George Strickland – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

George Strickland isn’t exactly a household name, especially if you’re just a casual baseball fan. Still, his decade in Major League Baseball says a lot about a reliable shortstop who played right in the thick of one of baseball’s most competitive eras.

He was born in New Orleans in 1926. Strickland managed to carve out a solid career as a defensive specialist with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cleveland Indians from 1950 to 1960.

Strickland’s biggest achievement? He played a key role on the 1954 Cleveland Indians team that won 111 games and snapped the New York Yankees’ streak of five straight pennants. Sure, the Indians got swept by the New York Giants in the World Series, but that season was the absolute peak for Strickland and locked in his place in baseball history.

He hung up his cleats in 1960, finishing with a .224 career batting average. Strickland didn’t leave the game, though. He spent over a decade managing and coaching, sticking around the sport he loved.

Strickland’s journey took him from serving in the Navy in the South Pacific to playing in the majors and eventually managing. That kind of determination and grit really defined his generation of ballplayers. It’s the kind of story worth digging into.

Early Life and Background

George Bevan “Bo” Strickland was born January 10, 1926, in New Orleans, Louisiana, right in the thick of the Great Depression. He grew up in the Third Ward’s business district, and his baseball roots started at S.J. Peters High School.

Strickland made some strong connections there, crossing paths with future Major Leaguers like Mel Parnell.

Childhood in New Orleans

Strickland spent his early years in New Orleans’ Third Ward, a crowded, busy part of the city. His dad, Harold Lind “Harry” Strickland, worked as a police officer at Pelican Stadium, home of the New Orleans Pelicans. His mom, Imelda (Bevan) Strickland, took care of the family at home.

He had an older sister named Rita and a brother, Harold Jr. The Stricklands, like a lot of families during the Depression, really struggled to make ends meet.

“We didn’t have a radio, so we played outside a lot,” Strickland once remembered. Money was tight, but he found ways to have fun.

He got the nickname “Bo” because he always seemed to come home with new “bobos”—scrapes and bruises. His grandmother’s boss at a casket factory joked, “I’ve never seen a little fella with so many bobos.” The name stuck, shortened to “Bo.”

Some of his earliest baseball memories? His dad would take him out to a wide street median and spin bottle caps at him, which he’d try to hit with a sawed-off broom handle. That’s how he started building his hand-eye coordination.

S.J. Peters High School Baseball Career

Strickland went to S.J. Peters High School and actually preferred to go by his middle name, Bevan. He didn’t make the baseball team as a ninth-grader, but he stuck with it and earned a spot on varsity as a sophomore in 1941.

Coach Dave Dahlgren saw something special in him. “He might be small, but just try to get a ball past him!” Dahlgren once said.

The 1941 Peters team made it to the New Orleans City high school finals. According to Mel Parnell, the team was so good they got a bit too relaxed and ended up losing.

The next year, things changed. Strickland captained the team, and Peters won the city championship in 1942. He was still growing and hadn’t quite reached his full height and weight yet.

Influence of Mel Parnell

Mel Parnell, who later became a star pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, played alongside Strickland at S.J. Peters. Their time together on the baseball team forged a connection that would shape Strickland’s path as a player.

With Parnell on the roster, Peters High School had some serious talent. Parnell saw firsthand just how good Strickland was defensively, especially during their championship season.

After high school, Strickland played American Legion ball with Aloysius Jax Post in 1943. That team won the Legion tournament regional finals in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and finished fourth in the national finals in Miles City, Montana.

Strickland’s play earned him All-Legion second team honors as a utility infielder. That recognition helped him land his first pro contract with the New Orleans Pelicans, a Brooklyn Dodgers farm team. He only got into three games before the Navy drafted him.

Minor League Journey

George Strickland’s road to the majors took six seasons in the minors. He started with the New Orleans Pelicans in 1943 and eventually worked his way up, with a stint in the military and some time bouncing around different organizations before breaking out with the Birmingham Barons.

