Ray Scarborough – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Ray Scarborough put together a solid 12-year run in Major League Baseball, pitching for five different teams before finally calling it quits in 1953. Born Rae Wilson Scarborough in Mount Gilead, North Carolina, this righty built a reputation for his steady arm and, interestingly, his off-season job selling pickles for the Mt. Olive Pickle Company.

Scarborough went 80-85 with a 4.13 ERA in 318 games, hitting his stride in the late 1940s as a reliable starter for the Washington Senators. He bounced around from D.C. to Chicago, Boston, New York, and Detroit, eventually earning a World Series ring with the Yankees in 1952.

After making one All-Star appearance in 1950, he even helped snap Ted Williams’ wild 84-game on-base streak.

Scarborough’s story really captures a time when ballplayers needed off-season jobs. After his playing days, he coached, scouted, and made a real impact on baseball development at Mount Olive College.

He excelled at Wake Forest, served in World War II, and managed to juggle a bunch of roles—kind of the definition of a mid-20th century pro athlete.

Ray Scarborough’s Early Life and Education

Ray Scarborough’s journey started in rural North Carolina, in Mount Gilead. He grew up in a farming family with some serious Scottish-Irish roots.

He learned the basics at Rutherford Junior College and Wake Forest University, setting himself up for a baseball career and a lifelong love of learning.

Family Background in Mount Gilead

Rae Wilson Scarborough was born July 23, 1917, in Mount Gilead, North Carolina, to Oscar and Bina Scarborough. Oscar, his dad, started out as a mail carrier, then farmed, ran a general store, and later worked as a cotton broker.

Ray was the fourth of seven kids in a Scottish-Irish family. Cotton farming was king in that area, about 55-60 miles east of Charlotte and 90 miles south of Greensboro.

Oscar’s Baseball Influence

• He pitched left-handed for local semipro teams
• Built a baseball field just for his kids
• Ran a hardware store by 1949

Money was tight, but Oscar still made sure his kids could play ball. That homemade field became the place where Ray learned the game that would shape his future.

High School and Rutherford College Years

Ray went to public school in Mount Gilead before heading to Rutherford Junior College. During those years, he stood out not just for his athletic skills but for his academics too.

At Rutherford, Ray started taking pitching seriously. The college gave him coaching and competition he just couldn’t get back home.

He kept his grades up, especially in science classes. That interest in science would stick with him, even at Wake Forest.

Moving from high school to college baseball turned out to be a huge leap for Ray. He faced tougher competition and got real coaching that helped him sharpen his pitching.

Achievements at Wake Forest University

Ray enrolled at Wake Forest University, and from 1937 to 1939, he managed to juggle academics and sports. He picked up a Bachelor of Science degree in 1942 and earned Phi Beta Kappa honors.

Athletic Accomplishments:

• Pitched 33 innings, striking out 50 batters
• Won five games for Coach John Caddell
• Played basketball, football, and tennis
• Was a key player for the Wake Forest Deacons baseball team

He started teaching biology and science, thinking maybe that would be his career. Ray’s thoughtful approach to both school and sports earned him plenty of respect.

Those years at Wake Forest, balancing tough classes and competitive athletics, really shaped his discipline and drive. That same work ethic carried him through his pro baseball days.

Path to Major League Baseball

Ray Scarborough’s road to the majors really kicked off at Wake Forest. He honed his pitching in the minor leagues, eventually catching the eyes of the Washington Senators.

Amateur and Minor League Experience

Scarborough made a name for himself at Wake Forest, showing off his pitching talent. Those college days set the stage for his pro career.

After college, he jumped into the minor league system to sharpen his skills. Those years in the minors were his real training ground before making it to the big leagues.

He pitched for teams like the Roanoke Rapids Romancos and the Burlington Terrible Towers. Those stints helped him work on his technique and gather real game experience.

The Leesburg Orioles of the Florida State League also played a part in his journey. Florida’s minor league scene gave him another shot to get noticed.

Signing with the Washington Senators

The Washington Senators spotted Scarborough’s potential and brought him into their organization. That signing really launched his pro baseball career.

He made his MLB debut on June 26, 1942, at age 24, tossing one inning against the St. Louis Browns.

