Jim Busby
From SoSH
| Born: | January 8, 1927 |
| Birthplace: | Kenedy, Texas |
| Hometown: | |
| Height: | 6' 1" |
| Weight: | 175 lbs |
| Bats: | Right |
| Throws: | Right |
| Drafted: | 1948: Amateur Free Agent by the Boston Red Sox |
| College: | Texas Christian University |
| High School: | |
| Other Teams: | Chicago White Sox 1950-52, '55 Washington Senators 1952-55 Cleveland Indians 1956-57 Baltimore Orioles '57-58, '60-61 Houston Colt .45's 1962 |
| Years with Boston: | 1959-1960 |
James Franklin "Jim" Busby (January 8, 1927 - July 8, 1996) was a speedy centerfielder signed by the Chicago White Sox in 1948. He appeared in 62 games for the Boston Red Sox in 1959 and 1960.
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Overall Career
Busby served three years in the Army during World War II before signing with the Chicago White Sox in 1948. In his first full season in 1951 Busby was selected to the American League All-Star team. He batted a career-high .312 for Washington in 1953 and led the league in putouts. The following season Busby appeared in an AL-high 155 games, before the White Sox reaquired him in a midseason trade in 1955.
The Red Sox acquired Busby in 1958 from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for Billy Klaus. He appeared in 61 games with Boston in 1959 in a backup role, and was released after appearing in just one game in 1960. He would eventually return to the Orioles and ended his career with Houston in 1962.
After his playing days ended, Busby was a coach with the Houston Astros, Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox, and Seattle Mariners.
Busby's Moment in the Sun
- In 1956 Busby became the first player to hit grand slams in back-to-back games since Jimmie Foxx in 1940. In doing so, Busby became just the fifth player in the twentieth century to achieve this feat.
Awards
- 1951 American League All-Star.
Trivia
- Played baseball and football at Texas Christian University and played in the 1945 Cotton Bowl.
- Cousin of former Kansas City Royals pitcher Steve Busby.
Transactions
- June 7, 1948: Signed by the Chicago White Sox as an amateur free agent.
- May 3, 1952: Traded by the Chicago White Sox with Mel Hoderlein to the Washington Senators for Sam Mele.
- June 7, 1955: Traded by the Washington Senators to the Chicago White Sox for Johnny Groth, Clint Courtney, and Bob Chakales.
- October 25, 1955: Traded by the Chicago White Sox with Chico Carrasquel to the Cleveland Indians for Larry Doby.
- June 13, 1957: Traded by the Cleveland Indians to the Baltimore Orioles for Dick Williams.
- December 15, 1958: Traded by the Baltimore Orioles to the Boston Red Sox for Billy Klaus.
- April 26, 1960: Released by the Boston Red Sox.
- June 13, 1960: Signed as a Free Agent with the Baltimore Orioles.
- October 13, 1960: Released by the Baltimore Orioles.
- January 19, 1961: Signed as a Free Agent with the Baltimore Orioles.
- October 9, 1961: Released by the Baltimore Orioles.
- Before 1962 Season: Signed as a Free Agent with the Houston Colt .45's.
External Links
- Baseball-Reference.com - Career Statistics and Analysis
