Dick Cole – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Dick Cole played professional baseball for six seasons in Major League Baseball, wrapping up his career in 1957 after his final game with the Milwaukee Braves. Born Richard Roy Cole in Long Beach, California, this versatile infielder made a name for himself in the big leagues, even though his time there was pretty short, starting with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1951.

Cole played 456 games across three MLB teams, compiling a .249 batting average with 303 hits and 107 RBIs during his career from 1951 to 1957. He showed the kind of dedication and skill you really need to stick around in the majors, even while dealing with trades and position changes along the way.

Dick Cole’s story gives us a glimpse into the life of a mid-century ballplayer who handled shortstop, second base, and third base with equal confidence. From signing as an amateur free agent to making an impact after his playing days, Cole’s journey really captures the highs and lows of professional baseball during its so-called golden era.

Dick Cole’s Early Life and Education

Richard Roy Cole came from a family that moved to Southern California from the Midwest back in the 1920s. He grew up in Long Beach, a busy port city, and found his love for baseball on local sandlots before shining at Woodrow Wilson High School.

Family Background

Richard Roy Cole was born on May 6, 1926, in Long Beach, California. He was the first of two sons born to Almer and Gertrude (Jones) Cole.

His parents had both moved to Los Angeles from the Midwest—Almer’s family from Nebraska, Gertrude’s from Illinois. They met in California and got married in 1924, just a couple of years before Dick arrived.

In Long Beach, which was growing fast, Almer worked as a salesman and deliveryman for a bread company. Gertrude worked as a secretary at a fruit-juice company. Their story was pretty typical of families who moved west in search of better prospects.

Childhood in Long Beach, California

Growing up in Southern California during the 1930s, young Dick Cole lived far from any major league team. The St. Louis Cardinals played halfway across the country, so big league dreams felt pretty distant for a kid in Long Beach.

Cole would sprawl out on the living room floor, listening to France Laux call Cardinals games on KMOX radio from St. Louis. He could only imagine what a major league ballpark looked and sounded like, just from those broadcasts.

He spent hours on the sandlots of Long Beach, playing pick-up games that sharpened his skills and deepened his passion for baseball. That sandlot experience was pretty common for kids back then who hoped to play professionally.

Woodrow Wilson High School Achievements

Cole went to Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach, where he quickly stood out as a baseball player. He played shortstop and did well both in the field and at the plate.

In June 1943, Cole graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School as one of the team’s best players. Local scouts noticed his talent.

Just a couple of months after graduating, Cole signed his first professional contract at 17. St. Louis Cardinals scout Bob Hughes brought him on board in August 1943. Years later, his high school inducted him into its athletic hall of fame to honor his baseball legacy.

Professional Playing Career Overview

Dick Cole’s baseball career lasted 16 seasons, from 1943 to 1957. He started as a teenage prospect in the Pacific Coast League and finished with a World Series championship. His career stood out for his versatility, defensive skill, and the persistence he showed as he worked his way up through the minors to the majors with three teams.

Signing with St. Louis Cardinals Organization

In August 1943, just 17 years old, Dick Cole signed his first professional contract with the St. Louis Cardinals. Scout Bob Hughes spotted him at Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach.

Cole debuted professionally on August 25, 1943, with the Sacramento Solons, the Cardinals’ Pacific Coast League affiliate. He played third base, singled, and scored a run, though he also made a fielding error.

Those early days weren’t easy. His team went 1-14, and Cole later remembered hitchhiking home from Sacramento because he didn’t have enough money as a minor leaguer.

World War II put his career on hold when he joined the Army in August 1944. He served until 1946, playing some baseball at Camp Roberts in Southern California with future Hall of Famer Bobby Doerr.

Pacific Coast League and Minor League Path

After leaving the Army in 1946, Cole returned to the Cardinals organization, playing with Columbus in the American Association. Over the next few years, he bounced between teams, including the Rochester Red Wings in the International League.

His breakout came in 1947 with the Fresno Cardinals in the California League. He hit an amazing .386 and led the league in batting average, putting himself on the map as a real prospect.

Even though he hit so well at Fresno, his average ranged from .236 to .297 in the seasons that followed. Still, people started calling him a “wizard with the glove” for his defense.

At 6-foot-2 and 175 pounds, Cole went to Cardinals spring training more than once, but established players kept blocking his way up. His ability to cover multiple infield spots helped him stick around the minors.

Major League Baseball Debut and Teams

Cole made his Major League Baseball debut on April 27, 1951, with the St. Louis Cardinals at 24. He entered as a pinch-runner in the fifth inning, replaced Marty Marion at shortstop, and later scored on a Stan Musial fly ball.

After just 15 games with the Cardinals, Cole got traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates on June 15, 1951, as part of a seven-player deal that included Joe Garagiola. The Pirates became his main team for the next four seasons.

