Al Zarilla – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Al Zarilla left his mark on Major League Baseball during one of its most turbulent eras. He played through World War II and the years that followed, from 1943 to 1953.

Growing up in California, Zarilla spent a decade with three teams—the St. Louis Browns, Boston Red Sox, and Chicago White Sox. He built a reputation as a reliable outfielder who could hit for average and run the bases with real speed.

Zarilla’s baseball career really peaked in 1948, when he hit .329 for the Browns and made his only All-Star team. He finished fourth in the American League batting race that year.

He started out playing on Los Angeles sandlots before making it to the majors. In a quirky twist, he even had to buy a ticket to his own debut game during a wartime charity event. The left-handed hitter pushed through some early struggles and listened to his coaches, eventually turning himself into a consistent performer. By the end, he owned a .276 career batting average.

Let’s take a look at Zarilla’s life and career. His story moves from high school prospect to major league veteran, and he faced some tough challenges during wartime baseball. Zarilla’s journey really shows the determination needed to succeed in pro baseball, especially when the sport was recovering from a global conflict.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Allen Lee Zarilla was born on May 1, 1919, in Los Angeles. His parents, Carmen and Juanita Mercer Zarilla, were both teenagers at the time.

He started out playing ball on neighborhood sandlots. At Jefferson High School, Chicago Cubs scouts noticed his talent when he was just 17. That’s pretty impressive for a high schooler.

Family Background

Allen came into the world in 1919, born to young parents in Los Angeles. His dad, Carmen Zarilla, was a first-generation Italian-American who worked as a truck driver before joining the family fruit business.

Carmen eventually became a salesman in the fruit industry. The family’s working-class roots shaped Allen’s early years in sprawling L.A.

His mother, Juanita, was also a teenager when Allen was born. With both parents still figuring out their own lives, Allen grew up in a household where everyone was learning as they went.

Education and Jefferson High School Years

Allen attended Jefferson High School in Los Angeles. That’s where his baseball talents really started to shine.

Like a lot of kids, he learned the game on local sandlots before joining organized teams. At Jefferson, his athletic skills stood out right away.

The school gave him chances to develop in a more formal setting than those neighborhood games. His time there proved crucial for his future.

Jefferson’s baseball program became the platform he needed to get noticed by pro scouts.

Path to Professional Baseball

At 17, still in high school, Allen joined a tryout camp in Los Angeles run by Chicago Cubs scouts. For him, it was the first real shot at impressing pro evaluators.

The tryout went well. Allen made the cut as one of just 18 players chosen to compete against strong semipro teams around L.A.

But things didn’t go smoothly after that. He broke his left ankle sliding into a base in his first season with the Cubs organization.

That injury cooled the Cubs’ interest in him. When Allen asked for a $25-per-month raise, they lost interest entirely.

He needed to look elsewhere. Eventually, he signed with the St. Louis Browns for a few hundred bucks.

Minor League Journey

Al Zarilla’s road to the majors started in 1938, when he was just 19. He bounced around several minor league teams and leagues before making it to the big stage.

Beginnings in the Northeast Arkansas League

Zarilla kicked off his pro career with the Batesville White Sox in the Class D Northeast Arkansas League in 1938. That league was a starting point for a lot of young players.

Players in the Northeast Arkansas League often lived in boarding houses and rode buses from one small town to another. It was a grind, but it built character.

Zarilla’s left-handed swing and strong arm helped him stand out. He could hit for average, and scouts from higher levels started to pay attention.

The league operated during the Great Depression. Players didn’t make much, so most of them worked other jobs in the off-season.

Climbing Through the Minor Leagues

After Arkansas, Zarilla moved on to several other teams. He played for the Lafayette White Sox in the Evangeline League.

Next, he joined the Helena Seaporters in the Cotton States League. That league had more experienced players and stiffer competition.

Zarilla’s batting average improved as he climbed the ladder. He also developed his outfield skills during these years.

The Springfield Browns gave him a shot in the Three-I League, which was a step up in quality. Each new league meant better facilities and more organized training.

Zarilla learned to adjust his hitting against tougher pitching. That adaptability served him well later.

Time with San Antonio Missions and Toledo Mud Hens

The San Antonio Missions in the Texas League marked a big step up for Zarilla. That league was famous for producing future big leaguers.

San Antonio gave Zarilla his first real taste of higher-level competition. The league had former major leaguers and top prospects.

Later, he played for the Toledo Mud Hens. Toledo was a key development team for major league clubs.

The Mud Hens played in the American Association, which was just a notch below the majors. Zarilla’s performance with these teams helped open doors to the big leagues.

His batting stats kept getting better at each stop. That steady improvement made a difference.

Impact of War and Winter League Play

World War II changed Zarilla’s career path, just like it did for so many players. With established stars heading to military service, new opportunities popped up.

Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis kept baseball going during the war. The minor leagues stayed open, even with player shortages.

Zarilla played winter ball to keep his skills sharp. The California Winter League offered year-round baseball.

Facing different pitchers in winter leagues gave him valuable experience. That came in handy when he reached the majors in 1943.

His time in the minors ended when the St. Louis Browns called him up. All those years across various leagues really paid off in his big league career.

