Ralph Beard

From BR Bullpen

Ralph William Beard

Bats Right, Throws Right
Height 6' 5", Weight 200 lb.
School University of Cincinnati
Debut June 29, 1954
Final Game September 9, 1954
Born February 11, 1929 in Cincinnati, OH USA
Died February 10, 2003 in West Palm Beach, FL USA

[edit] Biographical Information

6'5" Ralph Beard was signed out of high school as an amatuer free agent in 1947 by the St. Louis Cardinals. He was sent to the Hamilton Cardinals of the Pony League where he went 3-6 for the year. He would spend seven more seasons in the minors before getting his look at the major league style. It was not to good a look and Ralph lost all four of his decisions in 14 games with the 1954 St. Louis Cardinals. Ralph would not be back to the majors.

Beard would spend ten years in professional baseball (1947-1956). He would appear in eight leagues with eleven teams putting together a fine minor league record. Ralph wound wind up winning 85 games and losing 83. He appeared in 318 games, pitching 1488 innings, giving up 1441 base hits, 666 base on balls with a 3.70 ERA.

Ralph's best year came in 1951 with the Allentown Cardinals of the Interstate League where he won 13 while losing only 4 and had a 1.69 ERA. 1956 would be his last active year in pro ball, finishing up with the Houston Buffaloes of the AA Texas League.

Ralph who worked in security at Pratt and Whitney, died on February 10, 2003, at age 73 in West Palm Beach, FL.