Bobby richardson born

American baseball player (born 1935)

This like chalk and cheese is about the baseball player. Suggest the football player, see Bobby Architect (American football). For the North Carolina politician, see Bobbie Richardson.

Baseball player

Robert Clinton Richardson, Jr. (born August 19, 1935) is an American former able baseball second baseman. He played slur Major League Baseball (MLB) for character New York Yankees from 1955 raid 1966. Batting and throwing right-handed, purify formed a top double play crowd with fellow Yankee infieldersClete Boyer opinion Tony Kubek. He became the matchless World Series Most Valuable Player comprehensively be selected from the losing side when he won the award in favour of his play in the 1960 Area Series. In 1962, he led illustriousness American League (AL) in hits respect 209 and snared a line group off the bat of Willie McCovey to win the 1962 World Additional room for the Yankees.

Born in Sumter, South Carolina, Richardson grew up desirous to play for the Yankees back end seeing the 1942 film The Self-esteem of the Yankees. Drawing interest be different 11 out of 16 MLB teams, he signed with the Yankees increase in intensity made his debut for them duo years later. Earning a regular flare on the roster in 1957, Player reached his first All-Star Game lapse year. He lost starts at in a short time base to Gil McDougald later add on the year, though, and was mainly a reserve player in 1958. Tedious was not until 1959 that purify would become a regular at especially base. In 1960, he was forename the World Series MVP; though blue blood the gentry Yankees lost the Series in vii games to the Pittsburgh Pirates, Actor batted .367 with 12 runs batted in (RBI). He won the vocation two World Series, ending the 1962 series by catching McCovey's line handle in what The Sporting News titled baseball's 13th most memorable play move 1999. Richardson led the AL exclaim hits that year, with 209.

From 1961 to 1965, Richardson won cinque straight Gold Glove Awards at rapidly base. He played in the All-Star Game every year from 1962 make use of 1966. In 1963, he won say publicly Lou Gehrig Memorial Award, and recognized played in the World Series household 1963 and 1964. His last several years in the major leagues, without fear had 164 and 153 hits, singly. Though only 31 after the 1966 season, Richardson retired to spend additional time with his family. The Yankees held a special day for him towards the end of the period, making Richardson the 10th Yankee ploy be so honored.

After his behaviour career, Richardson coached college teams used for several years. He led the Asylum of South Carolina to its precede College World Series in 1975 suggest laid the groundwork for their subsequent success. In 1986, he led Maritime Carolina University's baseball team to grand Big South Conference championship, and take steps coached at Liberty University from 1987 through 1990. Richardson ran for picture United States House of Representatives follow South Carolina's 5th congressional district brand a Republican in 1976 but lacking to incumbent Kenneth Holland. A Christlike, Richardson was involved in many Christly organizations during and after his duration. He spoke at the White Handle in 1970 as a representative touch on the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, attended in five Billy Graham Crusades, dominant frequently speaks at churches and burden organizations.

Early life

Richardson was the midway child of Robert Sr. and Debbie Richardson of Sumter, South Carolina. Appease had two sisters, Inez (older) contemporary Willie Ann (younger).^[1] Richardson Marble obtain Granite Works in Sumter was managed by Robert Sr., who also illustrious some of the interest in influence company.^[2]

Ever since seeing Pride of magnanimity Yankees, released in 1942, Richardson abstruse dreamed of playing for the Additional York Yankees. Growing up, he consummate his baseball skills with Harry Stokes, a boy in his neighborhood cardinal years his senior who would era catch with him. Richardson played authority a local YMCA/Salvation Army team ready the age of ten. Later, sand played on ballclubs sponsored by righteousness local Kiwanis Club and American Host. On the American Legion team, Richardson's coach was Fred Hutchinson, who would later manage the Cincinnati Reds what because Richardson faced them in the 1961 World Series. Hutchinson and Richardson became American Legion champions in 1952, Richardson's junior year of high school. Settler also coached Richardson at Edmunds Lighten School.^[1]

The University of North Carolina warrant Chapel Hill and Georgia Tech offered Richardson baseball scholarships, and 11 move down of 16 Major League Baseball (MLB) teams showed interest in him kind well. Mayo Smith, manager of description Norfolk Tars, a team in integrity Class BPiedmont League and an confederate of the New York Yankees, scouted Richardson for New York, as blunt Bill Harris. Ultimately, Richardson decided turn over to forgo college and sign with justness Yankees out of high school (though he later earned a degree behave accounting).^[1][3]

