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

Don Landrum spent nearly a decade in Major League Baseball, suiting up for four different teams before he called it quits in 1966. Born in Santa Rosa, California in 1936, this left-handed outfielder played eight seasons, trying to make his mark during what many call baseball’s golden era.

Landrum hit .234 for his career, with 12 home runs and 75 RBIs in 456 games. He became known as a reliable utility guy who could cover just about any outfield spot. He started with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1957, then went on to play for the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, and finally the San Francisco Giants.

What made Landrum’s career stand out? He filled the role of a versatile player at a time when managers really needed roster flexibility. Landrum could play center, left, or right field, which made him pretty valuable for teams needing defensive depth.

From his early days as a prospect to his last season in San Francisco, Landrum’s story feels familiar for a lot of journeyman players who kept baseball going in the 1950s and 1960s.

Don Landrum’s Early Life and Rise to Professional Baseball

Don Landrum was born in Santa Rosa, California on February 16, 1936. He attended Mt. Diablo High School in Concord, California.

The Philadelphia Phillies picked him up as an amateur free agent on June 26, 1954, when he was just 18.

Background and Family

Donald Leroy Landrum came into the world on February 16, 1936, in Santa Rosa, California. He spent his childhood in the San Francisco Bay Area, growing up during the tail end of the Great Depression and through World War II.

His family moved to Contra Costa County at some point, which ended up being a big deal for his baseball future.

The Landrums settled in the Concord area. That move gave Don better access to solid baseball competition.

During his playing days, Don stood 6 feet tall and weighed 180 pounds. He batted left-handed and threw right-handed.

That build was pretty standard for outfielders back then. Those tools carried him through his pro career.

High School Baseball Achievements

Don went to Mt. Diablo High School in Concord, California. The school had a strong baseball program that helped him develop his game.

His play in high school caught the eyes of pro scouts. He played outfield and showed promise as a contact hitter.

Nobody really kept detailed stats for high schoolers back then, so the numbers are lost to time. But he impressed people enough to get noticed by the big leagues.

Don’s high school years were in the early 1950s. Scouts were always poking around California for the next big thing.

His time at Mt. Diablo laid the groundwork for his shot at the majors. The skills he picked up there stuck with him.

Signing with the Philadelphia Phillies

Scout Don McShane spotted Landrum’s talent for the Phillies. McShane focused on finding young players out West.

On June 26, 1954, the Phillies signed Landrum as an amateur free agent. He was just 18 when he inked the deal.

This happened right after high school graduation. That was pretty common for talented young players in the ‘50s.

Landrum started out in the Phillies’ minor league system. He spent three years working his way up before getting the call.

He made his major league debut on September 28, 1957, with Philadelphia. At that point, he was 21.

Major League Career Overview

Don Landrum played in the Major Leagues from 1957 to 1966, getting into 456 games for four National League teams. He started with a quick look in Philadelphia and wrapped up with the San Francisco Giants after nearly ten years in the bigs.

MLB Debut and Early Years

Landrum debuted for the Philadelphia Phillies in 1957 at age 21. He played just two games, picking up one hit in seven at-bats for a .143 average.

After that, Landrum spent three years in the minors. He came back to the majors in 1960 with the St. Louis Cardinals.

His early years with St. Louis looked promising. In 1960, he played 13 games and hit .245 with two home runs.

The next year was rough—he managed just a .167 average in 28 games.

Landrum’s breakout happened in 1962, splitting time between the Cardinals and Chicago Cubs. He hit .286 that year, his best season at the plate.

That performance showed he could contribute as a reliable outfielder.

Final Season and Retirement in 1966

The Cubs traded Landrum and pitcher Lindy McDaniel to the San Francisco Giants in December 1965. The deal sent Randy Hundley and Bill Hands to Chicago.

Landrum played his last season with San Francisco in 1966. He got into 72 games, hit .186, and had one home run with seven RBIs.

His playing time dropped off compared to earlier years.

That 1966 season ended his nine-year MLB run. Landrum retired at 30.

He spent most of his career in center field but also filled in at left and right.

After baseball, Landrum went back to Contra Costa County, California. He worked in different businesses there until he passed away in 2003.

Career Statistics and Highlights

Landrum finished with a .234 batting average, 12 home runs, and 75 RBIs in 456 games. He collected 272 hits in 1,160 at-bats over eight seasons.

Speed was one of his strengths. He stole 36 bases and got caught just 14 times.

His best season came in 1965 with the Cubs, when he played 131 games.

Career Team Breakdown:

• Chicago Cubs (1962-1965): 309 games, .242 average
• St. Louis Cardinals (1960-1962): 73 games, .227 average
• San Francisco Giants (1966): 72 games, .186 average
• Philadelphia Phillies (1957): 2 games, .143 average

Landrum played only in the National League. He made a name for himself as a solid utility player in center, even if his bat wasn’t flashy.

Team-by-Team Journey

Don Landrum’s eight-season career took him to four National League teams from 1957 to 1966. He started with a short stint in Philadelphia, then found more regular time with St. Louis, Chicago, and San Francisco.