New Orleans Pelicans and the Southern Association

Strickland’s pro career kicked off at age 17 when the Brooklyn Dodgers signed him as an amateur free agent before the 1943 season. He joined his hometown New Orleans Pelicans in the Southern Association and got into just three games.

He didn’t get much of a shot—only eight plate appearances, but he managed two hits.

Then, in March 1944, Strickland got drafted into the Navy. He served in the Pacific during World War II until May 1946.

After the war, Strickland returned to the Pelicans in 1946. The Dodgers had sent him back after their minor league agreement ended before the 1945 season.

Transition to the Boston Red Sox Organization

The Boston Red Sox picked up Strickland from the Pelicans as part of a minor league agreement before the 1946 season. That move gave him a fresh start.

He played for the Pelicans again, this time in the Red Sox system, and hit .242 in 78 games in 1946. That was a step up from his brief stint in 1943.

He spent the next three years, from 1947 to 1949, working on his game in the minors. The Red Sox kept an eye on him, hoping he’d develop into a solid player.

Performance in the Birmingham Barons and Louisville Colonels

Strickland really broke through with the Birmingham Barons in 1949, hitting .261. That performance basically punched his ticket to the majors.

His minor league stats kept improving. Over five seasons, he put up a .240 batting average, not bad for someone known more for his glove than his bat.

The Pittsburgh Pirates saw his potential and grabbed him in the Rule V Draft on November 17, 1949. That marked the end of his minor league journey and the start of his major league career.

He also spent time with teams like the Louisville Colonels, picking up the defensive skills that made him valuable in the big leagues.

Major League Playing Career

George Strickland played ten seasons in the majors, from 1950 to 1960, with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cleveland Indians. He started as a Rule 5 draft pick and ended up playing a key role on a Cleveland team that made it all the way to the World Series in 1954.

Debut with Pittsburgh Pirates

Strickland made his big league debut on May 7, 1950, in a 3-2 loss to the Brooklyn Dodgers at Forbes Field. The Pirates had picked him up in the Rule 5 draft after he impressed with the Birmingham Barons.

He spent three seasons with Pittsburgh (1950-1952), mostly at shortstop. His best season there was 1951, when he started at shortstop.

He batted .216 in 138 games that year. Fielding was a struggle—he led the majors with 37 errors.

The Pirates weren’t exactly winning much during Strickland’s years. They finished at the bottom of the National League standings every season he was there.

Cleveland Indians Tenure

Strickland’s career changed course when the Cleveland Indians traded for him on August 18, 1952. He and pitcher Ted Wilks went to Cleveland in exchange for John Beradino, Charlie Ripple, and $50,000.

Once he got to Cleveland, Strickland took over from Ray Boone as the starting shortstop. His first full season in 1953 turned out to be his best at the plate—he hit .284 in 123 games.

He held the starting shortstop job through 1955. His defense really improved, and in 1955 he led all regular shortstops with a .976 fielding percentage.

After the Indians picked up Chico Carrasquel, Strickland moved into a utility role. He sat out the 1958 season but came back for two more years (1959-1960), mostly at third base.

His last game was July 23, 1960, against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. The Indians released him on August 3, 1960.

Significance as a Middle Infielder

Strickland made his mark as a reliable middle infielder during his time in Cleveland. His steady defense kept the Indians’ infield solid during their best stretch in the 1950s.

He played all over the infield—shortstop, second base, third base. That kind of versatility made him a favorite for managers who needed dependable defense.

Cleveland finished no lower than second place in the American League five times during his eight seasons there. Strickland’s presence helped keep the team consistently competitive.

He wasn’t a big hitter, finishing with a .224 career average, 36 home runs, and 284 RBIs over ten years. But his defense was what teams counted on.

World Series Appearance Against New York Giants

Strickland’s biggest moment came as part of the 1954 American League champion Indians. That team won 111 games and finally stopped the Yankees’ run of five straight pennants.

The Indians faced the New York Giants in the 1954 World Series—Strickland’s only shot at postseason baseball. Sadly, Cleveland got swept in four games after their incredible regular season.