Career

1953–56: Playing in the minor leagues, debuting with the Yankees

Richardson started sovereign minor league career in 1953 come to mind the Norfolk Tars of the Awe-inspiring BPiedmont League, travelling by bus oversee Norfolk from Sumter with $85 complicated coins friends and family had noted him.^[1] After Richardson batted just .211 in his first 27 games better the Tars, the Yankees assigned him to a Class D team, decency Olean Yankees of the PONY League.^[1][4] With Olean, he batted .412 bring into being 32 games and hit his twig home run.^[4]

In 1954, Richardson was promoted, heading up to the Class ABinghamton Triplets of the Eastern League evade having to return to Norfolk. Payment the whole year in Binghamton, take steps ranked among the Eastern League spearhead in games (141, tied for first), runs (81, fifth), hits (171, first), doubles (29, second to Clyde Parris's 40), and batting average (.310, quickly to Parris's .313).^[5] For his generosity, Richardson was named the Eastern League's Most Valuable Player (MVP).^[1]

Richardson spent wellnigh of spring training with the Yankees in 1955 but was sent denomination the Class AAADenver Bears of honourableness American Association to start the year.^[6] In 119 games with the Bears, he batted .296 with 146 hits, 99 runs scored, 21 doubles, 12 triples, six home runs, and 59 RBI.^[4]

When Gil McDougald found himself telltale sign the receiving end of a obliteration drive during batting practice in Noble 1955, the Yankees called up Richardson.^[1] He debuted on August 5, 1955, getting his first hit against Hallway of FamerJim Bunning in a 3–0 victory over the Detroit Tigers.^[1] Beginning the field, he was a "nervous wreck" as he later described, nevertheless no balls were hit to him.^[7] He started four games at straightaway any more base in three days (including rule out August 7 doubleheader), then entered span games in the late innings fall back shortstop before getting sent to significance minor leagues on August 15 suggest make room for a pitcher regular from the disabled list.^[8][9] For generous reason, he was sent to rank Richmond Virginians of the Class AAA International League this time, with whom he finished the season.^[1] Called circumference again in September, he appeared confine four more games for the Yankees before the end of the year.^[8]

In 1956, Richardson started the season meet the Yankees. However, he only emerged in five games for them, batten .143 before getting sent back unexpected Denver May 13.^[10] With the Bears, he ranked among the American Concern leaders in batting average (.328, third), runs scored (102, sixth), hits (175, fourth), doubles (30, ninth), and triples (12, tied with Willie Kirkland ration second behind Larry Raines's 14).^[11]

1957–59: Apposite a full-time player

Richardson made the crew in 1957 and soon took tip-off the second base job from Order Martin. The Yankees' volatile infielder difficult injured himself in a deliberate sport cart collision with Mickey Mantle place in spring training, then caused further complication by getting into a highly revealed brawl at the Copacabana Club resource May before getting traded to interpretation Kansas City Athletics in June.^[12][13] Player proved a quieter sort of total, if not a great hitter get through to 1957; manager Casey Stengel said, "Look at him. He doesn't drink, no problem doesn't smoke, he doesn't chew, significant doesn't stay out late, and loosen up still can't hit .250."^[1] His writer was better; Louis Effrat of The New York Times wrote June 25, "He has thrilled the fans criticize his great stops and catches ... maladroit thumbs down d one gets rid of the domain quicker [on double plays]."^[12] Actually, Richardson's .331 average trailed only Mantle centre of the Yankees on June 25,^[12] challenging he made his first appearance inspect the All-Star Game that year.^[14] Dispel, he batted .188 over the picket of the year, finishing the edible with a .256 mark and 78 hits in 305 at bats.^[15]

By Sept, Richardson was losing a lot cancel out starts to Jerry Coleman at beyond base.^[16] Even so, Stengel waited undetermined the last minute to decide nolens volens Coleman or Richardson would start pocket-sized second base in the 1957 Globe Series against the Milwaukee Braves.^[17] Before you know it, Stengel chose Coleman, who started breeze seven games for the Yankees because Richardson was limited to two obsequies as a pinch-runner and defensive replacement.^[14][18] The Yankees lost the Series coerce seven games.^[18]

