Tom Umphlett facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tom Umphlett |
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| Outfielder | |||
| Born: May 12, 1930 Scotland Neck, North Carolina, U.S. |
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| Died: September 21, 2012 (aged 82) Norfolk, Virginia, U.S. |
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| debut | |||
| April 16, 1953, for the Boston Red Sox | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| September 24, 1955, for the Washington Senators | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .246 | ||
| Home runs | 6 | ||
| Runs batted in | 111 | ||
| Teams | |||
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Thomas Mullen Umphlett (born May 12, 1930 – died September 21, 2012) was an American baseball player. He played as a center and right fielder in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1953 to 1955. He played for the Boston Red Sox and the Washington Senators. Tom Umphlett had a long 21-year career in professional baseball, working as both a player and a manager from 1950 to 1970. He batted and threw with his right hand.
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Early Life and Baseball Start
Tom Umphlett was born in Scotland Neck, North Carolina. When he was in high school at Ahoskie, he was a talented athlete. He played three different sports: baseball, basketball, and football. After graduating in 1950, he had offers to play football at several universities. However, he chose to sign with the Boston Red Sox to play professional baseball instead.
He started his professional career in 1950 with the Marion Red Sox. This was a Class D team, which is a lower level of minor league baseball. He played very well, hitting for a .319 average in 94 games. By 1952, he had moved up to Triple-A, which is the highest level before the Major Leagues.
Major League Career
Tom Umphlett made his big league debut on April 16, 1953. He was 22 years old and played for the Boston Red Sox. In his first season, he had a strong performance, hitting .283. He was known for not striking out very often, averaging only one strikeout for every 16.5 times he batted. Because of his great rookie year, he finished second in the voting for the American League Rookie of the Year Award. The award that year went to Harvey Kuenn.
After his successful rookie season, the Red Sox made a big trade on December 9. They sent Tom Umphlett and pitcher Mickey McDermott to the Washington Senators. In return, the Red Sox received outfielder Jackie Jensen. This trade turned out to be very good for the Red Sox. Jackie Jensen became a star, leading the American League in runs batted in three times. He also made two All-Star teams and was named the league's Most Valuable Player in 1958.
Tom Umphlett faced challenges while playing for the Washington Senators. His batting average dropped to .219 in 1954 and then to .217 in 1955. After two seasons with the Senators, he was traded back to the Red Sox in November 1955. He then spent the next seven years playing for the Red Sox's Triple-A teams. He continued to play in the minor leagues until June 1967.
Career Statistics and Managing
In his Major League Baseball career, Tom Umphlett played in 360 games. He had a .246 batting average with 285 hits. These hits included 45 doubles, eight triples, and six home runs. He also brought in 111 runs for his teams. Throughout his career, he struck out about once every 10.8 times he batted. He was not a fast runner and only stole seven bases in his career. As a fielder, he was very good, with a .986 fielding percentage.
After his playing career, Tom Umphlett became a manager in the Minnesota Twins' organization. He managed several minor league teams:
- The Short Season-Class A Auburn Twins in 1967.
- The full-season Class A Wisconsin Rapids Twins for part of 1968.
- The Red Springs Twins for all of 1969.
- The Lynchburg Twins for part of 1970.
Major Trades
Tom Umphlett was part of some important trades during his baseball career:
- On December 9, 1953, the Boston Red Sox traded him and Mickey McDermott to the Washington Senators for Jackie Jensen.
- On November 8, 1955, the Washington Senators traded him, Bob Porterfield, Johnny Schmitz, and Mickey Vernon to the Boston Red Sox. In return, the Senators received Karl Olson, Dick Brodowski, Tex Clevenger, Neil Chrisley, and Al Curtis.
- On June 12, 1962, the Boston Red Sox traded Tom Umphlett, along with some cash, to the New York Yankees for Billy Gardner.