Cole’s top season in the majors came in 1954. He played 138 games for Pittsburgh, hit .270, and collected 22 doubles, five triples, and a homer, starting at second, short, and third.

In April 1957, Cole was traded to the Milwaukee Braves for Jim Pendleton. He spent most of that year in the minors but picked up a World Series ring when the Braves beat the Yankees that fall.

Highlights from MLB Tenure (1951–1957)

Dick Cole spent six years in the majors, providing steady infield play for three National League teams. His most productive years were with Pittsburgh from 1953 to 1954, and he finished up as a world champion with the Milwaukee Braves in 1957.

St. Louis Cardinals Years

Cole debuted in the majors on April 27, 1951, with the St. Louis Cardinals at 24. He played his first game against the Chicago Cubs, getting one at-bat in what turned out to be a short run with the team.

The Cardinals had signed Cole as an amateur free agent before the 1943 season. He spent years developing in their minor league system, including stints with the Sacramento Solons and Fresno Cardinals.

His time in St. Louis didn’t last. The team traded him to the Pittsburgh Pirates during the 1951 season, ending his stint with the organization that first gave him a shot.

Pittsburgh Pirates Contributions

Cole got his most playing time with the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1951 to 1956. He played all over the infield—shortstop, second base, and third base.

He had his best seasons in 1953 and 1954, serving as a semi-regular. Both years, Cole hit a steady .270, showing he could contribute with the bat.

Cole’s defensive skills made him valuable to the Pirates. At 6’2″ and 175 pounds, he fielded well at several spots and was one of the rare players who wore glasses on the field.

The Pirates leaned on Cole’s versatility for five seasons. His ability to play anywhere in the infield made him a useful utility player during his Pittsburgh years.

Milwaukee Braves and the 1957 Season

Cole finished his career with the Milwaukee Braves in 1957, after being traded from Pittsburgh on April 3, 1957. The Braves sent Jim Pendleton to the Pirates in return.

With Milwaukee, Cole played in just 15 games that season. He handled first, second, and third base, sticking with his utility infielder role.

The 1957 Milwaukee Braves won the World Series, so Cole ended his career as a champion. His last game came on July 21, 1957, when he was 31.

Cole wrapped up his major league career with a .249 batting average, 2 home runs, and 107 RBIs across 456 games. His final season in Milwaukee gave him a storybook ending to his six years in the majors.

Field Positions and Performance

Dick Cole built his MLB career on his defensive versatility and solid play at multiple infield spots. He played shortstop, second base, and third base for three National League teams from 1951 to 1957.

Shortstop and Middle Infield Roles

Cole made his mark as a reliable middle infielder. He played 169 games at shortstop during his time in the majors. People noticed his “wizard with the glove” defense.

At 6-foot-2 and 175 pounds, Cole was pretty tall for a middle infielder in the 1950s. Even so, he showed good range and steady hands at shortstop. His defense helped him earn roster spots with several teams.

Cole also played 118 games at second base. He started ten games at second in his 1951 rookie season with the Cardinals. With the Pirates, he often switched between shortstop and second, depending on what the team needed.

When younger players joined the roster, Cole’s role shifted. In 1955, he lost playing time at shortstop when Dick Groat came back from the military.

Third Base and Versatility

Cole didn’t just stick to the middle infield—he also played a lot at third base, appearing in 107 games at the hot corner in his MLB career. Managers liked him for his flexibility off the bench.

Third base became a big part of his job with the Pirates. He played solid defense there, but younger players like Gene Freese started to take over by 1955.

Cole even made two appearances at first base, so he ended up playing every infield position. That kind of flexibility made him a handy defensive replacement and spot starter. Managers valued his ability to fill almost any role.

His defensive skills really stood out in 1954. Cole played in 138 games that year, starting at second, short, and third. That versatility kept him in the lineup, even as a utility guy.

Batting and Fielding Statistics

Cole finished his big league career with a .249 batting average over 456 games. He hit 2 home runs and drove in 107 runs over seven seasons. Power wasn’t really his thing, but he was a decent contact hitter when needed.

His best year with the bat was 1954, when he hit .270 with 22 doubles and 5 triples. He played 138 games that season, the most of his career. On the downside, he grounded into 20 double plays, which was the second-highest in the National League that year.

In the minors from 1948 to 1952, his batting average moved between .236 and .297. His career-high was a .386 average with the Fresno Cardinals in 1947, but he never quite matched that again.

Cole played his last major league game on July 21, 1957, against the New York Giants. He went 0-for-1, closing out his MLB career with the Milwaukee Braves.

Transition to Coaching and Scouting

After stepping away from playing in 1960, Dick Cole jumped into a second act as a baseball coach and scout. He brought the same versatility from his playing days to his new roles, helping young players develop and shaping baseball’s growing scouting system.