The Cubs gave him his biggest chance as a center fielder.

Philadelphia Phillies Period

Landrum’s major league career kicked off with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1957. Scout Don McShane signed him as an amateur free agent on June 26, 1954.

He made his MLB debut on September 28, 1957, at 21 years old. He only played 2 games that season.

In those games, Landrum played center and hit .143. He picked up 1 hit in 7 at-bats—a double.

His fielding was spotless. He handled 9 chances in the outfield without an error.

The Phillies didn’t give him much of a shot. After that quick look, Landrum headed back to the minors before resurfacing with another club.

St. Louis Cardinals Tenure

Landrum joined the St. Louis Cardinals in 1960 after his short time with Philadelphia. That move brought him back to the majors after more minor league work.

His Cardinals tenure lasted from 1960 to 1962. The Cardinals played him more than the Phillies ever did.

In 1960, Landrum played 13 games and hit .245. He added 2 home runs and 3 RBIs, mostly in center.

The 1961 season didn’t go as well. Landrum played 28 games and hit just .167.

He bounced back in 1962 before getting traded. In 32 games with St. Louis, he hit .314 and scored 11 runs.

Career totals with Cardinals:

• 73 games played
• .227 batting average
• 3 home runs
• 9 RBI

Chicago Cubs Years

The Chicago Cubs picked up Landrum during the 1962 season, which turned out to be a big break for him.

Landrum spent four years with the Cubs, from 1962 to 1965. Chicago gave him the most playing time of his career.

His best year came in 1965. He played 131 games, hit .226, and chipped in 6 home runs and 34 RBIs.

The Cubs mostly used him in center and as a pinch hitter. He made the most of his speed, stealing 14 bases while in Chicago.

In 1962, after the trade, he played 83 games and hit .282. That solid showing helped him stick as a regular.

In 1963, he played 84 games with a .242 average. Landrum kept providing steady defense and some offense.

Cubs career totals:

• 309 games played
• .242 batting average
• 8 home runs
• 59 RBI

San Francisco Giants and Final Season

The San Francisco Giants traded for Landrum in December 1965, bringing him and Lindy McDaniel over from Chicago. The Cubs got Randy Hundley and Bill Hands in return.

In 1966, Landrum played his last season in the majors. He suited up for 72 games with San Francisco at age 30.

The year was tough at the plate. He hit just .186, with 1 home run and 7 RBIs.

The Giants didn’t play him as much as the Cubs did. He mostly filled in as a backup outfielder and pinch hitter.

Still, Landrum kept up his reputation as a dependable defender. He handled his outfield work without much fuss.

After the 1966 season, Landrum stepped away from pro baseball. He headed back to Contra Costa County and worked in a few different businesses.

Key Trades and Notable Transactions

Several trades shaped Don Landrum’s career, moving him between four major league teams. The most important deal sent him from the Cardinals to the Cubs in 1962. His last big trade in 1965 brought future stars Randy Hundley and Bill Hands to Chicago.

Trade to St. Louis Cardinals

On September 19, 1960, the Philadelphia Phillies traded Don Landrum to the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals sent Bob Sadowski and other players to be named later to Philadelphia for Landrum.

This move changed things for Landrum. He’d played just two games for the Phillies in 1957, then spent time in the minors.

The Cardinals finally gave him a real shot in the majors. He played 13 games for St. Louis in 1960, hitting .245 with 12 hits in 49 at-bats.

Landrum stuck with the Cardinals until 1962. His best run for them came in part of 1962, when he hit .314 in 32 games before being traded.

Move to Chicago Cubs

The Cardinals traded Landrum to the Chicago Cubs during the 1962 season. That mid-season move worked out for both Landrum and the Cubs.

Landrum found stability in Chicago. He played 83 games for the Cubs in 1962, hitting .282 with 67 hits in 238 at-bats.

The Cubs kept him around for four seasons. He played 309 games for Chicago from 1962 to 1965, picking up 218 hits and a .242 average.

His top season was 1965—131 games, 96 hits, 20 doubles, 14 steals, and a .226 average.

Important 1965 Trade Involving Lindy McDaniel

In December 1965, the Cubs pulled off a big trade. They sent both Landrum and Lindy McDaniel to the San Francisco Giants.

The Cubs got Randy Hundley and Bill Hands in return.

This deal turned out to be one of the most lopsided in Cubs history. Hundley grew into an All-Star catcher and really anchored Chicago’s defense for years.

Bill Hands stepped up as a key starting pitcher for the Cubs’ competitive teams in the late 1960s. Both guys became pretty essential for Leo Durocher’s Cubs squads.

Lindy McDaniel, a veteran relief pitcher, had been effective for the Cubs earlier on. Still, by the time of the trade, his best years had already passed.

The deal basically ended Landrum’s most productive stretch. He had spent nearly four full seasons in Chicago, which was his longest run with any one team.

Final MLB Transaction

That December 1965 trade to San Francisco marked Landrum’s last big league move. He joined the Giants for what turned out to be his final season in pro baseball.

