Don Blasingame – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Don Blasingame carved out his spot in baseball history as a scrappy second baseman who played twelve seasons in Major League Baseball before hanging up his cleats in 1966. Folks called him “Blazer,” and he earned a reputation as one of the game’s best bunters and spray hitters while bouncing around five different teams.

Blasingame’s career ran from 1955 to 1966, and he suited up for the St. Louis Cardinals, San Francisco Giants, Cincinnati Reds, Washington Senators, and Kansas City Athletics. He snagged an All-Star nod in 1958 and made it to the 1961 World Series. His unique approach at the plate and speed on the bases made him a strong leadoff hitter, and he set a pretty impressive record for avoiding double plays that stuck around for years after he retired.

When his major league days wrapped up, Blasingame started a new chapter in Japan, spending 16 years as a player, coach, and manager. His journey from small-town Mississippi to the majors, and then all the way to international baseball, really shows how unpredictable and varied mid-20th century baseball careers could be.

Early Life and Entry into Professional Baseball

Don Lee Blasingame grew up in northern Mississippi during the Great Depression, where his athletic talent showed up early. He went from high school standout to professional prospect, but military service interrupted his plans for a bit.

Family Background and Childhood in Corinth, Mississippi

Don Lee Blasingame was born on March 16, 1932, in Corinth, Mississippi. That’s a small town in Alcorn County, right near the Tennessee border.

He was the fourth child and third son of Chester Henry “Doc” Blasingame and Ottie May Blasingame.

His parents, originally from Tennessee, made their home in northern Mississippi. Don’s dad worked as a butcher in West Corinth, which brought in a steady but modest living for the family.

The Blasingame family valued hard work and determination above everything. Growing up in that working-class environment during the 1930s and 1940s, Don picked up on persistence from an early age.

Corinth had a strong community vibe, especially for young athletes. Local sports programs thrived, and Don got plenty of chances to hone his baseball skills as a kid.

High School and Amateur Baseball Achievements

Don Blasingame made a name for himself at Corinth High School, playing for the Warriors baseball team. In 1949, his standout play helped the school win a state championship.

Standing 5’10” and weighing 160 pounds, Blasingame had the perfect build for a middle infielder. His speed and defense made him a natural shortstop during his amateur days.

He also starred for the Corinth American Legion Post 6 team, where the competition was tougher and scouts took notice.

Professional organizations started paying attention to his skills. The Sporting News even mentioned that the Houston Buffaloes, a St. Louis Cardinals farm team, offered him a spring training tryout in 1951.

Military Service and Its Impact on His Career

Before the 1951 season kicked off, Don Blasingame enlisted in the United States Army. He served from 1951 to 1952, putting his baseball dreams on pause.

Military service was a pretty common path for young men during the Korean War era. Those two years delayed his professional baseball start but gave him some valuable life experience.

Missing those early twenties years could’ve hurt his development, but Blasingame came out of the service more mature, both physically and mentally.

After finishing his military stint in 1952, he was ready to chase baseball again. He signed with the St. Louis Cardinals as an amateur free agent before the 1953 season, finally starting his climb to the big leagues.

Major League Baseball Career Overview

Don Blasingame played 12 seasons in Major League Baseball from 1955 to 1966. He built his reputation as a reliable second baseman for five teams. He earned an All-Star pick in 1958, played in the 1961 World Series with Cincinnati, and set a record for avoiding double plays—proof of his skill at bunting and spraying the ball.

Debut with the St. Louis Cardinals

Blasingame made his major league debut on September 20, 1955, at age 23 with the St. Louis Cardinals. The team called him up from Triple-A Omaha after he spent most of the season there.

In his first game against the Chicago Cubs at Busch Stadium, Blasingame batted leadoff and went 1-for-2 with two walks and a run scored. He beat out an infield single in his first at-bat and scored on a Solly Hemus homer.

