Cot Deal – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Ellis Ferguson “Cot” Deal finished up his major league playing career in 1954 after seven seasons as a right-handed pitcher for the Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals. Folks in Oklahoma gave him his nickname because of his cotton-colored hair, and he wound up with a 3-4 record across 46 games during his time in the big leagues.

Deal’s stats might not grab your attention, but honestly, his influence on baseball didn’t stop when he retired as a player.

Deal’s 1954 season with the Cardinals ended his playing days, but it kicked off an impressive second act in baseball. He spent nearly four more decades as a coach and manager. His story, from small-town Oklahoma pitcher to respected baseball lifer, really shows the dedication required to stick with America’s pastime for a lifetime.

Not many players have shown that kind of loyalty to the game after putting away their cleats.

Cot Deal’s story shows how baseball careers can take unexpected turns, growing from modest playing stats to real contributions behind the scenes. His journey from the mound to the dugout is proof that talented people can shape professional baseball in so many ways, even after their days on the field are over.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Ellis Ferguson “Cot” Deal grew up in rural Oklahoma, surrounded by baseball. He showed athletic promise from a young age.

People called him “Cot” because of his cotton-colored hair, and major league scouts noticed his talent while he was still in high school.

Family Background and Early Years in Arapaho

Cot Deal was born on January 23, 1923, in Arapaho, a tiny town in western Oklahoma. His parents, Roy and Ruth Deal, raised four kids in a family where sports ran deep.

The Deals had roots in Oklahoma going back over a century, just after the 1889 Land Rush. Roy Deal taught school in Arapaho before the family moved to Oklahoma City.

All the Deal kids had athletic ability. Roy Jr., the oldest, played minor league ball until arm trouble ended his career.

Clarence, the youngest, became the University of Oklahoma’s third baseman after coming home from World War II, where he’d been a German prisoner of war.

Cot’s sister and brothers all stayed in the Oklahoma City area for their whole lives. The family’s athletic genes and support helped Cot develop as a baseball player.

High School Baseball in Oklahoma City

When the family moved to Oklahoma City, Cot went to Central High School. There, his baseball skills really took off.

He got the nickname “Cot” because of his standout cotton-top hair on the field.

Cot’s talent showed early in high school. He became a versatile player, helping out both as a hitter and a fielder.

He also developed his switch-hitting ability, which would become a big part of his pro career.

By his senior year, Cot was good enough to attract professional scouts. His performance at Central High put him on the radar for major league teams looking for young talent.

First Tryout with Pittsburgh Pirates

At just 16, Cot got an invitation that changed everything. The Pittsburgh Pirates asked him to spend a week in Pittsburgh for a tryout.

He got his first real taste of major league baseball that week, working out with the Pirates and seeing how professional baseball worked up close.

That experience helped Cot see what it would take to make it at the top level. The week in Pittsburgh confirmed his potential and made him want a professional career even more.

Influence of Pie Traynor

Pirates manager Pie Traynor, a Hall of Fame third baseman, left a big impression on Cot. Cot remembered Traynor as “a wonderfully warm man” who really cared about his development.

At the end of the tryout, Traynor gave Cot a special gift—the last glove he’d used as a player. That meant a lot and showed he believed in Cot’s future.

But things didn’t go as planned when Cot got home. He used the glove at practice, set it down to take batting practice, and it disappeared. Even though he lost that keepsake, Traynor’s encouragement stuck with him and helped launch his career.

Professional Baseball Debut

Ellis Ferguson “Cot” Deal started his professional baseball journey as a teenager in 1939, signing with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. In his early minor league years, he went from promising outfielder to a versatile switch-hitter who could also pitch.

Signing with the Pittsburgh Pirates Organization

Deal joined the Pirates in 1939 when he was just 16. A scout spotted him playing for his dad’s semi-pro team, the Oklahoma City Natural Gas Gassers.

“The Pirate scout drove my mother, dad and me to Pittsburgh,” Deal said. “I spent a week in the dugout, then signed. I wouldn’t be 17 until January.”

