Del Crandall – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Del Crandall’s name might not echo quite like some of baseball’s all-time legends, but you can’t really deny the mark he left on the game in the 1950s and 1960s. Born in California, Crandall caught for 16 seasons in Major League Baseball, hanging up his gear in 1966. He built a reputation as one of the best defensive catchers of his era, racking up 11 All-Star nods and four Gold Gloves. His career stretched from the last days of the Boston Braves right into the Milwaukee years, so he really bridged baseball’s old days and its new face.

He made his debut as a teenager in 1949, and wrapped up his playing days with the Cleveland Indians in 1966. Crandall’s story is one of dedication, skill, and a kind of quiet greatness. He did more than just defend—he finished with 179 home runs and anchored Milwaukee’s 1957 World Series champs. Handling pitchers like Hall of Famers Warren Spahn and Lew Burdette, he became an essential part of the team during some of baseball’s toughest years.

What really set Crandall apart wasn’t just his stats, but the way he fit into baseball history as the last living player to wear a Boston Braves uniform until he passed away in 2021. His career spanned a period of huge changes in the sport, from teams moving cities to the integration of baseball, all while he kept up his defensive excellence behind the plate.

Early Life and Entry Into Professional Baseball

Delmar Wesley Crandall’s journey to the majors started out in the citrus groves of Southern California. He went from being a “pudgy little kid” to one of the most promising catching prospects of his time.

His high school years and early pro experience set the stage for a career that, honestly, might’ve been Hall of Fame-worthy.

Fullerton High School and Amateur Success

Del Crandall was born on March 5, 1930, in Ontario, California, to Richard and Nancy Crandall. The family eventually moved to Fullerton, where both parents worked in citrus packing during the Depression.

Crandall first tried catching in fifth grade at Maple School. “I was a pudgy little kid and not a very good athlete, but I was enthusiastic,” Crandall once said. Art Johnson, a local coach, spotted something in him.

Pep Lemon, a former minor-league catcher, shaped Crandall’s early development more than anyone else. Lemon ran the local rec department and managed the Fullerton Merchants, a semipro team. “Everything I learned was from Pep Lemon,” Crandall said. “He was the most influential man in my baseball career.”

Crandall shot up from a 5-foot freshman to a 6-foot-1 senior. Lemon taught him the basics of catching, throwing, and quick releases. At 16, Lemon let Crandall catch for Hal Gregg, a Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher, which really boosted his confidence.

By his junior year at Fullerton High, Crandall was on the radar of major league scouts. His performances in high school and American Legion ball made him one of the top catching prospects on the West Coast.

Signing With the Boston Braves

Several teams wanted Crandall, but his dad played a huge role in the decision. Richard Crandall never played baseball himself because of bad eyesight, but he was all in for his son’s career.

They turned down offers from the Dodgers, Yankees, and Cardinals, thinking those farm systems were just too crowded. The Dodgers’ scout Tom Downey even put $20,000 on the table—about 20 times what the family made in a year back in 1946.

Crandall said no to that big offer because of the “bonus baby” rule. That rule forced high-bonus players to stay on the big league roster for two years, which meant missing out on crucial minor league development.

Boston Braves scout Johnny Moore signed the 17-year-old Crandall to a two-year deal with their Triple-A affiliate, the Milwaukee Brewers, for $4,000. “That was more money than my parents or I had ever seen,” Crandall said.

Looking back, that call made sense. It let Crandall grow his skills in the minors instead of riding the pine in the majors.

Minor League Progression

Crandall showed up for spring training with the Milwaukee Brewers in Austin, Texas, in 1948 at age 17. He struggled to hit and got sent down to the Class C Leavenworth Braves in Whitesville, North Carolina.

His hitting didn’t click at first, and his average stayed below .200. Manager Harold “Dutch” Hoffman suggested he shorten his swing and practice pepper every day with teammate Joe Nezgoda.

After a few weeks of that, things turned around. Crandall finished the 1948 season hitting .304 with 15 home runs, good for fifth in the Western Association.