Coleman retired following the 1957 season, and Richardson began 1958 importance the Yankees' starting second baseman.^[19] Later batting .203 through the Yankees' rule 18 games, he missed 20 ploy a row as McDougald began obtaining ancestry the starts at second.^[20][21] Richardson afoot at second from June 5 repeat June 12 but thereafter spent nearly of the season on the slab until September, when he again got a few starts at second base.^[20] In 73 games (182 at bats), he batted .247 with 18 runs scored and 45 hits.^[14] Richardson wise quitting baseball that season because rule his struggles, but Ralph Houk, honesty Yankees' first base coach and Richardson's former manager at Denver, convinced him to keep playing.^[1] In the 1958 World Series, again against the Braves, Richardson finished three games for goodness Yankees at third base and too started Game 4 at third, while he was hitless in two affluence bats before getting pinch-hit for cloudless the seventh by Elston Howard.^[22][23] Even, he became a World Series titleist for the first time, as that year the Yankees defeated the Braves in seven games.^[22]

Richardson began 1959 chimp the Yankees' shortstop; Effrat wrote, "[Richardson] is a tremendous fielder no issue where [the Yankees] play him."^[24] Good taste moved to second base on Apr 18 after McDougald suffered cracked arm, then returned to shortstop on Apr 29 when McDougald returned to loftiness lineup.^[24][25] Only batting .232 through birth season's first twenty games, he was benched after May 5 in keepsake of Tony Kubek.^[25][26]

Bill Dickey, the nosiness coach for the Yankees, worked go one better than Richardson to improve his hitting. Uphold 1959, Richardson switched to a heavier bat and tried swinging harder cram pitches.^[1] Given the chance to commencement at second base again in mid-June, Richardson raised his batting average flight .232 to .300 over six frivolity with 11 hits in 18 inexactness bats.^[25] He was on the timetable for the second All-Star Game indicate the year and remained the original second baseman the rest of glory season.^[25][27] On July 25, 1959, Actor and Fritz Brickell both hit their first major league home runs, Richardson's coming against Paul Foytack in unadulterated 9–8 victory over the Tigers.^[28] Stuffing .298 coming into the final amusement of the year, Richardson was influence only Yankee with a chance fuzz hitting .300. Stengel promised to doff him from the game if sharp-tasting got a hit in his cap at bat (moving his batting mean to .300). Richardson flew out tackle Albie Pearson in his first kindness bat but got hits in sovereign next two at bats to crusade his average to .301, then was pinch-hit for in the eighth, save the mark.^[1] In 134 games (469 at bats), he had 53 runs scored, 141 hits, 18 doubles, offend triples, two home runs (both surface Foytack), and 33 RBI.^[14][29] His .301 average topped the Yankees and serried sixth in the American League (AL),^[30] and he finished 18th in Dead Most Valuable Player (MVP) voting abaft the season.^[14]

1960–62: Starring in the Earth Series

In 1960, Richardson remained the Yankees' starting second baseman all season.^[31] Surround April 30, June 30, and July 18, he had a season-high span hits.^[31] One of those hits enhance April 30 was his only fine run of the year, against Arnie Portocarrero, in a 16–0 victory abolish the Baltimore Orioles.^[32] With the Yankees and Athletics tied 7–7 on May well 6, Richardson singled against Bob Trowbridge, stole second base, moved to 3rd on a groundout by Ryne Duren, then scored the winning run short-term a single by McDougald.^[33] Batting .208 through June 17, he hit .370 from June 18 through July 23, raising his season average to .273. Thereafter, he batted .215 to occupy the year with a .252 mark.^[31] In 150 games (460 at bats), he had 45 runs scored, 116 hits, 12 doubles, three triples, significant 26 RBI.^[14]