The Pirates saw something special in Deal right away. His dad, Roy Deal, already had a reputation in Oklahoma baseball circles, which helped Cot get noticed.

Signing with the Pirates was a huge leap for Cot, moving from semi-pro ball in Oklahoma to the big leagues’ farm system.

Minor League Journey: Western Association and Interstate League

Deal’s pro career began with Hutchinson of the Western Association in 1940. He mostly played outfield and third base as a rookie, batting .312 in 137 games.

He went back to Hutchinson in 1941 and kept up solid hitting with a .285 average. That year, he also started pitching, getting into five games on the mound.

In 1942, Deal moved up to Harrisburg in the Interstate League. His batting average dipped to .266, but he kept working on his skills.

That September, his minor league run paused suddenly. Deal joined the military and served in the Army Air Force, which put his baseball dreams on hold for three years.

Transition to Pitcher and Switch-Hitter

Deal’s military service from 1942 to 1945 actually made him a better ballplayer. He worked as a physical instructor at Enid Army Flying Field in Oklahoma, and the base’s baseball team, the Enidairs, gave him tough competition.

He really came into his own as a pitcher during those years. In 1944, he put up a 10-1 record and batted .371. He even became the first player to win the National Baseball Congress Semi-Pro Tournament MVP award twice.

He officially became a switch-hitter during this time, able to bat from both sides of the plate. That kind of flexibility made him more valuable to pro teams.

Being able to both pitch and play the field set him apart. Not many players could help their teams in so many ways.

Promotion to Toronto Maple Leafs and International League

After leaving the military in October 1945, Deal joined Toronto of the International League in 1946. The team started using him more as a pitcher than an outfielder, which changed the course of his career.

He spent two years with the Toronto Maple Leafs from 1946 to 1947 and kept getting better as a pitcher. The International League was the top rung of minor league ball back then.

Playing in Toronto set Deal up for his shot at the majors. Success in the International League usually got you noticed by big league scouts.

Those years in Toronto were crucial for Cot’s growth. They got him ready for his big league debut with the Boston Red Sox in September 1947.

Major League Career and 1954 Retirement

Cot Deal played seven seasons in the majors between 1947 and 1954, suiting up for both the Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals. His last year, 1954, ended his major league playing days, but he stuck around baseball for years as a coach and manager.

MLB Debut with Boston Red Sox

Deal made his MLB debut on September 11, 1947, with the Boston Red Sox at age 24. The team had called him up from the Toronto Maple Leafs late that season.

He faced the Cleveland Indians in his first game, pitching 4.2 innings and giving up 8 hits and 6 earned runs, striking out 2.

Even though he struggled on the mound, Deal showed he could hit. He went 2-for-4 as a pinch-hitter, scoring a run and driving in another.

The Red Sox brought Deal in after he switched from outfielder to pitcher in Toronto. His ability to play different roles became a big part of his career.

Key Moments and Performances

Deal’s biggest moment came with the St. Louis Cardinals. On September 3, 1949, pitching for their Columbus affiliate, he started and finished a wild 20-inning game against Louisville.

He not only won the game, but allowed just one earned run over 20 innings. He helped out at the plate too, going 4-for-8.

He hit his only major league home run in 1954 off Cincinnati’s Bud Podbielan, right at the end of his playing days.

Deal had arm troubles throughout his career. He once admitted, “In my own mind, I don’t think I should have ever pitched. I hurt my arm early and never really got over it.”

Final MLB Season with St. Louis Cardinals

The 1954 season was Deal’s last in the majors. He played for the St. Louis Cardinals that year.

His final big league appearance came on September 9, 1954, against the Brooklyn Dodgers. He pitched one inning, gave up no hits or runs, and walked one batter.

That same season, he hit his only major league home run—a nice way to wrap up his hitting days.

The Cardinals, like a few other National League teams, saw several veterans retire in 1954. Deal was part of that group.

