Jerry Schoonmaker
From BR Bullpen
Jerald Lee Schoonmaker
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 5' 11", Weight 190 lb.
- School University of Missouri
- Debut June 11, 1955
- Final Game September 29, 1957
- Born December 14, 1933 in Seymour, MO USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Outfielder Jerry Schoonmaker an All-American for the 1954 College World Series Champion University of Missouri, Where he was also captain of the football team was signed by the Washington Senators to a bonus contract on May 29, 1955 and ten days later made his first plate appearance for the major league club. Jerry would hit only .152 in 20 games for the Washington team in 1955 amd would spend the 1956 season in the United States Army during the Korean War.
Schoonmaker was back for the 1957 season with the Senators, appearing in 30 games and hitting but .087. Washington, now out from under the two year bonus rule could send him to the minors for seasoning, which they did. Jerry would spend 124 games with the Charlotte Hornets of the South Atlantic League and 15 outings with the Chattanooga Lookouts of the Southern Association. Jerry would hit a combined .222 for the season and at age 24 would take leave of the game.
When asked if the loss of vision in an eye from an industrial accident while working in an off season construction job ended his playing days, Jerry responed, "I couldn't hit the curve ball with two eyes let alone with only one." After baseball, Jerry resided in Munster, IN, and was employed by the Ford Motor Company.