Key 1948 Statistics:

• Batting Average: .304
• Home Runs: 15 (5th in league)
• League: Western Association (Class C)

Late in the season, both catchers for the Triple-A Milwaukee Brewers broke their fingers. Crandall got called up unexpectedly and caught all seven games in the American Association playoffs, which gave him some real exposure.

In 1949, Crandall landed with the Evansville Braves in the Class B Three-I League after a spring training cut. Manager Bob Coleman, who once caught in the majors, helped Crandall polish his defensive game.

Coleman pushed him to focus on defense and get aggressive with pickoff throws. In just 38 games at Evansville, Crandall hit .351, catching the attention of Boston manager Billy Southworth and GM John Quinn.

That performance earned him a call-up to the majors in June 1949. At just 19, he became the youngest starting catcher in big league history, with team owner Lou Perini even sending a private plane to bring him up from the minors.

Major League Debut and Early Career

Del Crandall debuted in the majors for the Boston Braves on June 17, 1949, at just 19 years old. He came in as a pinch runner during a 7-2 loss to the Cincinnati Reds. Even with limited minor league experience, he made an immediate impression and quickly showed he belonged in the National League.

First Season With the Boston Braves

Crandall spent less than two years in the minors before making his MLB debut on June 17, 1949. He stepped onto the field as a pinch runner in the last inning of a 7-2 loss to the Reds.

Over his first two seasons, 1949 and 1950, Crandall played in 146 games for Boston. That kind of playing time for a 19-year-old rookie showed the team’s faith in him.

His parents traveled from California to Boston to watch his first game. That debut turned memorable when Crandall got tossed for arguing with an umpire.

After that rocky start, Crandall settled in. He adapted to the majors and became a steady presence in the Braves’ lineup right away.

Rookie of the Year Candidacy

There’s not a ton of detail out there about Crandall’s Rookie of the Year chances, but his first season with Boston put him among the National League’s top young players. At 19, he stood out from the rookie crowd in 1949.

From the start, his defensive skills jumped out. He had the arm and the smarts behind the plate that would later make him one of the game’s top catchers.

Crandall handled major league pitchers like he’d been doing it for years. The Braves kept giving him opportunities, clearly seeing his potential.

Those early years gave him the foundation he needed to take over as the team’s regular catcher after his military service.

Youngest Battery Partnership

The Boston Braves put together the youngest battery in MLB history when Crandall caught for pitcher Johnny Antonelli. Both were just 19 years old at the time, which set a record.

This duo showed the Braves’ trust in their young talent. Having two teenagers working together on the field wasn’t just rare—it was bold.

Crandall’s ability to work with a pitcher his own age really showed off his leadership. He already had the baseball IQ to run a game from behind the plate.

That record-setting battery is still a cool footnote in baseball history. It speaks to the Braves’ eye for talent in those days.

Career Highlights With the Milwaukee Braves

Crandall’s move to Milwaukee in 1953 kicked off the best stretch of his career. He became one of the city’s first fan favorites and cemented his place as the National League’s top defensive catcher, helping the Braves reach new heights.

Rise as Starting Catcher

After coming back from military service in 1953, Crandall quickly took over as the Milwaukee Braves’ main catcher. The team’s move from Boston opened up new possibilities for him.

Crandall hit .272 with 15 homers and 51 RBIs in his first year back. Manager Charlie Grimm even compared him to Hall of Fame catcher Gabby Hartnett.

He really stood out for his defensive skills and leadership behind the plate. His arm strength and quick reflexes separated him from the rest.

Crandall led the National League in games caught five times while in Milwaukee. He also topped the league in fielding percentage four times and putouts three times.

He took home four Gold Glove awards, which recognized him as the best defensive catcher in the league.

World Series and Team Success

The Milwaukee Braves made it to the World Series twice with Crandall, winning the title in 1957. That championship is still one of the franchise’s proudest moments.

Crandall played a big part in the team’s run, working alongside stars like Hank Aaron, Eddie Mathews, and Warren Spahn. That core group made the Braves a powerhouse through the late ’50s and early ’60s.