Retirement from Playing in 1954

Deal hung up his spikes in 1954 at age 31. He played 45 games over seven seasons with the Red Sox and Cardinals.

His final numbers: a 3-4 pitching record. Despite arm injuries, Deal showed the versatility that made him useful to different teams.

He moved into coaching almost right away. People valued his deep knowledge of the game and his knack for working with players.

Leaving the field as a player was just the start of a new chapter. Deal would go on to coach and manage for decades in pro baseball.

Statistical Highlights and Playing Style

Cot Deal’s seven years in the majors brought modest stats across 46 games. But his ability to switch-hit and pitch made him a valuable utility player for both the Red Sox and Cardinals.

Pitching and Batting Statistics

Deal finished with a 3-4 win-loss record and a 6.55 ERA over his major league career from 1947 to 1954. He struck out 34 batters in 46 games.

The right-handed pitcher stood 5’10.5″ and weighed 185 pounds. That 6.55 ERA shows just how tough the jump from the minors to the big leagues can be.

Career Pitching Stats:

• Games: 46
• Wins: 3
• Losses: 4
• ERA: 6.55
• Strikeouts: 34

Deal’s switch-hitting gave managers more options in late-game situations, though there’s not a ton of detailed batting data from his major league years.

Notable Games: 20-Inning Game and Caribbean Series

Deal played in some memorable games. That 20-inning marathon was probably the most famous.

He also pitched in the Caribbean Series during winter ball, facing international competition that helped him sharpen his skills between major league seasons.

His performance in those long games proved he had the stamina and reliability managers needed in tough spots. When games dragged on, Deal was often the guy they called on.

Roles as Utility Player and Switch-Hitter

Deal brought real value to every team with his knack for both pitching and switch-hitting. Managers loved having someone who could slot into different roles and make roster decisions a little easier.

He could bat from either side of the plate, which came in handy for pinch-hitting, especially when he played for the Red Sox and Cardinals.

The utility player gig just fit Deal. He could jump into different positions as needed, giving managers some breathing room during those long, grinding seasons.

His flexibility helped him stick around in the pros with two franchises. Teams always wanted players who’d help out wherever they were needed, not just in one spot.

Coaching and Post-Playing Career

When Deal retired as a player in 1959, he dove straight into coaching and baseball front offices, racking up about 30 years in those roles. He shared his pitching know-how with eight different major league organizations and took on jobs as a manager and executive at several levels of pro ball.

Transition to Coaching Staff

Deal started coaching in 1956, taking on a player-coach role with the Rochester Red Wings under manager Dixie Walker. That setup let him keep playing while picking up the basics of coaching and team management.

Rochester gave Deal his first real shot at leadership. He managed the team in 1957, stepping in as the first manager of the community-owned franchise.

In his second season, 1958, he led them to the playoffs with a 77-75 record.

Major league teams noticed his knack for managing and working with pitchers. Deal stood out for developing young talent. In 1959, Cincinnati manager Fred Hutchinson brought Deal on as the Reds’ pitching coach, kicking off his long major league coaching career.

Coaching Tenures: Reds, Yankees, Indians, and More

Deal’s reputation as a pitching coach opened a lot of doors. He spent 1959 and 1960 with the Reds, building a strong friendship with Hutchinson that lasted until Hutchinson passed away in 1964.

The Yankees picked Deal as their pitching coach in 1965 when Johnny Keane, a former Cardinals manager, brought him on staff. The Yankees finished sixth that year, but Deal got some solid American League experience.

He moved on to the Kansas City Athletics for 1966 and 1967, working under Alvin Dark. Deal once called Dark “a very, very smart manager” and said he was “the best ‘checker-player’ as far as making moves.”

The Cleveland Indians brought him back to work with Dark again in 1970 and 1971. Deal stayed with the Indians even after Dark left, finishing out the 1971 season with Johnny Lipon.

He wrapped up his major league coaching days with the Detroit Tigers from 1973 to 1974. He worked with Billy Martin and then Ralph Houk, though Houk eventually let him go, saying he wanted “someone with a more positive attitude.”