The next year, 1956, he took over as the Cardinals’ regular second baseman, replacing Red Schoendienst. He held that spot for five seasons, hitting .275 on average during his time in St. Louis.

His defense stood out right away. In 1957, he led National League second basemen in assists, double plays, and total chances per game. He also topped the league in fielding wins by a second baseman in 1956, 1957, and 1959.

Key Seasons and Notable Achievements

Blasingame’s best year came in 1958 when he made the All-Star team. Bill Mazeroski played the whole game at second, but Blasingame got in as a pinch-hitter for Warren Spahn in the fourth inning.

His top team moment happened in 1961 with the Cincinnati Reds. That squad, led by MVP Frank Robinson and Vada Pinson, won their first pennant in 21 years.

In the 1961 World Series against the Yankees, Blasingame played in three games. He started Games 1 and 5, picking up one hit and scoring a run. His only World Series hit came in Game 5—a single to center before Frank Robinson drove him in with a homer.

After a rough 1963 season where he hit just .161 in 18 games, Blasingame lost his second base job to rookie Pete Rose. That moment definitely changed the direction of his career.

Trades, Teams, and Position Versatility

Blasingame’s journey through the majors included several big trades. On December 15, 1959, the Cardinals traded him to the San Francisco Giants for Daryl Spencer and Leon Wagner.

His time with the Giants was tough—he hit only .235 in 1960. Then, on April 27, 1961, San Francisco traded him, along with Bob Schmidt and Sherman Jones, to the Cincinnati Reds for Ed Bailey.

Even though he batted just .222 in 1961, Blasingame stayed in the Reds’ starting lineup. In 1962, he bounced back, hitting .281 in 141 games.

On July 1, 1963, the Cincinnati Reds traded him to the Washington Senators for pitcher Jim Coates. He spent parts of four seasons in Washington, offering veteran leadership and steady defense.

Retirement from Major League Baseball in 1966

Blasingame’s last major league stop came on August 2, 1966, when the Kansas City Athletics picked him up from Washington. He played just 12 games for the A’s.

His final big league game happened on August 27, 1966, at Anaheim Stadium against the California Angels. Blasingame pinch-hit for Wes Stock in the seventh and singled to center in his last at-bat.

He tried to steal second and got thrown out, though. On September 7, 1966, Kansas City let him go, ending his major league career at age 34.

At retirement, Blasingame held the record for hitting into the fewest double plays per at-bat in major league history. That stat really captured his knack for bunting and spraying the ball during his 12 seasons.

Team Contributions and Impact

Blasingame’s 12-year MLB run showcased his defense and leadership for five teams. His biggest impacts came during his five years with the St. Louis Cardinals and his World Series appearance with the Cincinnati Reds. Teams valued him as a steady second baseman who could fit into different situations.

St. Louis Cardinals: Rise to Prominence

Blasingame took over as the Cardinals’ regular second baseman in 1956, filling Red Schoendienst’s shoes. He kept the job for five years, batting .275 during his St. Louis stint.

His defense shined right away. In 1957, he led all NL second basemen in assists, double plays, and total chances per game.

Blasingame kept racking up fielding wins by a second baseman in 1956, 1957, and 1959.

The 1958 All-Star selection was a big moment. He pinch-hit for Warren Spahn in the fourth but flew out to center.

His hitting style helped him set a record for grounding into the fewest double plays per at-bat at the time he retired. That really cemented his status as a top bunter and spray hitter.

San Francisco Giants and Player Trades

The Cardinals sent Blasingame to the Giants on December 15, 1959, trading him for Daryl Spencer and Leon Wagner. That move showed the Cardinals trusted his ability as a starter.

Blasingame struggled in San Francisco, hitting just .235 in 1960.

His time with the Giants didn’t last long, but the organization still saw his defensive value.

The Giants traded him again on April 27, 1961, along with Bob Schmidt and Sherman Jones, to the Cincinnati Reds for Ed Bailey. That trade led to his only World Series appearance.

