Irv Noren – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Irving Arnold Noren wrapped up his major league baseball career in 1960 after eleven seasons as a versatile outfielder. He played for six different teams and helped win multiple World Series championships. Born in 1924, Noren managed a respectable career, batting .275 and appearing in over 1,000 games across both the American and National Leagues.

Noren’s path through professional baseball took him from the Washington Senators to the New York Yankees dynasty of the 1950s. He played a key role as a platoon outfielder during some of the most successful years in franchise history.

He kept moving, suiting up for Kansas City, St. Louis, Chicago, and finally Los Angeles, where he finished his playing days with the Dodgers in 1960.

If you dig into Noren’s career, you’ll find the story of a steady, reliable player who squeezed the most out of his talents during baseball’s golden era.

From his early days in California to his final at-bat in 1960, Noren’s journey shows a lot about perseverance and the world of mid-century baseball.

Early Life and Path to Professional Baseball

Irving Arnold Noren’s road to Major League Baseball started in upstate New York. Eventually, he landed in California, where he developed into a standout multi-sport athlete.

He served in the military during World War II and found early professional success that caught the Brooklyn Dodgers’ attention.

Birthplace and Family Background

Irving Arnold Noren was born on November 29, 1924, in Jamestown, New York. He was the middle child in a family of three, born to Perry and Victoria Noren.

His father Perry, who came from Sweden, ran a Swedish bakery in Jamestown. Irv had an older brother, Everett, and a younger sister, Janet.

In 1936, when Irving was 12, the family packed up and moved to Pasadena, California. Perry opened a new bakery there, and Everett eventually took over Noren’s Hillcrest Bakery in 1955, running it until 1988.

Baseball ran in the family. In October 1935, Perry took both sons to Detroit to watch the opening game of the World Series. They saw Schoolboy Rowe pitch for the Tigers.

High School and College Sports Achievements

At Pasadena High School, Noren shined as a multi-sport athlete. He pitched for the baseball team and starred in basketball.

His basketball skills really stood out. In 1942, he picked up the California Interscholastic Federation Player of the Year award for basketball.

After graduating in 1943, Noren kept playing sports at Pasadena Junior College (now Pasadena City College). He played both basketball and baseball and put up impressive numbers.

On the baseball diamond, he went 10-2 as a pitcher in 1942. On the court, he set a school record by scoring 29 points in a game during his second year.

He also played American Legion baseball for Post 13 in Pasadena, sharpening his skills outside of school.

Military Service and Early Minor League Success

Noren’s college career got interrupted when he joined the Army in March 1943 during World War II. During basic training at Fort Ord, California, he hurt his knee and needed surgery.

Even after the injury, he kept playing baseball while in the military. On March 23, 1945, he married Veda Mae Mewes, who worked in the telegraph office near Fort Ord.

After his discharge in 1946, Noren returned to Pasadena Junior College. He kept excelling in basketball, scoring a record 37 points against Dixie College of Utah in the Western States College Tournament.

While on leave from the Army, he played semipro baseball as a first baseman in Salinas and Monterey, California. On March 15, 1946, Brooklyn Dodgers scout Tom Downey signed him for a $5,000 bonus.

The Dodgers sent him to Class C Santa Barbara in the California League and converted him from first baseman to outfielder. He crushed it in his first pro season, batting .363 and leading the league with 188 hits, 33 doubles, 14 triples, and 129 RBIs.

Major League Debut and Washington Senators Years

Irv Noren started his Major League Baseball career with the Washington Senators in 1950, making his debut on April 18 at age 25. He spent nearly three full seasons with the Senators and established himself as a reliable outfielder and first baseman, putting up impressive offensive numbers that defined his early success.

Rookie Season in 1950

Noren broke into the majors on April 18, 1950, with the Washington Senators after winning the Pacific Coast League MVP award in 1949 with the Hollywood Stars. He had switched from pitcher to outfielder before reaching the big leagues.

His rookie year went really well. Noren appeared in 138 games, racked up 542 at-bats, and batted .295 with 160 hits. He drove in 98 runs and scored 80 times, making himself a key part of the offense.

He split his time between center field and first base. In that debut season, he played 121 games in center and 17 at first, showing off his flexibility.

His rookie stats included 27 doubles, 10 triples, and 14 home runs. Noren drew 67 walks and struck out 77 times, which showed pretty solid plate discipline for a rookie.

Team Contributions and Standout Performances

Noren kept up his strong play in 1951, appearing in 129 games for Washington. He batted .279 with 142 hits in 509 at-bats and kept his spot as a steady offensive producer.

