George Smith (second baseman) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids George Smith |
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| Second baseman | |||
| Born: July 7, 1937 St. Petersburg, Florida |
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| Died: June 15, 1987 (aged 49) St. Petersburg, Florida |
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| debut | |||
| August 4, 1963, for the Detroit Tigers | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| September 17, 1966, for the Boston Red Sox | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .205 | ||
| Home runs | 9 | ||
| Runs batted in | 57 | ||
| Teams | |||
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George Cornelius Smith was a talented baseball player. He played as a second baseman in Major League Baseball. He was active from 1963 to 1966. Smith played for the Detroit Tigers and the Boston Red Sox. He was born in St. Petersburg, Florida.
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Who Was George Smith?
George Smith was born on July 7, 1937. He grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida. He was 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighed 170 pounds. Smith batted and threw with his right hand. He also attended Michigan State University.
Starting His Baseball Journey
Before playing in Major League Baseball, George Smith played in the Negro leagues. He played for teams like the Indianapolis Clowns in 1952. Later, he joined the Chicago American Giants from 1956 to 1957. In 1958, the Detroit Tigers signed him as a free agent.
Playing in the Big Leagues
George Smith made his big league debut in 1963. He played for the Detroit Tigers from 1963 to 1965. In 1966, he joined the Boston Red Sox. He was often the team's second baseman, starting 101 games that year.
During his four seasons in Major League Baseball, Smith played 217 games. He had a batting average of .205. This means he got a hit about 20.5% of the time he tried to hit the ball. He also hit nine home runs and had 57 RBI. RBI means he helped his teammates score 57 runs. He also scored 64 runs himself. Smith hit 27 doubles, six triples, and stole nine stolen bases.
His Final Seasons
In 1967, George Smith faced some injuries. A new player, Mike Andrews, took over as the Red Sox's second baseman. Smith was sent to a minor league team, the Phoenix Giants. He finished his baseball career in the minor leagues in 1968. He also played winter baseball in Venezuela during the 1966–67 season.
Later Life
George Smith passed away in 1987. He died in his hometown of St. Petersburg, Florida, at the age of 49.