Cincinnati Reds and World Series Appearance

Blasingame started the 1961 season with the Cincinnati Reds on a cold streak, batting only .222. Despite that, he stayed at second base, playing 116 games while Elio Chacon played 43.

The Reds broke a 21-year pennant drought in 1961, led by Frank Robinson and Vada Pinson, with strong pitching behind them.

Blasingame’s World Series impact was limited. He started Game 1, went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts, and sat out Game 2.

In Game 3, he came in as a pinch-runner but didn’t score. Game 5 was his highlight—he singled and scored on a Frank Robinson homer.

His World Series stats were modest: one hit and one run. The Yankees took the series in five, but Blasingame’s presence in the lineup showed his importance during that championship run.

International Career in Japan

After his MLB career ended in 1966, Don Blasingame took his talents to Japan. He spent over a decade there as a player, coach, and manager, making a mark with the Nankai Hawks and later managing the Hanshin Tigers. That period was a transformative time for Japanese pro baseball.

Playing Years with the Nankai Hawks

Blasingame joined the Nankai Hawks in 1967 at age 35 and kept playing second base. He played three seasons with the Hawks, from 1967 to 1969, adjusting his veteran skills to Japanese baseball.

During his time with the Hawks, Blasingame hit .274 with 15 home runs and 86 RBI over 366 games. Not bad at all, considering the transition to a new league and style of play.

The Hawks played in the Pacific League, and Blasingame’s experience brought some real leadership to the team. His defense at second base stayed sharp throughout his time in Japan.

Blasingame moved his family to Japan, and his kids even picked up Japanese fluently. That kind of commitment helped him fit right in with Japanese pro baseball.

Transition to Coaching and Management

Blasingame wrapped up his playing career in 1969 and jumped right into coaching with the Nankai Hawks. He worked on their coaching staff for 10 years, from 1967 to 1978, actually overlapping his last playing season with coaching duties.

He mainly focused on infield instruction and player development. The Hawks really appreciated his Major League background and the way he broke down the basics of baseball.

In 1979, Blasingame landed his first managerial job with the Hiroshima Carp. This move marked his start as a manager in Japanese baseball, and he brought all that playing experience to leading a team.

Going from player to coach to manager showed how deeply he understood the game. Spending a decade in different roles with Japanese teams cemented his reputation in the league.

Leadership with the Hanshin Tigers

Blasingame managed the Hanshin Tigers from 1979 to 1980. He took charge of one of Japan’s most well-known franchises.

The Tigers played in the Central League and had some seriously devoted fans. During his two seasons, Blasingame put together a managerial record that reflected his approach.

He leaned on the fundamentals he’d learned in the majors. After his time with the Tigers, Blasingame went back to manage the Hiroshima Carp from 1981 to 1982.

That return showed just how much respect he’d earned in Japanese baseball. His overall managerial record in Japan included 180 wins, 208 losses, and 28 ties.

Those numbers show just how tough and competitive Japanese pro baseball was while he was there.

Personal Life, Family, and Legacy

Don Lee Blasingame’s life always seemed tied to baseball, from marrying Walker Cooper’s daughter to leaving a mark on players he met along the way. After his MLB days ended in 1966, he kept going with baseball overseas before eventually retiring in Arizona, where he stayed until his sudden death in 2005.

Marriage and Connection to Walker Cooper

In 1960, Don Blasingame married Sara Ann Cooper, which made for a unique baseball family connection. Sara was the daughter of Walker Cooper, a standout National League catcher and Blasingame’s teammate on the St. Louis Cardinals in 1956 and 1957.

Sara had her own set of accomplishments. She was crowned Miss Missouri in 1957 and even made it to the final ten in the Miss America pageant.

She also won the preliminary talent competition in Atlantic City with her Charleston dance. Together, Don and Sara had five kids: Kent, Brent, Greg, Dawn, and Cindy.

