Willie Tasby
From SoSH
| Born: | January 8, 1933 |
| Birthplace: | Shreveport, Louisiana |
| Hometown: | |
| Height: | 5' 11" |
| Weight: | 175 lbs |
| Bats: | Right |
| Throws: | Right |
| Drafted: | |
| College: | |
| High School: | |
| Other Teams: | Baltimore Orioles 1958-1960 Washington Senators 1961-1962 Cleveland Indians 1962-1963 |
| Years with Boston: | 1960 |
Willie Tasby Jr. (born January 8, 1933 in Shreveport, Louisiana) was a center fielder for the Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Washington Senators and Cleveland Indians.
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Overall Career
Willie Tasby broke into the big leagues on September 9, 1958, with the Baltimore Orioles. In his first full season in the big leagues, he played in 142 games, batted .250 and set career highs in at-bats (505), hits (126) and triples (5). His performance earned him a selection to the inaugural Topps All-Star Rookie Team.
Tasby was traded to Boston in 1960, appearing in 105 games for the Red Sox. In 449 plate appearances, he hit a career-best .281 with 68 runs scored, 17 doubles, 51 walks, 7 home runs and 37 RBI. Following the season he was drafted by the Washington Senators in the 1960 expansion draft. He had his best season in 1961, where he lead the Senators in games played (141), at-bats (494), total bases (192), RBI (63) slugging percentage (.389) and OPS (.719). He also set a career high in home runs (17).
After 11 games in 1962, Tasby was traded by the Senators to the Cleveland Indians for Steve Hamilton and Don Rudolph. He retired from baseball following the 1963 season at the age of 30.
Tasby's Moments in the Sun
- On July 10, 1960, Tasby helps the Red Sox complete a three-game sweep of the New York Yankees when he goes 5-for-5, with a home run and 4 RBI. The Sox are also aided by a Vic Wertz grand slam (off Whitey Ford) and Ted Williams' 1800th RBI.
- Homered in both games of a June 18, 1961 double header against the Red Sox while playing for the Washington Senators.
Trivia
- To earn extra money, Tasby played in the Cuban League in 1958-60.
- Once played in the Baltimore outfield with no shoes, afraid that lightning would be attracted to his metal cleats.
- Scored the final run at Washington's Griffith Stadium on September 21, 1961
- Made the out before Ted Williams hit his 521st home run in his final career at-bat. [1]
Awards
- 1959 Topps All-Star Rookie Team
Transactions
- Before 1950 Season: Signed by the St. Louis Browns as an amateur free agent.
- June 9, 1960: Traded by the Baltimore Orioles to the Boston Red Sox for Gene Stephens.
- December 14, 1960: Drafted by the Washington Senators from the Boston Red Sox in the 1960 expansion draft.
- May 3, 1962: Traded by the Washington Senators to the Cleveland Indians for Steve Hamilton and Don Rudolph.
External Links
- Baseball-Reference.com - Career Statistics and Analysis