Washington became his main team in those early years. He pitched for the Senators from 1942-1943, then again from 1946-1950 after serving in the military.

The Senators gave him his big break as a starting pitcher in the American League. That first contract was the start of an 11-year major league career.

MLB Career Highlights

Ray Scarborough’s MLB career spanned 11 years, featuring a 15-8 season with the Senators, an All-Star nod with the White Sox, and a World Series win with the Yankees. He finished with an 80-85 record and a 4.13 ERA over 318 games from 1942 to 1953.

Washington Senators Tenure

Scarborough started out with the Senators in 1942, but his early years didn’t see much action before the Navy called him away.

When he came back from World War II, he developed into a solid starter for Washington. In 1948, he broke out with a 15-8 record and a sharp 2.82 ERA.

That 2.82 ERA was second-best in the American League, just behind Gene Bearden’s 2.43. It really put Scarborough on the map as a top pitcher.

In 1949, he picked up 13 wins for the Senators. That September, he snapped Ted Williams’ 84-game on-base streak.

Scarborough kept it going in 1950, winning three games for Washington before they traded him mid-season. His time with the Senators built the foundation for his career.

Chicago White Sox Transition

The Chicago White Sox traded for Scarborough during the 1950 season, and the move gave him a real boost. He won 10 games for Chicago after the trade, finishing the year with 13 wins.

His strong run with the White Sox earned him his only All-Star selection in 1950. That season ended up being his most productive.

Chicago turned out to be a good fit. Scarborough adjusted quickly to the American League’s tough competition.

He handled the pressure well, and his 10 wins in just part of a season showed how quickly he made an impact.

Boston Red Sox Contribution

Scarborough joined the Boston Red Sox in 1951 and won 12 games in his first season. He became a dependable starter in the tough AL East.

Boston leaned on his experience and steady pitching throughout 1951. He offered real consistency as a middle-rotation guy.

His 1951 season proved he could still deliver as a veteran. Scarborough brought stability to the Red Sox staff when they needed it.

He also showed he could adapt to new teams and situations. Teammates and coaches respected his professional approach.

New York Yankees and World Series Victory

The New York Yankees bought Scarborough’s contract in 1952, hoping he’d help in their championship push. He went 5-1 during the Yankees’ successful pennant race.

He helped the Yankees reach the 1952 World Series against the Brooklyn Dodgers, and the team won in seven games. That gave Scarborough his only World Series ring.

He stuck with New York through 1953, his last MLB season, and also had a short stint with the Detroit Tigers before retiring on January 14, 1954.

Winning the World Series with the Yankees was the perfect way to finish his career. That championship really made all the hard work worth it.

Career Performance and Key Statistics

Ray Scarborough played 10 years in the majors from 1942 to 1953, ending up with an 80-85 record and a 4.13 ERA in 318 games. His best years came in the late 1940s, especially the standout 1948 season when he was one of the league’s top pitchers.

Pitching Record: Wins, Losses, and ERA

Scarborough wrapped up his career with 80 wins and 85 losses, for a .485 winning percentage. His 4.13 ERA was a little below league average, but he really improved during his peak years.

His best season was 1948—he went 15-8 with a 2.82 ERA for the Washington Senators. That year, he put up 5.2 WAR (Wins Above Replacement), his career high. He pitched 185.1 innings, struck out 76, and showed great control.

Across his career, Scarborough threw 1,428.2 innings in 318 games. He started 168 times and finished 59 complete games. He struck out 564 batters, gave up 1,487 hits, and issued 611 walks.

He had his ups and downs with consistency. His ERA ranged from a sharp 2.82 in 1948 to a rough 5.30 in 1950 with the White Sox.

Notable Games and Achievements

Scarborough’s most impressive year was 1948, leading the Senators’ staff. He notched nine complete games and posted a 1.284 WHIP, his best ever.

Even in 1947, with a 6-13 record, he managed a strong 3.41 ERA over 161 innings. He tossed two shutouts and eight complete games that season.

He missed the 1944 and 1945 seasons for Navy service in World War II. That break probably shifted his career stats and trajectory.

Later on, Scarborough found a role as a reliever. In 1953, he picked up four saves between the Yankees and Tigers, showing he could handle different jobs on the mound.