Major League Baseball Career Overview

Al Zarilla’s professional career ran from 1943 to 1953, with a break for military service during World War II. He played for three teams and found his greatest success with the St. Louis Browns.

He made the All-Star team in 1948 and played in the 1944 World Series.

Major-League Debut and Early Years

Zarilla debuted in the majors on June 30, 1943, with the St. Louis Browns. In a twist, he actually had to buy a ticket to get into the game, since it was a “Baseball for Victory” benefit and everyone had to pay to support the National War funds.

He made an immediate impact against the Philadelphia Athletics, picking up two hits off pitcher Orie Arntzen as the Browns won 3-1.

During his rookie season, Zarilla played in 70 games for the sixth-place Browns. He hit .254 with two home runs and 17 RBIs, mostly as a right fielder.

He hit his first big-league home run on August 29, 1943, in the second game of a doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers. The solo shot came off Tommy Bridges, though the Browns lost 4-2.

Military Service and Its Impact

After the 1944 season, Zarilla got drafted into the Army. He reported to Fort MacArthur in San Pedro, California, on October 25, 1944.

They transferred him to Fort Warren near Cheyenne, Wyoming, where he served out World War II. Military service cost him almost two full seasons.

He returned to baseball on February 20, 1946, reporting to the Browns’ spring training in Anaheim. The time away from the game definitely affected his performance early on.

Return and Rise with the St. Louis Browns

After some struggles in 1946 and 1947, Zarilla broke out in 1948. He listened to coach Earle Combs, who told him to focus on line drives instead of swinging for home runs.

That advice changed everything. Zarilla hit .329 in 1948, good for fourth in the American League batting race. He set career highs with 174 hits and 39 doubles.

His stellar play earned him a spot in the 1948 All-Star Game. He took over for Joe DiMaggio in right field in the fifth inning and went 0-for-2.

1948 Season Highlights:

• .329 batting average (4th in AL)
• 174 hits (career high)
• 39 doubles (career high)
• 12 home runs
• 74 RBIs

Notable Trades and Team Changes

On May 5, 1949, the Browns traded Zarilla to the Boston Red Sox for outfielder Stan Spence and at least $100,000. Zarilla was the last player left from the Browns’ 1944 pennant-winning team.

Red Sox manager Joe McCarthy liked the deal, calling Zarilla “a hustling, lively type of ballplayer who can run, throw, and will be tickled to play in Boston.”

Zarilla later joined the Chicago White Sox in 1951. He finished his career with brief returns to the Browns and Red Sox in 1952-1953.

He played his final game on September 26, 1953, against the New York Yankees and retired after that season.

Career Highlights and Notable Achievements

Al Zarilla’s ten-year career featured some real highlights. He played a big role in the St. Louis Browns’ only pennant win in 1944 and made the 1948 All-Star Game.

His best statistical seasons came in 1944 and 1948, when he hit .299 and .329.

1944 American League Pennant and World Series

Zarilla played a key part in the Browns’ only pennant-winning season. The Browns grabbed the 1944 American League pennant after a hot start and steady play.

From July 23 to August 10, Zarilla went on a tear, hitting .466 with 27 hits in 58 at-bats. That stretch included three doubles, two triples, four home runs, and 16 RBIs as the Browns won 14 out of 16 games.

He helped the Browns build their biggest lead of the year—6½ games over the second-place Red Sox. Zarilla hit safely in 14 of those 16 games, with nine multi-hit performances.

For the full 1944 season, Zarilla batted .299 with 13 doubles, 6 triples, 6 home runs, and 45 RBIs. The Browns advanced to face the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series, but lost four games to two.

Zarilla appeared in four World Series games, batting just .100 with one RBI. That was his only postseason appearance.

Peak Seasons and All-Star Game

Zarilla’s breakout year came in 1948 after he took advice from coach Earle Combs. Combs told him to stop swinging for the fences and aim for line drives.

That shift paid off right away. Zarilla started the 1948 season with 22 hits in his first 13 games, batting .478.

He kept up that pace, finishing the year with a .329 average, fourth-best in the American League. He also posted career highs with 174 hits and 39 doubles.

Fans gave Zarilla over 930,000 votes in All-Star balloting, and Yankees manager Bucky Harris picked him for the 1948 All-Star Game. Zarilla replaced Joe DiMaggio in right field in the fifth inning and went 0-for-2.

His 1948 performance earned him MVP votes from sportswriters—the only time he received that honor.

Offensive and Defensive Strengths

Zarilla was quick and aggressive on the bases, which made him a threat every time he reached. He led several minor leagues in triples before making the majors, showing off his knack for stretching hits.

His best offensive seasons showed off a well-rounded game. In 1948, he paired his .329 average with 12 home runs and 74 RBIs.

Zarilla mostly played right field and earned a reputation for his defense. His speed and throwing arm made him a strong outfielder.

He finished his career with a .276 batting average, 61 home runs, and 456 RBIs in 1,120 games. Zarilla’s steady production made him a valuable player for every team he joined.