Managerial and Executive Roles

Deal didn’t just manage in Rochester. He took on big roles in Triple-A, managing Indianapolis in the American Association in 1961 and leading them to a pennant. That win came at a price—he missed out on joining the Reds for a World Series run.

In 1968 and 1969, Deal managed the Oklahoma City 89ers, Houston’s Triple-A club. The 1969 season was rough, since the Vietnam War took thirteen players off the roster, and the team ended up in fifth place.

He got a taste of front-office life in 1986 when Chicago White Sox farm director Alvin Dark hired him as assistant farm director. That job gave him a new view of baseball operations, but his time there only lasted a season, as the whole front office got let go.

Deal also coached with the Houston Astros from 1983 to 1985. He finished his career in the San Francisco Giants’ minor league system from 1987 to 1989.

Honors and Inductions

People recognized Deal’s impact on baseball throughout his career. The Rochester Red Wings held “Cot Deal Day” in 1957, giving him an Oldsmobile 88 station wagon to thank him for his work with the community-owned team.

His career in pro baseball spanned from 1940 to 1989, which is just wild. He spent 22 years coaching, 5 years managing, and a year as an executive. That’s a lot of hats to wear.

Former players often talked about Deal’s character and coaching. Larry Dierker, who played for him in Houston, said Deal “cared more about us as a father than as a coach.” Billy Joe Bowman, who played for Deal in Rochester, said, “you always felt he cared about you.”

Legacy and Personal Life

Deal’s legacy goes way beyond his short time in the majors. He spent about 50 years in pro baseball, working with all sorts of organizations and players. His roots stayed deep in Oklahoma City, where his family and achievements left a real mark on the local baseball scene.

Family and Personal Achievements

Deal’s family played a huge part in his baseball life. His dad, Roy Deal, was a local baseball legend in Oklahoma, managing the semi-pro Oklahoma City Natural Gas Gassers.

All four Deal kids showed athletic talent. Roy Jr. played minor league ball until arm trouble ended his career.

His youngest brother, Clarence, played third base for Oklahoma University after surviving as a German prisoner of war. Cot’s own son, Randy Deal, joined him professionally in 1969. The University of Oklahoma let Randy play catcher for the Oklahoma City 89ers while his dad managed the team.

People called him “Cot” because of his cotton-top hair as a kid. The family settled in Oklahoma City, and Deal kept close ties there for the rest of his life. His siblings stuck around too, keeping the Deal name strong in the area.

Impact on Baseball and Recognitions

Deal made a mark in baseball by connecting with players and taking on so many different roles. Over his five decades in the game, he played alongside Ted Williams, Stan Musial, and Red Schoendienst. He managed Bob Gibson in the minors and coached Catfish Hunter as a pitching coach.

The Rochester Red Wings honored him with Cot Deal Day in 1957, handing him an Olds 88 station wagon for his contributions. He managed the Red Wings for two seasons, getting them to the playoffs in 1958.

Vern Benson, a former teammate, called Deal “one of the best competitors I have ever had the pleasure of playing with.” Jack Faszholz, another teammate, said, “Cot could probably do anything that was required on the baseball field.”

Influence Across Teams and Leagues

Deal spent 50 years moving through eight different major league organizations as a player, manager, and coach. The Pittsburgh Pirates signed him at just 16, and he played for the Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals before moving into coaching and managing with several other teams.

He coached with the Cincinnati Reds, Houston Astros, New York Yankees, Kansas City Athletics, Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers, Chicago White Sox, and San Francisco Giants. Working with so many teams gave him a pretty unusual perspective on how organizations run things and help players grow.

Deal made a real impact on players as individuals, not just as athletes. Larry Dierker, who later became a manager himself, remembered how Deal cared enough to worry about his smoking habit—he wasn’t just about the game.

Billy Joe Bowman, one of his players in Rochester, said Deal was “one of the few men who would look you straight in the eye,” and you could just tell he genuinely cared.