Preston Ward – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Preston Ward finished up his Major League Baseball career in 1959 after nine seasons as a versatile first baseman and utility player. Born in Missouri, he played for five different teams in the majors: the Brooklyn Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, Pittsburgh Pirates, Cleveland Indians, and Kansas City Athletics.

Ward’s professional baseball journey stretched over a decade, starting with his debut for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1948 and ending with his last game for the Kansas City Athletics on August 18, 1959. He built his career on steady performance and adaptability, shifting from a promising prospect to a reliable veteran who could handle a bunch of different roles on the field.

Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 190 pounds, Ward brought both size and a left-handed bat to every team he played for. He took a two-year military service break during the Korean War, which interrupted his career between 1951 and 1952.

Ward’s story runs from his early days in the Brooklyn farm system to his last season split between Cleveland and Kansas City. He really made the most of his opportunities in baseball, and you can see his dedication in the way he stuck with it.

Preston Ward’s Early Life and Background

Preston Meyer Ward was born on July 24, 1927, in Columbia, Missouri. He built his baseball skills through his college years at Missouri State University.

His athletic journey started in his hometown and moved through amateur baseball before he went pro.

Birth and Family Background

Preston Meyer Ward came into the world on July 24, 1927, in Columbia, Missouri. His family supported his athletic ambitions as he grew up in the Midwest during the Great Depression.

He carried his full name, Preston Meyer Ward, through his nine-season Major League Baseball career. Columbia, Missouri gave him his roots and his first taste of baseball.

Even as a kid, Ward stood out physically. He eventually reached 6’4″, making him a pretty intimidating presence on the field.

His left-handed batting stance and tall frame became his trademarks throughout his career.

Early Baseball Influences

Ward developed his early baseball skills in Missouri during the 1930s and 1940s. He attended Springfield High School, where he started to show the talent that would take him to the pros.

His high school years shaped his fundamentals. The coaching and competition in Springfield helped him build the tools he needed as a first baseman and hitter.

During this time, Ward’s natural athleticism and size made him stand out. Recruiters and scouts took notice of his 6’4″ frame and left-handed swing.

College Years and Amateur Career

Ward attended Missouri State University and kept improving his baseball skills at the college level. Those years gave him the training and competition he needed to prepare for pro ball.

In 1947, he played in the Western League and led the league in runs, triples, and RBI. That performance showed he was ready for the next step and caught the attention of Major League scouts.

His Western League success helped launch his professional career. By age 20, Ward had already proven he could compete at higher levels. That set him up for his Major League debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1948.

Major League Baseball Debut and Teams

Preston Ward played nine seasons in Major League Baseball from 1948 to 1959, suiting up for five different teams. He started off with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1948, then moved on to the Chicago Cubs, Pittsburgh Pirates, Cleveland Indians, and Kansas City Athletics.

Brooklyn Dodgers Debut

Ward made his MLB debut on April 20, 1948, with the Brooklyn Dodgers at just 20 years old. He had been working his way through the Dodgers’ farm system since 1944, after signing as a 16-year-old.

He got limited action during his rookie season with Brooklyn. Ward batted left and threw right, standing 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 190 pounds.

His time with the Dodgers was short but important as his entry into the big leagues. The organization spotted his potential early on with their scouting.

Chicago Cubs Period

Ward joined the Chicago Cubs for the 1950 season after his first stint with Brooklyn. He returned to the Cubs in 1953, after serving in the military during the Korean War.

The Cubs gave Ward more regular playing time than he got with the Dodgers. He mainly played first base, but also filled in the outfield and at third base as a utility guy.

Ward missed the 1951 and 1952 seasons because of military service. That break came at a key time in his development.

When he came back to the Cubs in 1953, Ward finally became a regular contributor to the major league roster.

Pittsburgh Pirates Years

The Pittsburgh Pirates kept Ward longer than any other team, from 1953 to 1956. During this stretch, he grew into a reliable platoon player and utilityman.