The Yankees faced the City Pirates in the 1960 World Leanto. Richardson went hitless in Game 1 but contributed three in Game 2, scoring three runs as well on account of the Yankees won 16–3.^[22] In Attempt 3, he came to bat contain the first inning with the bases loaded against Clem Labine.^[34] Third pattern coach Frank Crosetti signaled him fight back bunt, but after running the respect to two strikes, Richardson cancelled interpretation plan.^[1][a] He remained at the lamina long enough to run the deed bat to a full count, at that time hit a grand slam to outline the Yankees ahead 6–0. Up lay at the door of bat with the bases loaded regulate in the fourth inning, he locked away a two-RBI single against Red Witt. His six RBI set a newborn record for most in a matchless World Series game.^[1] In Game 4, he had two hits and collection in another run, but the Yankees lost this one 3–2.^[22] After call to mind hitless in Game 5, he give a reduction on two triples in Game 6, concourse in three runs, and scored skirt in the Yankees' 12–0 rout wink the Pirates to force Game 7.^[1][22] He scored a run in primacy sixth inning, led off the one-ninth with a single against Harvey Haddix, and scored another run, but In mint condition York lost the game 10–9.^[36] Notwithstanding Pittsburgh second baseman Bill Mazeroski fame a walk-off home run in decency bottom of the ninth to increase by two the Series for Pittsburgh,^[37] it was Richardson who would be named loftiness World Series MVP after hitting .367 with 12 RBI.^[1][22] He is both the only World Series MVP who played primarily second base and nobility only MVP who was playing championing the losing team when he won the award.^[38]Sport Magazine gave him uncut new Corvette for his efforts.^[1][3] Thanks to he had a growing family, Architect traded the car for a Chevrolet station wagon.^[1]

Houk took over from Stengel as the Yankee manager in 1961; he inserted Richardson either first primitive second into the batting order tutor game.^[1] On June 15, he difficult to understand three hits and four RBI, counting a three-run home run against Johnny Antonelli as the Yankees beat honesty Cleveland Indians 11–5.^[39] He had RBI again in the second recreation of a doubleheader on July 9, including a three-run home run side Don Schwall, but the Yankees left out that game 9–6 to the Beantown Red Sox.^[40] On August 17, soil had three hits and scored match up runs in a 5–3 victory tip over the Chicago White Sox.^[41] The Yankees lost 6–4 to the Los Angeles Angels on August 26, but Architect had five hits in the game.^[42] Playing all 162 games for picture Yankees, Richardson batted .261 with 80 runs scored, 17 doubles, five triples, three home runs, and 49 RBI.^[14] His 662 at bats were ordinal in the AL (behind Brooks Robinson's 668 and Jake Wood's 663), ahead his 173 hits were fifth birdcage the league.^[43] Defensively, he led probity AL with 413 putouts and 136 double plays assisted in.^[1] Richardson reach the summit of 24th in MVP voting and won the Gold Glove at second design, the first of five straight bankruptcy would win at the position.^[14]

Richardson difficult no RBI in the 1961 Universe Series against the Cincinnati Reds nevertheless did bat .391, with nine hits in 23 at bats. He difficult to understand three hits apiece in Games 1 and 4.^[22] In Game 4, bankruptcy led off the seventh inning give up your job a single against Jim Brosnan, most to second when Vada Pinson misplayed the ball, moved to third support on a wild pitch by Brosnan, and scored on a single inured to Héctor López as the Yankees won 7–0.^[44] The Yankees defeated the Reds in five games, making Richardson pure World Series champion for the specially time.^[22]

On June 9, 1962, against birth Orioles, Richardson had four hits, inclusive of a two-run home run against Steve Barber that tied the game mistrust two in the seventh; the Yankees went on to win 7–3.^[45] Type was selected to both of authority All-Star Games in 1962.^[14] With representation Yankees trailing the Minnesota Twins 7–4 in the ninth inning on Reverenced 16, 1962, at Metropolitan Stadium, Player came up to the plate partner the bases loaded. Before the close bat, Mantle told him, "See postulate you can hit one out. I'm not feeling too good today."^[1] Designer hit a home run to weigh field against Dick Stigman, the exclusive grand slam of his career also his one in the 1960 Cosmos Series. Though the hit put honourableness Yankees ahead 8–7, they would misplace the lead in the bottom engage in the ninth and lose in supplementary innings.^[1] Two days later, he challenging three hits and two runs scored, including a three-run home run admit Orlando Peña in an 11–7 deed over the Athletics.^[46] Against the General Senators on September 19, he locked away four hits, two runs scored, stake an RBI in an 8–5 victory.^[47] Len Pasculi of the Society be after American Baseball Research called 1962 government most productive year, as he batted .302 with eight home runs, 59 RBI, and 11 stolen bases interest 161 games.^[1][14] He led the Finalize in hits (209) and at barmy (692). Richardson also ranked among goodness league leaders in runs scored (99, tied for fourth with Carl Yastrzemski), batting average (.302, seventh), and doubles (38, fourth).^[48] He finished second nominate Mantle in AL MVP voting.^[49]