That year, he hit a career-high 33 doubles, proving he could drive the ball into the gaps. He added 86 RBIs and scored 82 runs, showing his value in the Senators’ lineup.

Defensively, he held his own. In 1951, he played 126 games in center field with a .978 fielding percentage, handling 435 chances without much trouble.

His rookie year with Washington stood out as a career highlight. As he once put it, “Highlite of my career was Opening Day with the Washington Senators in 1950, then being traded to Yankees.”

MVP Voting and Key Statistics

We don’t have much MVP voting info for Noren’s Washington years, but his stats during this time showed All-Star level play. His 1950-1951 seasons were remarkably steady at the plate.

Across those two seasons, Noren collected 302 hits in 1,051 at-bats. His .287 average in 1950-51 ranked him among the better American League outfielders.

His power numbers stayed solid, with 22 homers and 60 extra-base hits in those two years. That mix of average, power, and run production made him a real asset in the Senators’ lineup.

Noren’s ability to play both center field and first base boosted his value. This flexibility came in handy when he moved to the New York Yankees in 1952.

New York Yankees Career and World Series Success

When the Yankees traded for Noren in May 1952, his career took a sharp turn—from struggling with a losing team to joining baseball’s most successful dynasty. He played key roles in three World Series championships and earned All-Star honors during his four seasons in pinstripes.

Trade to the Yankees in 1952

The Washington Senators sent Noren and Tom Upton to the New York Yankees in May 1952. The Yankees gave up Jackie Jensen, Spec Shea, Jerry Snyder, and Archie Wilson in the deal.

This trade changed everything for Noren. He left one of baseball’s worst teams for its most successful franchise.

Yankees manager Casey Stengel praised the move, calling Noren “big, smart and has all of the potential.” Stengel saw him as a valuable addition to his championship roster.

The timing couldn’t have been better. Noren joined the Yankees right as they were gearing up for another title run. His ability to play both outfield and first base fit Stengel’s platoon system perfectly.

Role in World Series Championships

Noren won three World Series titles with the Yankees in 1952, 1953, and 1956. He also played on the 1955 American League championship team that lost to Brooklyn in the World Series.

Stengel used Noren’s left-handed bat strategically during these championship seasons. At first base, he platooned with Johnny Mize and Joe Collins. In the outfield, he rotated with Hank Bauer and Gene Woodling.

His experience at Washington’s Griffith Stadium paid off in 1953. Noren told Mickey Mantle during batting practice that someone could hit a ball out of the park. That same day, April 17, 1953, Mantle hit his famous home run out of Griffith Stadium.

Noren’s steady play helped the Yankees bridge the gap between Joe DiMaggio’s retirement and Mickey Mantle’s rise. His defense and consistent hitting kept the Yankees rolling.

All-Star Selection and Notable Seasons

Noren picked up his only All-Star selection in 1954 while with the Yankees. That year turned out to be one of his best in pinstripes.

His top Yankees season was 1954, when he hit .319 and provided solid power. He appeared in 127 games and brought steady production from the left side.

Noren’s Yankees run ended after the 1956 season. The team traded him to Kansas City along with Mickey McDermott, Tom Morgan, Billy Hunter, and three others. In return, they got Art Ditmar, Bobby Shantz, Clete Boyer, and three minor league prospects.

During his four years in New York, Noren hit .275 and played multiple positions well. His ability to handle first base and all three outfield spots made him a valuable piece for Stengel’s championship squads.

Later Playing Career: Athletics, Cardinals, Cubs, and Dodgers

After his time with the Yankees, Noren played for four different teams from 1957 to 1960. In his final MLB years, he moved between the Kansas City Athletics, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, and Los Angeles Dodgers as his playing time dropped.

Trade to Kansas City Athletics

The Yankees traded Noren to the Kansas City Athletics in February 1957. This move ended his run with the championship Yankees. The Athletics brought Noren in as part of a bigger trade involving several players.

Noren only played one season with Kansas City, in 1957. He worked as an outfielder and first baseman, but his role was smaller than it had been in New York.

The Athletics struggled that year, finishing near the bottom of the American League. Noren’s veteran presence offered a bit of stability for a team that needed it.

Time with St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs

After Kansas City, Noren joined the St. Louis Cardinals in 1957 and played with them through 1959. His playing time shrank as he got older.

The Cardinals mostly used him as a bench player and spot starter. He appeared in fewer games, and his batting average and power numbers dipped as he got into his mid-thirties.

In 1959, Noren moved to the Chicago Cubs. He played part of the 1959 season and into 1960 with them. The Cubs released him after he struggled early in the 1960 season.