Landrum struggled in his only season with the Giants in 1966. He played in 72 games but managed just 19 hits in 102 at-bats, finishing with a .186 average.

The 1966 season saw a steep drop from his earlier performance. His batting average fell almost 40 points compared to his 1965 season with the Cubs.

After that tough year, Landrum’s pro baseball career came to an end. He headed back to Contra Costa County, California, where he started working in various businesses after leaving baseball.

Signature Playing Style and Position

Don Landrum made his mark as a steady center fielder during his nine MLB seasons. He was the Cubs’ regular starter in 1965 and showed consistent defensive abilities at several outfield positions.

His left-handed batting and reliable glove work defined what he brought to four different teams.

Role as a Centerfielder

Landrum’s biggest impact came as Chicago’s main center fielder in 1965. That year, he played in 131 games and got 425 at-bats as the Cubs’ everyday guy in center.

The California native made his MLB debut on September 28, 1957. He started in center field for the Phillies against the Brooklyn Dodgers.

His versatility let him play all over the outfield during his career. When he was with the St. Louis Cardinals from 1960 to mid-1962, Landrum appeared in 73 games before the team traded him to Chicago on June 5, 1962.

The Cubs noticed his steady defense and gave him plenty of time in center. His time in that spot really marked the peak of his career, providing stability to Chicago’s outfield during the mid-1960s.

Fielding and Defensive Skills

Landrum didn’t just stick to center field. He also played right and left field. His 6-foot, 180-pound frame gave him the physical tools to cover ground in the outfield.

He threw right-handed, which helped him make strong throws from the outfield to the infield. That mix of size and arm strength made him a reliable defensive choice in several spots.

Managers valued his defensive consistency, and he earned regular playing time with four different MLB teams. His ability to move around the outfield made him a useful piece for teams that needed defensive flexibility.

Landrum’s steady glove work was particularly important during his best years with the Cubs. He really complemented his role as the team’s center fielder.

Batting Profile and Achievements

Landrum hit left-handed and finished his career with a .234 average over 456 MLB games. He hit 12 home runs and knocked in 75 runs over nine seasons.

His best year at the plate came in 1965, when he hit six home runs and drove in 34 runs in 131 games for Chicago. Even with regular playing time, he batted just .226 that season, which kind of sums up his role as a defense-first guy.

Career Statistics:

• Batting Average: .234
• Home Runs: 12
• RBI: 75
• Games Played: 456
• At-Bats: 1,160

Landrum earned a quirky distinction by breaking up four late-inning no-hitters in his career. He did it against Sandy Koufax, Jim Maloney, Vern Law, and Bob Friend. Not bad for a guy known more for his glove than his bat, right?

His offensive numbers weren’t the main thing he brought to the table, but his left-handed bat did give his teams some lineup balance.

Life After Baseball and Legacy

Don Landrum moved on from professional baseball to business ventures in East Contra Costa County, California. He worked in a bunch of different enterprises until his death in 2003.

While his playing career wasn’t flashy, his journey from Santa Rosa to major league outfielder shows the grit it takes to make it at baseball’s top level.

Post-Retirement Activities

After his last season with the Giants in 1966, Landrum went back to California to start his post-baseball career. He settled in East Contra Costa County and got involved in a variety of business activities.

He spent the rest of his working life running different businesses throughout the area. That shift from pro sports to the business world really showed his adaptability.

Landrum stayed in California for the rest of his life. He lived in the region until he passed away on January 9, 2003, at age 66.

He stayed active in his local community through several decades of business ventures. The details of these businesses aren’t always clear, but it’s obvious he cared about staying involved after baseball.

Recognition and Influence on Baseball

Don Landrum’s big league career stats show a utility outfielder who contributed to four different franchises. His .234 average and 12 home runs over eight seasons might not jump off the page, but he was steady.

The fact that he played for several teams says a lot about how much organizations valued dependable outfielders. Landrum spent time with the Phillies, Cardinals, Cubs, and Giants from 1957 to 1966.

That December 1965 trade, sending Landrum and Lindy McDaniel to San Francisco for Randy Hundley and Bill Hands, really mattered for both clubs. The deal highlighted his role as a valuable trade piece.

His 14 stolen bases in 1965 showed he still had some speed late in his career. Those contributions helped his teams during his final years in the majors.

Remembrance and Tributes

Don Landrum died on January 9, 2003, in Walnut Creek, California. His life stretched all the way from Depression-era Santa Rosa to the modern age of baseball.

His obituary mentioned his 13-year run in professional baseball and the business ventures he took on afterward.

Sites like Baseball-Reference.com keep his career stats alive for anyone who wants to dig into baseball history. They show his eight seasons in the majors and his time with four different teams.

He went from Mt. Diablo High School in Concord, California, all the way to the big leagues. That path was pretty familiar for a lot of California players back in the 1950s and 1960s.

Don McShane, an amateur scout, signed him as a free agent on June 26, 1954, and that move kicked off his pro career.

Memorial sites and baseball historians still talk about his career as part of baseball’s huge history. His story sticks around as one example of those players who gave so much to America’s pastime.