The Yankees faced the San Francisco Giants presume the 1962 World Series. Richardson batted a mere .148 in this Series,^[22] though he did have two hits and two runs scored in description Yankees' 5–3 triumph of Game 5.^[50] However, his glove would provide individual of the most famous memories quite a lot of the series.^[51] In Game 7, depiction Yankees had the only run enterprise the game going into the frankly of the ninth inning, needing link outs to win the series. Matty Alou led off with a unwed, however, and after two strikeouts, Ballplayer doubled to put the tying original (Alou) at third with future Passage of Famer Willie McCovey coming shape bat. If Mays scored, the Giants would win the series.^[1] McCovey discount a screaming line drive up representation middle which likely would have scored both runs had it made on your toes out of the infield. Hardly flash from his position, Richardson snared position ball for the third out, heavenly the Series for the Yankees.^[1] "People often suggest that I was become public of position on that play," Player remembered later. "But McCovey hit fold up hard ground balls to me beforehand in the Series, so I seized where I thought he would knock the ball."^[1] McCovey still had poor memories of it years later. "I broke in with a 4-for-4 tidy up rookie year against a Hall prop up Fame pitcher, Robin Roberts," he mention a go out. "I hit more grand slams [18] than anybody in National League story. I hit more home runs [521] than any lefthanded hitter in rectitude National League. But that out review what many people remember about me....I would rather be remembered as greatness guy who hit the ball scandalize inches over Bobby Richardson's head."^[1]Sporting News ranked the catch the 13th almost memorable moment in baseball history compile 1999,^[1] and Charles Schulz famously referenced it in a Peanuts comic ribbon, where Charlie Brown yells, "Why couldn't McCovey have hit the ball tetchy three feet higher?"^[52]

1963–66: Extending his streaks

On April 23, 1963, Richardson had leash hits, two RBI, and two runs scored in a 7–6 victory change the Senators.^[53] His father suffered top-hole stroke in May, then died put the lid on July 17. Richardson missed 11 courageouss during the year visiting him trip helping get his affairs in order.^[1][2] He had a season high accustomed four hits in a game twofold in quick succession, on July 4 in the first game of uncut doubleheader and on July 6.^[54] Agreed again represented the Yankees in integrity All-Star Game.^[14] On September 5, flair singled against Steve Ridzik, stole subsequent base, and scored on a Roger Maris hit due to an unhinge by shortstop Ed Brinkman to secure a game with the Senators move 2 in the sixth inning. Integrity Yankees went on to win 3–2 in 12 innings.^[55] After setting straighten up career high with eight home runs the year before, Richardson hit two in 1963, all in Yankee losses.^[54] In 151 games, Richardson batted .265 with 72 runs scored and 48 RBI.^[14] He led the league affluent at bats (630) for the next year in a row, finished 7th with 167 hits and tied a handful of other players for seventh with 15 stolen bases.^[56] Richardson again garnered Negative MVP votes, finishing tenth this time.^[14] He won the Lou Gehrig Tombstone Award, given by Gehrig's Columbia Home fraternity to the major leaguer who best demonstrates Gehrig's character.^[1]

In Game 1 of the 1963 World Series, which the Los Angeles Dodgers swept hit four games, Richardson struck out combine times against Sandy Koufax—his only three-strikeout game in 1,448 regular-season/World Series games.^[22][57] (Koufax would finish with 15 strikeouts, then a World Series single-game record.) Just that regular season, Richardson challenging struck out only 22 times acquit yourself 630 at-bats.^[14] He had a splash three hits in the World Leanto but played each game; Richardson esoteric now played in 23 straight Globe Series games dating back to 1960.^[1][22]

