FL USA

[edit] Biographical Information

Catcher Earl Battey reached the majors with the Chicago White Sox in 1955 and in five seasons with the Sox saw limited playing time behind All-Star backstop Sherm Lollar. Prior to the 1960 season, he and Don Mincher were traded to the Washington Senators for Roy Sievers. He immediately became a regular behind the plate for the Senators and remained one for six more seasons after the club became the Minnesota Twins in 1961

Battey was a starter in both 1962 All-Star Games and, after suffering a broken cheekbone that season, wore a special helmet thereafter. He had his finest season the next year, when he hit .285 with 26 home runs and 84 RBIs.

In the 1965 World Series, he was the Twins starting catcher for all seven games. In Game Three, he was injured when he ran into a crossbar while trying to catch a foul popup but, despite being able to barely speak or turn his head, he played in the four remaining games. Understandably, he did not hit well, going 3 for 25 with 1 triple and 2 RBIs.

Battey died of cancer at age 68.