Wayne Nordhagen
From BR Bullpen
Wayne Oren Nordhagen
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 2", Weight 205 lb.
- School Treasure Valley Community College
- Debut July 16, 1976
- Final Game May 30, 1983
- Born July 4, 1948 in Thief River Falls, MN USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Wayne Nordhagen had an eight-year career in the majors, mostly with the Chicago White Sox, hitting .282 lifetime.
He was drafted in the 7th round by the New York Yankees.
He was a long-time minor leaguer, playing almost nine full years in the minors before coming up with the White Sox. During his nine years in the minors, he hit .300 twice (both times in Triple A) and showed moderate power.
With the White Sox, however, he hit .300 three times in six years with them. He was a 28-year-old rookie in 1976, and the next year was part of the "South Side Hit Men" team that won 90 games.
Although his range as an outfielder was not great, his arm strength was noted. He was used 25 times as a catcher and twice as a pitcher. In 1979, he appeared in 5 games as a catcher and two as a pitcher; his ERA as a pitcher in 2 innings was 9.00.
He was a pinch-hitter and DH in 1982, and traded in mid-season from Toronto to Pittsburgh and then back again as the Pirates claimed Nordhagen, who had a stiff back during the one game he played for them, had a pre-existent injury. Whether or not true, the Blue Jays took him back.
In 1989, Wayne Nordhagen played for the Bradenton Explorers of the Senior Professional Baseball Association. He hit .310 with 8 homers and 42 RBI in 48 games for the club.
Nordhagen is the uncle of Kevin Millar.