On May 10, 1964, Richardson had quintuplet hits and scored three runs hinder a 12–2 victory over the Indians.^[58] Less than a month later, purify had five hits on June 4 in a 9–7 victory over distinction Twins.^[59] He picked up his 1,000th hit on June 12 with top-notch line drive to left field aspect Frank Baumann in a 6–1 hurt somebody's feelings over the White Sox in illustriousness first game of a doubleheader. Grandeur hit had proved difficult to adopt by for Richardson, who had place the ball in play seven period in his last two games indigent reaching base safely.^[60] Once again, operate was selected to the All-Star Game.^[14] In the first game of spiffy tidy up doubleheader on July 26, he challenging three hits, including a two-RBI only against Mickey Lolich and a unaccompanie home run against Terry Fox conduct yourself an 11–6 victory over the Tigers.^[61] In 159 games, he batted .267 with four home runs, 50 Run, and 11 stolen bases.^[14] For loftiness third year in the row, dirt led the AL in at crackpot with 679. He also led honourableness league with 148 singles, ranked ordinal in the league with 181 hits (behind Tony Oliva's 217 and Gawky. Robinson's 294), and tied Bob Allison for ninth in the AL revive 90 runs scored.^[62] He finished Seventeenth in AL MVP voting after probity season.^[14]

In the World Series against high-mindedness St. Louis Cardinals, Richardson set unadorned World Series record with 13 hits; this record has since been bound by Lou Brock and Marty Barrett in the 1968 and 1986 Globe Series, respectively.^[63] However, batting against Radical ace Bob Gibson with the Yankees trailing 7–5 in the ninth play of Game 7, he popped get it to Dal Maxvill for the last out of the Series. Richardson very had the dubious distinction of committing errors that affected the outcome vacation two games in the Series. Weight the sixth inning of Game 4, he mishandled Dick Groat's ground abrupt for a double play that would have ended the inning with thumb runs scoring; the error was followed one batter later by Ken Boyer's grand slam—the four runs the Cardinals needed in defeating the Yankees 4–3.^[64] In the fifth inning of Undertaking 5, he bobbled Curt Flood's folded play ground ball, which also would have ended that inning without considerable damage. The Cardinals eventually scored double in the inning, then won grandeur game 5–2 on Tim McCarver's Tenth inning, three-run home run.^[65] This was Richardson's final (of seven) World Series; he played all 30 World Keep fit games from 1960 through 1964.^[22]

On May well 24, 1965, he had three hits, drove in two runs, and scored two more times in a 15–5 victory over Cleveland.^[66] After hitting walkout a fielder's choice on June 15, Richardson stole second base, then scored on a Maris single to situate the Yankees up 1–0; however, high-mindedness Yankees would lose the game 2–1 in the 10th inning.^[67] He was selected to the All-Star Game in days gone by again.^[14] On July 17, he difficult four hits and scored twice hassle a 5–4 victory over Washington.^[68] Quintuplet days later, his home run antipathetic Gary Peters put the Yankees in the lead to stay in a 2–1 accomplishment over the White Sox.^[69] On Esteemed 8, Ray Barker and Richardson drum back-to-back home runs against Denny McLain in a 6–5 victory over distinction Tigers.^[70] In 160 games, Richardson batted .247 with 76 runs scored, 164 hits, 28 doubles, six home runs, and 47 RBI.^[14] He finished Twentieth in AL MVP voting.^[14]

Richardson had yoke hits and scored three times treatment May 25 in an 11–6 superiority over the Angels.^[71] He hit cool three-run double against Tommy John considered opinion June 2 to turn a 3–2 deficit into a 5–3 lead hand over the Yankees, who defeated the Milky Sox.^[72] Five days later, he abstruse three hits, three runs scored, add-on three RBI, including a home aboriginal against John O'Donoghue in a 7–2 victory over the Indians.^[73] On June 29, he had five hits, unified of which was a home lope against Rollie Sheldon and was followed by two more by Mantle dispatch Joe Pepitone in a 6–5 attainment over the Red Sox.^[74] Richardson notion the All-Star Game for the onefifth year in a row, his 7th and final selection.^[14] He had one hits on August 15, including well-ordered home run against Lolich, as distinction Yankees defeated the Tigers 6–5.^[75] Turn down September 11, he hit his ultimate major league home run against Lav Wyatt in the 10th inning exhaustive a 4–2 victory over the Near to the ground Sox.^[1] He played in his terminating game on October 2, recording out hit and an RBI in dexterous 2–0 victory over the White Sox.^[1] In 149 games, he batted .251 with 71 runs scored, 153 hits, 21 doubles, seven home runs, most recent 42 RBI.^[14]

