Zeb Eaton

Zebulon Vance Eaton (Red)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 10", Weight 185 lb.
• Debut April 19, 1944
• Final Game September 26, 1945
• Born February 2, 1920 in Cooleemee, NC USA
• Died December 17, 1989 in West Palm Beach, FL USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Zeb Eaton was a pitcher during his brief major league career, going 4-2 over 23 games over two seasons, but his only post-season appearance was as a pinch hitter in the 1945 World Series for the Detroit Tigers. He struck out in his only at bat. That same year, Eaton launched two pinch-hit home runs, tied for the most in a season by players whose primary position is pitcher. His pinch grand slam on July 15th was just the third recorded by a pitcher.

Eaton hit well in the minors and was an outfielder at least two seasons. With Birmingham in 1947 he hit .359 in 98 games. Joe Collins, who came up to play a decade as a position player with the New York Yankees, had a .360 average in 48 games.

Notable Achievement

• Won a World Series with the Detroit Tigers in 1945

Records Held

• Pinch-hit home runs, season, by a pitcher: 2 (1945), tied

Career Highlights

• Hit pinch grand slam for Detroit Tigers against New York Yankees on July 15, 1945.