Final Games and Retirement in 1960

The Los Angeles Dodgers picked up Noren after the Cubs let him go in 1960. That gave him one last shot to keep his MLB career alive. He played his final games in a Dodgers uniform.

Noren’s last game happened on October 1, 1960, against the Chicago Cubs. He was 35 years old when he retired. His last at-bat didn’t result in a hit.

After eleven years in the majors, Noren’s career ended quietly with the Dodgers. He had played for six different teams. Once the 1960 season wrapped up, he moved on from playing.

Playing Style and Statistical Highlights

Irv Noren made a name for himself as a reliable contact hitter and a versatile defender during his 11-year MLB run. His best years came in the early 1950s, when he put up strong numbers and even got noticed in MVP voting.

Offensive Skills and Hitting

Noren earned his reputation as a steady contact hitter who could work the count and find ways to get on base. He wrapped up his career with a .275 batting average and a .348 on-base percentage over 1,093 games.

He really broke out in 1950 with Washington. That year, he hit .295, launched 14 home runs, and drove in 98 runs. He also drew 67 walks, which landed him 15th in MVP voting.

Noren loved smacking doubles. He piled up 157 over his career, with a personal best of 33 in 1951. His knack for hitting into the gaps made him dangerous in run-scoring chances.

He also had some speed. Noren swiped 34 bases in his career, and 1951 was his top year with 10 steals for Washington.

His most eye-catching offensive season happened in 1954 with the Yankees. That year, he batted .319, hit 12 homers, and drove in 66 runs, earning himself an All-Star nod.

Defensive Abilities and Versatility

Noren brought a lot of value to his teams with his defense. He mainly played outfield, but he could handle first base, left, center, and right field whenever his team needed him.

Managers leaned on his versatility, using him as both a starter and a fill-in. During his Yankees stint, he filled gaps all over the field while sticking to solid defensive fundamentals.

Noren’s Wins Above Replacement (WAR) numbers show just how much he meant to his teams. He finished his career with a 15.1 WAR, peaking at 3.4 in 1950 and 3.8 in 1954.

His steady glove helped him stay in the lineup year after year. Teams counted on him to make routine plays and use his baseball smarts wherever he played.

Career Accomplishments and Awards

Noren’s biggest team achievements came with the New York Yankees. He won two World Series rings as part of the Yankees’ dynasty during the 1950s.

He picked up individual recognition too, showing up in MVP voting in more than one season. He finished 15th in both 1950 and 1954, which says a lot about his impact.

The 1954 season really stood out for him, since he earned an All-Star spot and put up career-best numbers while helping the Yankees chase another title.

Over 11 seasons, Noren showed his value to six different MLB teams. He played for Washington, the Yankees, Kansas City, St. Louis, the Cubs, and the Dodgers before calling it a career in 1960.

Post-Playing Career and Lasting Legacy

After stepping away from the field in 1960, Irv Noren jumped into several baseball roles that let him share his deep knowledge of the game. He worked as a scout, managed in the minors, and coached in the majors, picking up five World Series rings across his playing and coaching days.

Minor League Managing and Scouting

Noren kicked off his post-playing days as a scout for the Washington Senators in 1964. He got to evaluate young talent and pass on what he’d learned over his career.

He took a break from baseball between 1965 and 1969, just stepping away from the sport for a bit.

In 1970, Noren got back into the game as manager of the Niagara Falls Pirates. That was his first shot at leading a team from the dugout.

Managing in the minors gave him a chance to help young players grow. Noren worked closely with prospects, teaching them what it takes to play pro ball.

Coaching Success with Dick Williams and Al Dark

Noren joined the Oakland Athletics coaching staff in 1971, working under Dick Williams. The A’s were building something special then, and Noren played a part in their rise.

He stayed on Oakland’s staff from 1971 to 1974, right as the team won three straight World Series titles. His background as a former outfielder helped him connect with the A’s talented roster.

The Athletics grabbed championships in 1972, 1973, and 1974 while Noren was there. His coaching contributions helped the team reach new heights for the franchise.

After his Oakland run, Noren moved to the Cubs’ coaching staff in 1975. That ended up being his last job in the big leagues.

Contributions to Baseball After Retirement

After he retired, Noren really showed how much he cared about the game by staying involved at different levels. He scouted for the Washington Senators and helped spot future big-league talent.

He jumped into coaching too, working directly with players and shaping their growth. Noren picked up five World Series rings along the way, grabbing two as a player and three more as a coach, which honestly says a lot about the kind of influence he had on winning teams.

He brought decades of experience to the table, sharing insights with younger players and coaches. Noren saw the game change right before his eyes, adapting to new eras in every role he took on.