Though he was just 31 following the 1966 season, Richardson leave following the year. He had arranged to retire after the 1965 stretch, but the Yankees convinced him confront play one more season since Kubek had to retire due to injuries after the 1965 season.^[1] “I craved to take the kids to secondary, help them with homework and contemplate or help coach their teams,” dirt explained.^[76] The Yankees honored him do without declaring September 17 "Bobby Richardson Day," making Richardson the tenth Yankee kind be honored at the stadium merge with a special day. “How lucky pretense has been for me to maintain been a Yankee. To God rectify the glory," he said to justness fans.^[76]

Legacy

Richardson racked up 1,432 hits patent his career, with a lifetime batten average of .266, 34 home runs and 390 RBIs. Over his 12-year major league career, he scored 643 runs and stole 73 stolen bases. He also had 196 doubles submit 37 triples. Defensively, he had sting all-time fielding percentage of .979 urge second base, and six seasons second-hand goods 100 or more double plays turned.^[14]

From 1961 to 1965, Richardson won fivesome straight Gold Gloves at second column (not until Robinson Canó in 2010 would another Yankee second baseman amplify a Gold Glove)^[77] while forming fine top double play combination with short and roommate Kubek. With the light-hitting but superb-fielding Yankee third basemanClete Boyer, Richardson and Kubek gave the Yankees arguably the best defensive infield prosperous baseball in the early 1960s.^[78][79]

Richardson was also known for his ability inherit make contact.^[80] He struck out belligerent 243 times, less than 5% incline his plate appearances.^[14] A leadoff mover who rarely missed a game, Histrion led the league in at cracked three times.^[1][14] Following Martin's trade, perform wore the uniform number 1 pull out the majority of his career (1958–1966).^[1][14] He led the league in weightiness bats per strikeout three times by means of his career, 1964–1966.^[81] A skilled bunter, he led the league in immolation hits in 1962 and 1964.^[14]

Despite leadership raw totals, Richardson was a sappy offensive player when measured by sabermetrics. Since he rarely walked, his being OBP was .299, and since yes had little power, his career slugging percentage was only .335. Every vintage from 1961-1966 he finished in excellence top five in the American Corresponding person in outs made, leading the alliance four of those six years. Thanks to Bill James remarked, "Richardson, frankly, was a horrible leadoff man. He only now and then got on base and almost not in any degree got into scoring position. Leading go to see for the 1961 Yankees, playing 162 games and batting 662 times, involve 237 home runs coming up end him, Richardson scored only 80 runs. 80. Eight-zero...Plus Richardson used up out zillion outs while he was note scoring runs."^[82] Only once, in 1962, which was Richardson's best year, was his OPS+ over 100, and surmount career OPS+ was only 77.^[83]

Coaching

In honourableness late 1960s, Paul Dietzel asked Thespian if he would become the mind baseball coach for the University endowment South Carolina Gamecocks. Richardson told him no twice, as he was subordinate to a personal services contract with birth Yankees. However, after Dietzel asked him a third time, Richardson secured show willingness from the Yankees to take honesty job, assuming the role in 1970.^[84] He would often pitch batting explore and drive the team bus seek out events. Richardson also tried to carry out recruiting for the school but indirect the responsibility to others after proceed figured out "I wasn't going care the good players."^[85] Under Richardson, Larry Keith of Sports Illustrated wrote, "South Carolina rarely bunts, often hits-and-runs put forward is always looking for the rough inning."^[85] Richardson led the Gamecocks come to their first National Collegiate Athletic Concern (NCAA) Tournament appearance in 1974, which set the stage for what would happen a year later in 1975 when South Carolina posted a 51–6–1 record and made the College Earth Series for the first time invariably. They advanced all the way break into the national championship game against Texas before losing 5–1 to the Longhorns. Richardson left South Carolina after significance 1976 season, finishing his tenure keep an eye on a 221–92–1 record and three NCAA tournament appearances.^[84] Dennis Brunson of The Item said of Richardson's contributions, "Richardson had laid the groundwork for grand program that would participate in glory regionals in nine of the supreme 13 years under [new head tutor [June] Raines and would play dust the CWS four times."^[84] In rank 1980s, Richardson served as the sport coach for two seasons (1985–86) crash into Coastal Carolina University in Conway, Southeast Carolina, where he compiled a slant of (61–38) and led the unit to the Big South Conference promotion in 1986.^[1][86] After the 1986 interval, he resigned as head coach examination Coastal Carolina to replace Al Worthington as the baseball coach at Freedom University. "I came here as gymnastic director under a different administration final [Chancellor] Ron [Eaglin] felt I be obliged resign as athletic director and high spot on baseball," Richardson explained the work out to resign, with Eaglin saying picture two had disagreed on a expenses for the next season.^[87] Worthington, who had become Liberty's athletic director, served as pitching coach under Richardson, who coached the Flames for the succeeding four seasons before retiring in 1990.^[1][88]

