Chet Trail facts for kids

Chester Borner Trail (born January 19, 1944) is an American who used to play professional baseball. He was an infielder, playing positions like second baseman and shortstop. Chet is known as a "phantom ballplayer" because he was on a Major League Baseball (MLB) team's official roster but never actually played in a game. He was even eligible to play for the New York Yankees in the 1964 World Series. After his baseball career, he became a clergyman.

Chet Trail's Early Life and Sports Talent

Chet Trail grew up in Toledo, Ohio. He went to Libbey High School and was a fantastic athlete. He excelled in baseball, basketball, and tennis. After high school, Ohio State University wanted him to play college basketball. However, Chet chose Bowling Green State University instead. They offered him a scholarship to play college baseball, which was his passion.

Why Chet Chose Baseball

Chet was very tall, about 6 feet. But he felt he was too short to play professional basketball. So, he decided to focus on baseball. The New York Yankees started watching him closely. On July 1, 1962, Chet signed with the Yankees. He reportedly received a large signing bonus of $43,000. This was part of a special "bonus rule" for young players.

Chet Trail's Baseball Career

Chet began his professional baseball journey in 1963. He played for the Fort Lauderdale Yankees, a minor league team. He had a batting average of .260 that year.

Playing for the Yankees' Minor League Teams

In 1964, Chet played for the Greensboro Yankees in the Carolina League. His batting average was .257. He also played in the Florida Instructional League. That same year, the Yankees made him eligible for their 1964 World Series roster. This was because of the "bonus rule." It meant he was counted as part of the main team's 25-man roster, even though he played in the minor leagues. But Chet didn't get to play in any World Series games.

In 1965, Chet returned to Greensboro. He had a great season, batting .276. He also hit 22 home runs and had 89 runs batted in. The next year, 1966, he started with the Toledo Mud Hens. This was a higher-level minor league team. However, he found it hard to get into the starting lineup. So, he was sent back to Greensboro.

Moving to Other Teams

In 1967, Chet played for two different teams. He played for the Binghamton Triplets and the Syracuse Chiefs. On December 15, 1967, the Yankees traded Chet to the Baltimore Orioles. This trade helped complete an earlier deal between the two teams.

Chet continued to play baseball until the end of the 1969 season. He retired without ever playing in a major league game.

Unique Baseball Record

Chet Trail holds a unique record. He is the only player ever to be on a World Series eligibility list without playing in a single major league game. There have been a few other unusual cases:

• Bug Holliday made his major league debut in the postseason in 1885.
• Adalberto Mondesí played his first major league game in the World Series in 2015.
• Mark Kiger only played in major league games during the postseason in 2006.

Chet Trail's Life After Baseball

Chet's father, Eddie, was also a baseball player. He played in the Ohio-Indiana Negro League. Chet was one of ten children in his family.

While playing baseball, Chet also took classes at Bowling Green State University. After he stopped playing baseball, he worked in insurance and investments. He also coached basketball at Sylvania Southview High School. Later in life, Chet became a pastor and then a bishop. He worked at Grace Temple Church of God in Christ in Toledo and Greater St. James Church of God in Christ in Fremont, Ohio.

Chet and his wife, Donna, have three daughters.

See also

• Phantom ballplayer