Ward played 438 games at first base in his career, with most of those coming as a Pirate. He also played 95 games in the outfield and 74 at third base.

The Pirates used Ward’s versatility well across several positions. His left-handed bat made him useful in platoons against right-handed pitching.

Pittsburgh gave Ward the stability to develop his skills. This period really formed the core of his major league career.

Cleveland Indians and Kansas City Athletics

Ward split his last MLB seasons between the Cleveland Indians (1956-1958) and Kansas City Athletics (1958-1959). He got traded mid-season in 1958 and finished his career with Kansas City.

He had his best offensive season in 1958, batting .284 with 118 hits while splitting time between both teams. That year showed he still had value as a veteran.

Ward played his final MLB game on August 18, 1959, with the Kansas City Athletics. He wrapped up his career with a .253 batting average, 50 home runs, and 262 RBIs in 744 games.

The Athletics gave Ward his last shot at the majors before he retired from pro baseball.

Position Versatility and Playing Style

Preston Ward became a valuable utility player over his nine MLB seasons, showing he could handle several defensive spots. He started out as a first baseman, but his role expanded to include regular time in the outfield and at third base.

First Base and Utility Roles

Ward mainly played first base during his MLB years from 1948 to 1959. He appeared in 438 games at the position, making it his home on defense.

He started at first base early in his pro career. At 6’4″ and 190 pounds, he fit the physical mold for the spot.

As his career went on, Ward shifted from a pure first baseman to a utility player. Teams liked having him around because he could fill different roster spots.

His left-handed swing and right-handed throw worked well for first base. That combo made him a solid fit for the role.

Contributions as an Outfielder

Ward played in 95 games as an outfielder during his career, showing he could handle more than just the infield. His outfield work gave his teams extra options.

His height and athleticism translated well to the outfield. Ward got most of his outfield time later in his career, when teams needed players who could move around.

Managers often used him in platoon setups. Ward’s left-handed bat made him a good play against righties, and his outfield skills let managers get creative with lineups.

Teams like the Cleveland Indians and Kansas City Athletics leaned on his outfield ability during the 1956-1959 stretch. Being able to play both infield and outfield made him a good trade option.

Appearances at Third Base

Ward played 74 games at third base, adding to his defensive versatility. Third base takes different skills than first, like quicker reflexes and a stronger arm.

He usually played third when teams needed to rest their regulars or in certain matchups. His right-handed throw helped him at the hot corner.

That third base experience gave Ward even more value as a utility guy. Managers could shift him around based on needs.

His defense at third showed his adaptability, but he always seemed most comfortable at first base.

Notable Career Highlights and Achievements

Ward’s nine MLB seasons included some standout moments, especially with Cleveland, where he put up his highest batting averages. Moving across five teams, he showed he could contribute at multiple positions.

Standout Seasons and Best Performances

Ward’s best season came in 1958 with Cleveland, when he batted .338 in 48 games before getting traded to Kansas City. That year was the high point of his offensive game in the majors.

In his 1948 rookie season with Brooklyn, Ward showed promise. He played 42 games and batted .260 with 38 hits, including 9 doubles and 2 triples, and drove in 21 runs.

The 1954 season with Pittsburgh was another solid year. Ward played 117 games, picked up 97 hits, and hit .269. He added 16 doubles, 7 home runs, and 48 RBI that year.

Ward’s career totals included 522 hits, 83 doubles, 15 triples, and 50 home runs in 744 games. His .253 career average shows he was a consistent contact hitter in both leagues.

Key Trades and Team Contributions

Ward’s career had a few notable team changes that showed his value as a utility player. He started with Brooklyn in 1948, moved to Chicago in 1950, and then served in the military.

His 1956 trade from Pittsburgh to Cleveland turned out well for him. Ward hit .333 in limited time with the Pirates before joining the Indians, where he had his best run.

The move to Kansas City in 1958 was his last team change. Ward played parts of two seasons with the Athletics, collecting 95 hits and 43 RBI in 139 games.