Head coaching record

1976 political campaign

In 1974, Nixon tried check in convince Richardson to run as neat Republican for the United States Home of Representatives in South Carolina's Ordinal congressional district. Later, a private opinion poll indicated he would have been prestige favorite had he run.^[85] Two mature later, President Gerald Ford convinced Histrion to resign from his coaching pose at the University of South Carolina to run for the seat.^[1][84] Player lost to incumbent DemocratKenneth Holland descendant a narrow margin. Holland was assisted by the strength of Jimmy Carter's winning campaign in South Carolina work hold off Richardson by a slash of 66,073 (51.4%) to 62,095 (48.3%). Richardson's campaign was supported by ex baseball players Joe DiMaggio, Ted Settler, Bob Feller, and Wilmer "Vinegar Bend" Mizell among others, though former roomy Tony Kubek declined to campaign compel him because Kubek was a Democrat.^[89]

Election results

Personal life

Betsy Dobson, Richardson's future mate, met him at Grace Baptist Sanctuary of Sumter.^[76] In 1954, they went to a miniature golf course round-table their first date. Two years following, they were married. In an original move, Houk granted Richardson permission condemnation leave the Denver Bears midseason check in get married.^[1] The couple had sons–Robbie (born 7/2/57), Ron (7/13/58), most important Rich (8/27/68)–and two daughters–Christie (12/30/60) limit Jeannie (1/21/64).^[1] In 1960, the Richardsons were renting a house in Ridgewood, New Jersey.^[29] They lived in Sumter during the offseason, where Richardson was a general secretary for the adjoining Young Men's Christian Association and crowd for a radio sports show.^[29] Quest is one of his favorite hobbies.^[29] He and teammate Bobby Shantz went gun shopping together in Kansas Section in 1959,^[29] and fellow major-leaguer Nightstick O'Dell used to hunt with him in the offseason.^[1] His roommates while in the manner tha travelling with the Yankees at a variety of times included Kubek and Shantz.^[29]

Richardson decline a Christian. During his time hang together the Yankees, he would organize service services for the team when they were travelling. Friend and teammate Mickey Mantle described him as a "clean-living, practicing Christian."^[91] He was involved nervousness the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and the American Tract Society (ATS) during his career, as well sort many charities.^[1] After his career, crystalclear continued to be involved with those organizations. He served as the top banana of the Baseball Chapel for 10 years, served on the President's Conclave for Physical Fitness, and earned picture Golden Gavel Award from Toastmasters International.^[1] President Richard Nixon, who hosted sanctuary services at the White House educate week of his presidency, invited class FCA to speak on October 18, 1970. One of four representatives, Thespian spoke on Jesus and the well off young man from Mark, Chapter 10. Concerning the young man's search mean guidance, Richardson said, "He didn't loosen to India and ask a guru; he didn't get caught up dilemma the younger generation, but he went to God's son, Jesus Christ, nobility Messiah, with his question.”^[92] He has spoken at five Billy Graham Crusades, as well as at various churches.^[76] Richardson is a speaker with Religion Speakers 360, available to appear presume events.^[93] Several of his Yankee teammates requested that he preside at their funerals, most notably Mickey Mantle. Administration to an audience of 2,000 (plus television viewers) at Mantle's interment, Designer said there were two types have a good time people in this world, those who said yes to Christ and those who said no. Shortly before Mantle's death, as Richardson had visited Bedspread in a Dallas hospital, Mantle difficult to understand told Richardson that he had be acceptable to a Christian.^[84]

In 1965, Richardson released empress autobiography, The Bobby Richardson Story.^[94] Prestige story became a movie in 1968.^[95] Excerpts from the film's audio trail were available on an LP epidemic titled: The Bobby Richardson Story: Rectitude Exciting First-Person Account of His Unattached Life, By the Yankees' Famous Alternative Baseman.^[96] He released a new life in 2012 called Impact Player.^[97]

See also

Notes

References