Leroy Reams facts for kids

Leroy Reams (born August 11, 1943) is a retired American professional baseball player. He played as an outfielder, first baseman, and third baseman. Even though he had a nine-year career in professional baseball, he only played in one Major League game. This happened on May 7, 1969, when he played as a pinch hitter for the Philadelphia Phillies.

Early Life and Baseball Start

Leroy Reams was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He grew up and went to Castlemont High School in Oakland, California. He was a left-handed batter and threw with his right hand. He was about 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) tall and weighed around 175 pounds (79 kg).

Joining the Yankees

Reams began his professional baseball journey when he signed with the New York Yankees in 1961. For two seasons, he played for the Idaho Falls Yankees in the Pioneer League. This league is a lower level of professional baseball where players develop their skills.

Moving to the Phillies

In 1963, the Philadelphia Phillies chose Reams in the minor-league draft. A draft is when teams pick new players to join their organization. He then spent most of his career playing at the Double-A level. Double-A is a step up from the lower leagues and is closer to the Major Leagues.

His Only Major League Game

Leroy Reams played in just one Major League game. This happened on May 7, 1969, at Connie Mack Stadium. He was playing for the Philadelphia Phillies against the Houston Astros.

The Pinch-Hitting Moment

In the eighth inning of the game, Reams was sent in as a pinch hitter. A pinch hitter is a player who bats in place of another player, usually a pitcher. He batted for Barry Lersch. Reams faced Larry Dierker, a pitcher for the Astros. Dierker was having a great game, and Reams unfortunately struck out (meaning he missed three pitches). The Astros won the game 6–1.

Minor League Career and Retirement

After his single Major League game, Reams continued to play in the minor leagues for the rest of 1969. He played for the Double-A Reading Phillies and the Triple-A Eugene Emeralds. Triple-A is the highest level in minor league baseball, just below the Major Leagues.

He retired from baseball after the 1970 season. In total, Leroy Reams played in 954 minor league games during his career.