All-Star Selection and Awards

Scarborough made one All-Star team in 1950, splitting time between Washington and Chicago. That year, he went 13-18 with a 4.94 ERA.

Even though his win-loss record wasn’t great, the selection showed he had a reputation as a skilled pitcher, often playing for losing teams. The Senators rarely finished with winning records while he was there.

His 1948 season, even without an All-Star nod, was his best. He put up 5.2 WAR, proving he was well above replacement level that year.

Postseason and World Series Performance

Scarborough played in the 1952 World Series with the Yankees. The Yankees beat the Brooklyn Dodgers in seven games that October.

He didn’t get much postseason action during his career—most of his teams weren’t contenders. The Senators almost never made the playoffs while he was there.

With the Yankees in 1952-53, Scarborough mostly pitched in relief or as a spot starter. That was his one shot at playing for a championship team.

His World Series appearance in 1952 was the final highlight, as he retired after the 1953 season at age 36.

Later Career, Coaching, and Scouting

After retiring in 1954, Ray Scarborough moved into coaching and scouting, roles he kept for more than 20 years. He worked with several big league teams, including the Baltimore Orioles, California Angels, and Milwaukee Brewers.

Post-Playing Baseball Roles

Scarborough started his post-playing career in 1960. He joined the Baltimore Orioles as a scout, jumping straight from the field into evaluating talent.

He didn’t waste time making an impact. In the early 1960s, he scouted for the Orioles and found promising players for the organization.

In 1961, he took a managerial role with the Class-D Florida State League team, the Leesburg Orioles. He worked as one of three managers, teaming up with Cal Ripken Sr.—yes, the same Cal Ripken Sr. who became a baseball legend.

Scarborough’s coaching abilities caught attention. The Orioles promoted him to the major league level in 1968.

He spent part of that season on the Baltimore Orioles’ MLB coaching staff. Scarborough brought his experience as a former player right into the dugout with the pros.

He didn’t just stick to official roles. Scarborough helped boost college baseball too.

In the early 1980s, he jumped in to help reestablish the baseball program at Mount Olive College. He recruited players, designed their field, and even set up an endowment for scholarships.

Work with Orioles, Angels, and Brewers

Scarborough’s scouting career didn’t stop with Baltimore. After working with the Orioles, he joined the California Angels scouting staff in 1973.

He stayed with the Angels until 1977. Then, he moved on to his final professional baseball job.

Scarborough worked as a scout for the Milwaukee Brewers from 1978 until he passed away in 1982. Those last four years with the Brewers wrapped up a 22-year run in post-playing baseball.

He leaned on his playing experience to spot talent across all levels. Scarborough’s work with three different organizations showed he could adapt and stay valuable in the ever-changing world of pro baseball.

His post-playing career lasted from 1960 to 1982. Scarborough’s dedication to the sport really stands out, doesn’t it?

Personal Life, Legacy, and Impact

Ray Scarborough’s impact didn’t end with his playing days. He earned honors and stayed active in both baseball and his community.

Honors and Hall of Fame Inductions

Ray Scarborough picked up recognition for his contributions to baseball at several levels. Wake Forest University, his alma mater, celebrated him as both a student-athlete and a pro.

The university highlighted Scarborough’s jump from college baseball to the major leagues. He represented Wake Forest during his 12-year MLB career.

Scarborough never made it into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, but his 80 wins, 85 losses, and a 4.13 ERA earned genuine respect in the baseball world. That 1950 All-Star Game selection? Definitely a career high point.

Local baseball groups in North Carolina tipped their caps to him too. After his playing days, Mount Olive—where he settled—recognized how much he did to keep baseball thriving in the community.

Community Involvement and Teaching

After he retired in 1953, Scarborough moved back to Mount Olive, North Carolina. He’d actually settled there in 1946, before opening the Scarborough Oil and Supply Company.

He jumped right into business, running the company and getting involved in the community. Scarborough didn’t leave baseball behind, though.

He stayed close to the sport by working with local youth programs. He liked sharing his experience with young players around Mount Olive, and you could tell he enjoyed it.

His business did well, and that success let him help out with community projects in Mount Olive. The University of Mount Olive gained from having him in town, but honestly, records don’t say much about what he actually did with the university.

Scarborough clearly wanted to give back to the North Carolina community that had always supported him.