Kent followed in his dad’s baseball footsteps, playing three seasons of minor league ball as a leadoff hitter. He later used his Japanese skills as an Asian scout for the Colorado Rockies.

Life After Baseball and Death

When his MLB career ended in 1966, Blasingame moved to Japan and spent 16 years there playing, coaching, and managing. From 1967 to 1969, he played second base for the Nankai Hawks.

He then coached for the Hawks through 1977, took a coaching job with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in 1978, and managed the Hanshin Tigers in 1980 and 1981. The family split their time between Japan and the U.S. during those years.

Blasingame once said living in Japan was a good experience, mentioning, “We lived in an international community. The kids made friends from all over the world that they still hear from.”

He got inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 1980. After coming back to the U.S. for good, he lived in the Scottsdale, Arizona area.

Don Blasingame died suddenly of a heart attack on April 13, 2005, at age 73 at his home in Fountain Hills, Arizona. He’d played 18 holes of golf the day before and was in good spirits during a phone call with his brother Roland that night.

Recognition and Influence on Future Players

Blasingame’s baseball legacy goes way beyond his stats. He actually set a major league record for hitting into the fewest double plays per at-bat ever, which says a lot about his skill as a bunter and a spray hitter.

Plenty of players have called him a mentor who helped them sharpen their approach to the game. His impact especially stood out in Japan, where he helped connect American and Japanese baseball cultures.

His brother Roland summed it up well: “He never had a regular job, he just played baseball. He loved baseball.” That kind of dedication—almost 40 years, two continents—really defined his contribution to the sport.

Career Stats, Honors, and Net Worth Information

Don Blasingame put together a solid 12-year career as a second baseman, batting .258 and collecting 1,366 hits with five teams. His biggest highlight came in 1958 when he made the All-Star team with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Statistical Highlights and Achievements

Blasingame’s stats show he was a steady, dependable second baseman who contributed over 12 seasons from 1955 to 1966. He racked up 1,366 hits in 1,444 games with a .258 average.

He scored 731 runs and drove in 308 RBIs. Blasingame hit 21 home runs, so he was definitely more of a contact hitter than a power guy.

Key Career Statistics:

• Games Played: 1,444
• Plate Appearances: 5,938
• Hits: 1,366
• Doubles: 178
• Triples: 62
• Stolen Bases: 105

His best year was probably 1957 with St. Louis, when he hit .271 with 176 hits and 108 runs scored. He even finished 12th in MVP voting that season.

Blasingame’s defense mattered just as much. He mostly played second base but also filled in at shortstop and third base when needed.

All-Star and League Leader Awards

Blasingame earned All-Star honors in 1958 with the St. Louis Cardinals. That season was one of his best, and he kept up a .274 batting average.

His 1957 MVP consideration stands out too. He finished 12th in National League MVP voting that year after putting up career-high numbers in several categories.

Blasingame never led the league in the big stats, but his steady play made him valuable. He could handle multiple infield spots, which made him a real asset to his teams.

His steady glove and reliable bat earned respect from teammates and opponents. He spent his longest stretch in St. Louis, playing five seasons and locking down a regular spot in the lineup.

Estimated Net Worth and Career Earnings

We don’t really have much specific info about Blasingame’s career earnings or net worth in any public records. Baseball salaries back in the 1950s and 1960s fell way below what players get paid now.

Players from Blasingame’s era usually brought home pretty modest salaries compared to today’s athletes. A regular player in the late 1950s might’ve made somewhere between $8,000 and $15,000 a year.

Blasingame’s 12-year career probably gave him steady income through those decades. After he retired in 1966, a lot of guys from his generation either jumped into other jobs or stuck around the sport as coaches or in front office gigs.

Since detailed financial records from that time just don’t exist, nobody can really pin down his net worth. Still, he played consistently and even got All-Star recognition, so it’s fair to say he earned decent money for his era.