Strickland struggled at the plate in the series, going hitless in nine at-bats over the first three games. In Game 3 at Cleveland Stadium, he made a throwing error in the first inning while trying to turn a double play, which led to the Giants’ first run in a 6-2 loss.

Sam Dente replaced him for Game 4, and that was it for Cleveland’s World Series hopes.

Even though the ending was rough, Strickland’s role in the 1954 Indians’ season was still a big deal. That team remains one of the best regular-season squads in baseball history.

Defensive Skills and Playing Style

George Strickland earned his reputation as a skilled defensive infielder. He anchored the Cleveland Indians’ infield with solid fundamentals and leadership.

His glove work and ability to support top-notch pitching made him valuable, even if his bat wasn’t flashy.

Infield Leadership and Double Play Records

Strickland stood out as a reliable shortstop with great hands and smart positioning. He really shined during Cleveland’s historic 1954 season, helping to anchor one of the strongest infields in the game.

He had a knack for turning double plays with perfect timing. His quick release and accurate throws made him a great partner for second basemen.

Strickland’s defensive consistency earned respect from teammates and opponents. He rarely made costly errors when it mattered most.

He didn’t just focus on his own play. Strickland talked with teammates, helped position fielders, and paid attention to batter tendencies, always trying to give his team an edge.

Backing the Big Four Pitchers

Strickland’s defensive skills really stood out when he backed Cleveland’s legendary rotation. Bob Feller, Bob Lemon, Early Wynn, and Mike Garcia all leaned on his steady glove work.

Bob Feller fired fastballs that generated tons of grounders, and Strickland reacted with quick reflexes. He handled those tough plays with steady hands throughout their time together.

Early Wynn often benefited from Strickland’s positioning and range. The shortstop fielded sharply hit balls up the middle, saving runs in some tight games.

Mike Garcia and Bob Lemon trusted Strickland’s defensive consistency. When he went weeks without an error, those pitchers attacked the strike zone with more confidence.

The Big Four found success partly because they could count on solid defense. Strickland’s efforts helped Cleveland pull off that remarkable 1954 pennant-winning run.

Batting Average and Offensive Highlights

Strickland’s offense stayed pretty modest throughout his career. His .224 batting average showed he focused on defense and the basics, not power.

He racked up 633 hits in ten seasons, with only a handful of home runs. His 36 career home runs and 284 RBIs showed he cared more about moving runners and situational hitting than swinging for the fences.

Strickland scored 305 runs by staying patient at the plate. He knew his place in Cleveland’s lineup and didn’t try to do too much.

He liked making contact over hitting for power. Strickland worked the count and tried to avoid strikeouts that could stall the team’s momentum.

Mentorship to Fellow Players

Strickland’s experience made him a trusted mentor. Younger guys came to him for advice on defense and how to prep for games.

He kept calm under pressure, which helped steady the team. Strickland led more by example than by shouting instructions.

Throughout his career, he shared fielding tips with his infield partners. That willingness to help built better team chemistry and results.

Cleveland’s coaches valued his insights about opposing hitters. His observations shaped defensive strategies that gave the team an edge.

Retirement, Coaching, and Later Roles

George Strickland wrapped up his playing days in 1960 and jumped right into coaching and interim manager roles with the Cleveland Indians. He stuck around pro baseball for over a decade before moving on to other things.

Retirement from Playing in 1960

George Strickland played his last major league game in 1960 with the Indians. That season closed out a ten-year career that started back in 1950 with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

He finished with a .224 batting average and a .963 fielding percentage. Strickland actually retired for a bit in 1958, then came back for one more run in 1959 before calling it quits for good in 1960.

He played for just two teams. He spent time with the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1950-52, then the Cleveland Indians from 1952-57 and again from 1959-60.

Coaching and Interim Manager Stints with Cleveland Indians

After a year scouting for Cleveland, Strickland joined the Minnesota Twins as a coach in 1962. The Twins won 91 games that year.