The Braves finished second in the National League in 1953, Crandall’s first year back from service. They stayed in the hunt for years after that.

Fans in Milwaukee packed the ballpark. The team led the National League in attendance for six straight seasons from 1953 to 1958.

Del Crandall stayed with the team through 1963, always providing steady catching and leadership. His defense helped the pitching staff shine when it mattered most.

All-Star Appearances

Crandall made eight All-Star teams with the Milwaukee Braves, starting with his first selection in 1953 right after returning from the military.

He represented the National League in All-Star games from 1953 through 1962. That kind of consistency says a lot about his level of play.

His All-Star years highlighted both his defense and his bat. Crandall finished his career with a .254 average, 179 home runs, and 657 RBIs.

Those selections put him among the top catchers of his time. His stats and leadership made him an obvious pick for All-Star honors.

Del Crandall’s reputation as maybe the best defensive catcher of his era only grew with each All-Star appearance. He helped define the Braves’ golden years in Milwaukee.

Defensive Excellence and Awards

Del Crandall became one of baseball’s best defensive catchers, earning four Gold Glove Awards and leading the National League in fielding stats over and over. He led the league in putouts, assists, and fielding percentage several times throughout his career.

Gold Glove Achievements

Crandall grabbed four Gold Glove Awards during his career, showing everyone he was the top defensive catcher in the National League. He picked up his first Gold Glove in 1958, then won again in 1959 and 1960.

The Gold Glove Award celebrates catchers with outstanding defensive skills. Crandall’s quick release and pinpoint accuracy behind the plate made up for what some people thought was just an average arm.

John Roseboro, another catcher, admired Crandall’s all-around defensive game. “I think the most complete catcher during my time in the league was Del Crandall,” Roseboro said. “He was sound defensively. He could catch the bad pitch and block the plate.”

Crandall’s reputation for defense went way beyond winning awards. He knew how to handle pitchers and control the running game, making himself valuable to every team he played for.

Fielding Percentage Records

Crandall led the National League in fielding percentage several times throughout his career. His steady defensive play set him apart from other catchers of his era.

A catcher’s fielding percentage shows how often he handles chances without making errors. Crandall’s high fielding percentages proved he had reliable hands and solid technique.

He led the league in putouts and assists more than once. These stats show how often he got involved in defensive plays and recorded outs.

His steady glove helped the Milwaukee Braves build a strong pitching staff. When catchers make fewer errors, pitchers have more confidence to attack the strike zone.

Catching No-Hitters

The records don’t have a ton of details about specific no-hitters, but Crandall’s defense made a difference in several great pitching performances with the Braves.

He could call a game and manage different pitching styles, so Milwaukee’s pitching staff trusted him. Catchers play a crucial role in no-hit bids with their pitch selection and defensive positioning.

Crandall’s quick thinking and defensive skills helped save close games and support big pitching moments. He handled pressure well and brought value in high-stakes situations.

People often overlook the catcher’s role in no-hitters, but their game-calling and defense are essential to those rare achievements.

Later Playing Career and Retirement in 1966

Del Crandall spent his last years in baseball shifting from star catcher to veteran backup with three different teams. He played almost his whole career with the Boston/Milwaukee Braves, then finished up with the San Francisco Giants, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Cleveland Indians before retiring in 1966.

San Francisco Giants Tenure

In 1964, the Milwaukee Braves traded Del Crandall to the San Francisco Giants in a seven-player deal. That move ended his long run with the Braves, which had shaped most of his career.

At 34, Crandall took on a backup role with the Giants. His days as a regular starter were over, but he still offered veteran leadership and experience. The Giants used his defensive skills and know-how in a supporting role.

This season was a big change for Crandall. He’d been Milwaukee’s main catcher for over a decade, and now he had to adjust to less playing time and a new spot in the organization.

Stints With the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cleveland Indians

Crandall kept going as a backup catcher with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1965. The Pirates appreciated his defensive skills and his ability to work with pitchers, even if his hitting had slowed down.