Memorable Moments

On July 28, 1944, Zarilla caught an unusual break from umpire Bill McGowan. After he lined out against the Athletics, McGowan told him he had called time before the pitch.

Zarilla didn’t waste his second chance. He hammered his fourth home run of the year, pushing the Browns past Philadelphia, 8-5.

That lucky moment came during a hot streak for Zarilla that summer.

On July 13, 1946, Zarilla tied an American League record by hitting two triples in one inning. The Browns beat the Athletics 11-4 at Sportsman’s Park that day.

When Zarilla made his major league debut on June 30, 1943, he actually had to buy a ticket just to get into the ballpark. The “Baseball for Victory” game required everyone, even the players, to purchase tickets, with proceeds going to National War funds.

He picked up two hits in his debut against the Athletics. Later, he called it “the best money I ever spent.”

Statistical Legacy and Playing Style

Al Zarilla played ten seasons in the majors, finishing with a .276 batting average, 975 hits, and 61 home runs in 1,120 games. Advanced stats show he contributed 7.0 Wins Above Replacement, and his peak seasons put him at an All-Star level.

Batting and Fielding Statistics

Zarilla consistently contributed on offense through the 1940s and early 1950s. His 975 career hits came with a .276 batting average, 61 home runs, and 456 RBIs over a decade.

His best year at the plate came in 1948 for the St. Louis Browns. That season, he hit .329 with 174 hits, 12 home runs, and 74 RBIs. He made the All-Star team and finished 18th in MVP voting.

Zarilla showed gap power, collecting 186 doubles and 43 triples over his career. In 1950 with Boston, he drew 76 walks and still managed a .325 average.

He played mostly as a right fielder, but he moved around the outfield when needed. Baseball Reference shows most of his innings came in right, though he filled in at center and left as well.

Advanced Metrics and Wins Above Replacement

Modern stats give some extra insight into Zarilla’s value with Wins Above Replacement. Over ten seasons, he totaled 7.0 WAR, so he was worth seven wins more than a replacement-level player.

His best WAR years were 1948 (3.0) and 1950 (2.9), both with OPS+ marks above 125. In 1948, he posted a 129 OPS+, meaning he hit 29% better than league average.

Baseball Reference lists Zarilla’s peak OPS at .915 in 1950, thanks to strong on-base skills and power. For his era, his career OPS of .761 put him a bit above average.

Zarilla had a good eye at the plate. He drew 415 walks and struck out 382 times, showing he understood the strike zone.

Comparison to Peers and Hall of Fame Candidates

Zarilla’s stats line up with other solid outfielders from his era, but he didn’t quite reach Hall of Fame territory. His 7.0 career WAR sits well below the 50+ WAR usually needed for outfielders in Cooperstown.

Players like Hank Greenberg and Ted Williams put up much bigger numbers. Still, Zarilla’s 1948 and 1950 seasons stack up well against plenty of regular major leaguers.

His .276 career batting average matched the standards of his time. Offense was lower in the 1940s than it is now, so his numbers look a bit more impressive in context.

Among outfielders who mainly played in the 1940s, Zarilla was a dependable everyday guy. He played for several teams—the Browns, Red Sox, and White Sox—and each one found value in his steadiness.

Post-Playing Career and Personal Life

When he retired from baseball in 1953, Al Zarilla jumped into coaching and scouting. He even made a few appearances in Hollywood films. For decades, he worked with several Major League Baseball organizations and stayed connected to the sport well into his later years.

Coaching and Scouting Roles

Zarilla started managing the Magic Valley Cowboys in 1956. He later went into scouting, spending time with the Cincinnati Reds through 1968.

The Reds signed two players he discovered—Casey Cox and Wayne Simpson—and both made it to the majors.

He also scouted Chris Chambliss as a high schooler and recommended him to the Reds. The club didn’t sign Chambliss in 1967 or 1968, and Chambliss went on to a successful 17-year major league career.

Zarilla’s scouting journey took him to several teams:

• Montreal Expos (1969-1970)
• Washington Senators/Texas Rangers (1971-1972)
• Philadelphia Phillies (1973-1975)
• Baltimore Orioles (1984-1985)

In 1971, he coached for the Washington Senators under Ted Williams, his old Red Sox teammate.

Media Appearances and Cultural Impact

Zarilla made it to the big screen twice. After his 1948 All-Star season and a nice raise, he landed a small part in The Stratton Story during the offseason.

In 1952, while still playing, Al showed up as himself in The Winning Team. The movie told the story of pitcher Grover Cleveland Alexander and starred Ronald Reagan and Doris Day.

These Hollywood cameos showed how much baseball was starting to matter in American pop culture. Zarilla, like a few others, helped bridge the world of sports and entertainment in the 1950s.

Later Years and Legacy

Zarilla spent decades in baseball, switching between different roles. He moved from playing to scouting, and honestly, he had a real knack for spotting talent that helped several teams.

He kept working in baseball through his scouting work well into the 1980s. His last job came with the Baltimore Orioles, where he worked from 1984 to 1985.

Zarilla died on August 28, 1996, at age 77. He left behind a legacy as part of the St. Louis Browns’ only pennant-winning team in 1944, and he made a mark on player development through his scouting.