Teams valued his ability to play first base, third, and the outfield. Ward gave managers roster flexibility wherever he went.

Final Season and Retirement in 1959

Preston Ward wrapped up his nine-year Major League Baseball career with the Kansas City Athletics in 1959. He played in 58 games that final season.

The veteran first baseman ended his pro playing days after dealing with limited playing time and declining offensive production.

1959 Season Overview

Ward split his final season between home and road games for the Kansas City Athletics. He played 29 games at home and 29 on the road.

Home Performance:

He stepped up to the plate 46 times at home, picking up 12 hits. That gave him a .260 batting average, along with 7 RBIs and 5 runs scored.

He managed 2 doubles, 1 triple, and even knocked out a home run in front of the home crowd.

Road Performance:

On the road, Ward had 63 at-bats and collected 15 hits. His batting average dipped to .238 away from home.

He drove in 12 RBIs, scored 3 runs, and picked up 2 doubles and 1 home run while traveling.

Ward’s combined season totals ended up at 109 at-bats with 27 hits. That .248 average really showed the challenge of staying sharp as a 32-year-old with less time on the field.

The Athletics mostly used Ward as a backup first baseman. Compared to his earlier years as a regular starter, his playing time dropped off a lot.

Retirement from Major League Baseball

Ward called it a career after the 1959 season, wrapping up nine years in the majors. He played from 1948 to 1959, with short gaps in 1949 and between 1951 and 1952.

He finished with a .253 batting average over 744 games. Ward hit 50 home runs and drove in 262 RBIs during his time in the big leagues.

He suited up for five different teams: the Brooklyn Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, Pittsburgh Pirates, Cleveland Indians, and Kansas City Athletics.

At 6-foot-4, Ward never really became a star, but his retirement marked the end of a solid career as a dependable role player. He brought valuable depth to several organizations throughout the 1950s.

Legacy and Life After Baseball

Ward moved from his nine-season MLB career into coaching and education. Eventually, he earned a spot in the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.

His signed baseball cards and memorabilia still catch the eye of collectors, even decades later.

Coaching and Post-Playing Career

After hanging up his cleats in 1959, Preston Ward turned his attention to coaching. He worked with high school and college teams, sharing what he’d learned as a pro.

Coaching kept him close to the game. Having played first base for five MLB teams, Ward had plenty of stories and knowledge to pass along.

Back then, a lot of former players made the jump to coaching. It gave them a chance to stay involved and help younger players find their way.

Ward’s years as a coach helped him leave a mark on baseball that went beyond his stats. He focused on teaching fundamentals and good habits to amateur players.

Honors and Community Impact

The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame recognized Preston Ward in 1996 for his contributions to baseball. That honor came nearly four decades after he retired from playing.

His induction celebrated both his MLB journey and his commitment to developing young talent. The hall of fame highlighted his dedication to the sport at every level.

Ward didn’t stop at formal coaching. He stayed active in baseball circles and supported local programs in his community.

This recognition really underscored Ward’s place in Tennessee sports history. His career brought attention to the state’s athletic talent and helped inspire the next generation.

Collectibles and Memorabilia

Collectors still go after Preston Ward’s baseball cards and autographed items. You’ll spot his 1954 Topps card showing up pretty often in online auctions and memorabilia sales.

People usually pay anywhere from $5.99 to $43.75 for signed items from Ward’s career, depending on what it is and if it’s authenticated. His autographed baseball cards from his days with the Pittsburgh Pirates? Those are definitely fan favorites.

Some of the collectible items folks look for include:

• 1954 Topps baseball cards
• Signed index cards
• Team photographs
• Autographed baseballs

Ward played for five different teams and appeared in 744 MLB games, so the memorabilia market for his stuff feels pretty broad. Collectors seem to enjoy finding pieces from all the teams he joined over the years.

After Ward passed away in 2013, his autographs got more valuable. Since there aren’t many signed items out there, baseball memorabilia enthusiasts have kept up their interest.