He returned to Cleveland as a coach from 1963-69. Most of the time, you could find him coaching third base during his coaching tenure with the Indians.

Strickland stepped in as the Indians’ interim manager at the start of the 1964 season. His first shot as interim manager started on April 2, 1964.

He filled several roles for the organization. During the 1960s, he worked as both a coach and a manager.

Collaboration with Birdie Tebbetts and Joe Adcock

Strickland worked with lots of managers and coaches during his years after playing. His coaching jobs brought him into contact with all sorts of baseball people in the 1960s.

That Minnesota Twins coaching gig in 1962 was his first big break as a coach. It helped him get ready for later jobs with the Indians.

He picked up experience working for different organizations and under different managers. That background helped when he stepped in as interim manager.

Relationship with Bob Lemon

Strickland’s coaching career brought him together with other former players who moved into managing. His time with the Indians kept him connected to a lot of baseball folks from that era.

The Indians’ coaching staff in the 1960s included several ex-players. Those connections influenced how the team operated during Strickland’s years there.

Strickland stuck with the Indians through 1969. He stayed in baseball until 1972, wrapping up a 20-year run as a big league player, coach, and manager.

Personal Life, Legacy, and Net Worth

After leaving pro baseball, George Strickland went back home to New Orleans and became a beloved figure in the local sports scene. He loved telling stories, and his generous nature made him a favorite among retired athletes who got together for lunch.

Life in New Orleans After Baseball

Strickland settled into New Orleans life after his baseball days. He worked as the pari-mutuels manager at New Orleans Fair Grounds, putting his organizational skills to use in horse racing.

He joined a tight group of retired athletes who met weekly for lunch. The group included baseball, football, and basketball players, plus a boxing referee and a racehorse trainer.

His high school buddy Mel Parnell, an All-Star pitcher with the Red Sox, stayed a close friend. Parnell thought those lunches were special because athletes from all sorts of sports came together and swapped stories from their pro days.

Community Involvement and Storytelling

Strickland earned a reputation as an exceptional storyteller among his peers. Peter Barrouquere, a local baseball historian and former Times-Picayune reporter, said everyone wanted to sit near George at those weekly lunches.

His stories were legendary. When Hall of Famer Bob Lemon passed away, Strickland kept the whole group laughing for three and a half hours with Lemon stories. Barrouquere remembered how Strickland “had us in stitches” during those get-togethers.

Friends called Strickland “the life of the party” at those gatherings. He remembered details from his playing days that helped keep New Orleans baseball history alive through storytelling.

Influence on New Orleans Baseball Community

Strickland’s impact on New Orleans baseball went way beyond his playing career. He earned spots in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame (2006), the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame (1980), and the Diamond Club of New Orleans Hall of Fame (1968).

His old Tulane coach and longtime friend Milt Retif spoke highly of Strickland’s character. Retif, who visited with him the day before he died, called him “a great human being, a very religious man,” and “just a great man.”

Mel Parnell also praised Strickland, saying he was “really a class act and a guy I always enjoyed being with.” Parnell wished they could have been major league teammates, but they kept a strong mutual respect as opponents.

Legacy Remembered by Peter Barrouquere

Peter Barrouquere, who’s basically the go-to baseball historian around here, really shaped how we understand Strickland’s mark on New Orleans sports culture. He watched up close as Strickland’s knack for storytelling pulled together retired athletes from all sorts of backgrounds.

Barrouquere often pointed out how Strickland bridged the gap between different eras in New Orleans sports. You’d see him connecting younger fans to those old-school baseball days from the 1950s and ’60s.

Those weekly gatherings kind of turned into casual history classes about professional sports. It’s funny how stories can do that, isn’t it?

Barrouquere always loved how Strickland’s best tales focused on his friendships with other players. He’d remember little details about teammates and rivals, giving everyone a peek into what baseball culture felt like back then.

Thanks to Barrouquere’s notes, these stories have found a place in New Orleans sports folklore.