Role with Chicago Cubs and College of Coaches

Cole joined the Chicago Cubs in 1961 when owner Philip K. Wrigley rolled out his experimental “College of Coaches” system. Instead of one manager, the Cubs rotated coaches—definitely an unusual approach.

The Cubs listed 11 coaches on their 1961 roster, and Cole was one of them. He worked with Vedie Himsl, Bobby Adams, and Rube Walker in a four-manager rotation.

Cole stood out as the only one who never got to serve as the team’s field manager during those rotations. That must’ve been a little frustrating, honestly.

He didn’t just stick to the major league club. Cole managed two Cubs farm teams: Wenatchee in the Class B Northwest League and St. Cloud in the Class C Northern League.

During his time with the Cubs, Cole really focused on player development. He worked with future Hall of Famer Lou Brock, teaching him bunting techniques.

Cole also switched Kenny Hubbs from shortstop to second base—a move that helped Hubbs win National League Rookie of the Year in 1962.

Managerial Career with Auburn Mets

After his year with the Cubs, Cole took over as manager of the Auburn Mets in 1962. The team played in the Class D New York-Pennsylvania League as a New York Mets affiliate.

At just 36, Cole became one of four player-managers in the league, but he didn’t play—he focused on managing.

His first season went really well. The Auburn Mets finished third in the regular season with a 62-57 record.

Cole led the team through the playoffs, and they actually won the league championship.

That achievement earned Cole Manager of the Year honors. The league moved up to Class A status the following season.

Cole’s team responded with a 76-54 first-place finish, but they lost in the first round of the playoffs.

Central Scouting Bureau Involvement

In the early 1970s, Cole moved into scouting with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. He worked as a scouting supervisor from 1971 to 1973.

Baseball’s Central Scouting Bureau formed in 1974, trying to help teams manage rising player salaries. Seventeen clubs, including the Pirates, sent their best scouts to this new group.

Cole joined the first 56 scouts who started the bureau. People respected his expertise, and he became a valuable founding member.

In December 1976, the bureau named Cole Scout of the Month for his excellent work. That honor showed his continued success in evaluating baseball talent at the pro level.

Scouting for San Francisco Giants

Cole’s scouting career just kept going—he worked with the San Francisco Giants well into the 21st century. Nearly six decades in baseball, which is pretty remarkable.

As of 2013, Cole was still active as a scout for the Giants at age 87. His experience and sharp eye made him a respected figure in the organization.

He never really slowed down. Cole kept working in different scouting roles, always trying to spot and help develop future major league players.

The Giants got a lot out of Cole’s experience as both a player and a talent evaluator.

Personal Life, Legacy, and Net Worth

After his baseball career ended in 1957, Dick Cole led a quiet life in Costa Mesa, California. He kept contributing to baseball through scouting and coaching.

He passed away in 2018 at 92, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to the sport that lasted over five decades.

Impact on Baseball Community

Richard Roy Cole really left his mark on baseball beyond his playing days. After retiring, he moved into coaching and management.

Cole coached for the Chicago Cubs in 1961 as part of the “College of Coaches.” Instead of one manager, the Cubs rotated several coaches.

He managed a few minor league teams in the early 1960s. His best years came with the Auburn Mets, where he led them to a league championship in 1962 and a first-place finish in 1963.

Cole later joined baseball’s Central Scouting Bureau. He scouted for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1970 to 1974 and became Scouting Supervisor during his last three years there.

His scouting career continued with the San Francisco Giants. He stayed active in southern California scouting until he passed away in 2018, always committed to developing baseball talent.

Post-Retirement Years and Passing

After his playing career, Dick Cole stayed in California, where he grew up. He settled in Costa Mesa, a city in Orange County.

Cole’s life after baseball still revolved around the sport. He spent decades scouting and helping new talent get their shot.

His career in baseball stretched over 60 years, combining playing, coaching, and scouting. That kind of longevity really shows his passion for the game.

Cole died on October 18, 2018, in Costa Mesa, California, at 92. His passing marked the end of an era for someone who saw baseball change from the 1940s all the way to the 2010s.

Estimated Net Worth and Honors

Nobody really knows the exact numbers when it comes to Dick Cole’s net worth. Players back in the 1950s usually didn’t make much, especially compared to today’s stars.

Cole played six years in the MLB, and that probably didn’t set him up for life. Most guys from that time had to find other jobs after baseball, which makes sense when you see how Cole kept working in the game.

He spent the most time with the Pittsburgh Pirates, first as a player and then as a scout. That long relationship gave him a steady paycheck once his playing days ended.

Cole never picked up any major individual awards. Still, he did play on the 1957 Milwaukee Braves team that won the World Series, and honestly, that’s a pretty big deal in itself.