He shared his experience with younger players on the team. Teams often look for veteran catchers like Crandall for their baseball knowledge and steady presence with pitching staffs.

In 1966, Crandall joined the Cleveland Indians for one last season. The Indians gave him a chance to play another year. He made his final MLB appearance on September 14, 1966, against the Indians.

Final Season and Retirement

The 1966 season closed out Del Crandall’s 16-year playing career. His final stats: a .254 batting average, 179 home runs, and 657 RBIs in 1,573 games.

Crandall retired at age 36 after playing less than a full season with Cleveland. Catching for nearly two decades took a toll on his body. Shoulder problems from 1961 probably played a part in his decision to step away.

He finished with defensive numbers that backed up his reputation as one of the best catchers of his time. At retirement, his 1,430 games caught in the National League ranked among the all-time leaders.

Legacy, Rankings, and Notable Peers

Del Crandall’s stats put him among the top catchers in National League history. He caught 1,430 games, trailing only Al López, Gabby Hartnett, and Ernie Lombardi. His 175 home runs in the National League put him fourth among catchers, behind Roy Campanella (242), Gabby Hartnett (236), and Ernie Lombardi (190).

Comparisons With Other Catchers

Crandall’s defensive stats show how he stood out from his peers. He finished with a .989 fielding percentage, ranking fifth all-time among major league catchers. His 45.44% caught stealing rate puts him eighth on the all-time list.

Key Defensive Rankings:

• Putouts: 4th all-time (7,352)
• Total Chances: 8th all-time (8,200)
• Fielding Percentage: 5th all-time (.989)

He won four Gold Gloves during the award’s early years, taking four of the first five given to National League catchers from 1958 to 1962.

Richard Kendall, in a study for the Society for American Baseball Research, ranked Crandall as the fourth most dominating fielding catcher in major league history. That puts him ahead of plenty of Hall of Fame catchers on defense.

Crandall and Warren Spahn started 316 games together as a battery. That ranks as the third-most starts by a pitcher-catcher duo since 1900.

Hall of Fame Consideration

Crandall is still eligible for Hall of Fame induction through the Classic Baseball Era Committee. Even with his impressive credentials as an 11-time All-Star and World Series champion, his candidacy faces some tough competition.

His .254 career batting average falls short of many Hall of Fame catchers. Still, his defensive excellence and longevity make a strong case. He caught three no-hitters, all against the Philadelphia Phillies.

The catchers from his era include several Hall of Famers. Roy Campanella and Yogi Berra led in offense, while Gary Carter from Crandall’s hometown of Fullerton made the Hall with big offensive numbers.

Crandall’s supporters highlight his defensive dominance and leadership. Pitcher Lew Burdette once said, “I never, well hardly ever, have to shake him off. He knows the job like no one else, and you can have faith in his judgment.”

The Braves Hall of Fame inducted him in 2003, recognizing his contributions to the franchise. The 1957 World Series championship team leaned on his defense and leadership.

Impact on the Catcher Position

Crandall really shaped what we think of as a modern defensive catcher in the 1950s and 1960s. Coaches and players still look at his techniques today, decades later.

The Los Angeles Dodgers actually brought him in as a special catching instructor, even when he was well into his 60s. It’s not every day you see someone stick around the game that long, right?

Throughout his career, he spent a lot of time mentoring younger catchers. When shoulder trouble knocked him out in 1961, Joe Torre got his shot and learned plenty from Crandall’s guidance.

He racked up a record-tying six National League assists titles, so his arm strength and game management skills were hard to ignore. He led the National League in fielding percentage four times, and putouts three times.

The Milwaukee Braves’ pitching staff really thrived with Crandall calling the shots behind the plate. From 1953 to 1959, their pitchers finished first or second in National League earned run average every year except 1955.

Crandall’s career stretched from Walker Cooper’s era right into the modern catching style. That mix of defensive excellence and some real offensive punch set the standard for catchers who came after him.