Erv Dusak – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Erv Dusak’s name probably doesn’t pop into your head like Stan Musial or Ted Williams, but honestly, his journey through Major League Baseball is pretty fascinating. The Chicago-born outfielder and pitcher put together a unique nine-season career from 1941 to 1952, playing for both the St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates during a time when World War II and big changes in baseball shaped everything.

Dusak retired from Major League Baseball in 1952 after wrapping up his final season with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He finished with 413 games, a .243 batting average, and one World Series championship with the Cardinals in 1946.

People called him “Four Sack” because of his minor league power hitting, but his major league story turned out to be a lot more complicated than his early stats suggested.

What really makes Dusak’s story interesting is how military service, position switches, and the changing face of baseball shaped his path. He started as a hot prospect and ended up a versatile utility player, even pitching now and then.

His career stats, what he did after baseball, and the money situation for players back in the 1940s and 1950s say a lot about an era when players faced some seriously different challenges than today’s stars.

Early Life and Background

Ervin Frank Dusak was born into a Czech-American family in Chicago on July 29, 1920. He started showing off his athletic talents at Farragut High School.

His baseball skills and the choice to chase professional baseball instead of basketball put him on the path to the St. Louis Cardinals.

Birthplace and Family

Erv Dusak was born in Chicago, Illinois, to John and Marie Dusak (née Kucera). His family had Czech roots, which kind of fits with the melting pot that Chicago was back then.

He grew up with two brothers, John and Henry, so he wasn’t the only kid in the house. The Dusaks lived in South Lawndale, a neighborhood full of working-class families and close-knit communities.

His parents made sure he had a stable home, which let Erv focus on sports. That support really helped as he moved from school sports to pro baseball.

Youth and Amateur Baseball

Dusak went to Farragut High School in South Lawndale, where he played several sports. He stood out in both baseball and basketball—the kind of athlete coaches love to have.

He played so well in high school that pro scouts started noticing him. The Chicago Bruins even offered him a basketball contract after he graduated in 1938.

But Dusak picked baseball over basketball, even though basketball might’ve paid him right away. His hitting power and strong arm made him a real catch for baseball scouts.

Influences and Early Ambitions

At 17, Dusak signed with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1938. He turned down the Chicago Bruins’ basketball offer, making it clear he wanted to play baseball.

The Cardinals’ farm system, built by Branch Rickey, was famous for turning out talent. That reputation probably helped sway Dusak’s decision.

He started his pro career with the Monett Redbirds in the Class D Arkansas-Missouri League. In just 67 games, he hit .351 with 18 home runs, earning the nickname “Four Sack” right away.

That first season really showed he made the right call with baseball, and it kicked off his climb through the Cardinals’ minor league teams.

Professional Baseball Career Beginnings

Erv Dusak jumped into pro baseball as a teenager with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1938. He crushed the ball in the minors, picked up the nickname “Four Sack,” and moved up quickly to make his big league debut in 1941.

Signing with the St. Louis Cardinals

Dusak joined the Cardinals at 17 after finishing at Farragut High in 1938. He said no to pro basketball with the Chicago Bruins and went with baseball.

The Cardinals sent him to the Monett Redbirds in the Class D Arkansas-Missouri League. He started off hot, batting .351 and hitting 18 home runs in just 67 games.

He spent the next two seasons with the Albany Cardinals in the Georgia-Florida League, batting .309 in 1939 and .335 in 1940. He kept up the offense.

Scouts liked his defense too. In 1939, he led the league with 27 outfield assists. He even pitched a bit—17 innings and a 2-1 record in 1940.

Debut Season in Major League Baseball

The 1941 season really changed things for Dusak. He started with the Houston Buffalos but moved to the Mobile Shippers after just four games.

At Mobile, he kept showing his power. In his first game, he went 4-for-5 and ended up hitting .336 with 18 home runs over 81 games.

The Rochester Red Wings bought his contract on July 21, 1941. Mobile fans liked him enough to give him a $100 farewell present when he left.

In Rochester, Dusak played with future Hall of Famer Stan Musial and Whitey Kurowski. He kept hitting, batting .304 in 51 games.

Rochester manager Tony Kaufman pushed for both Musial and Dusak to get called up to the Cardinals in September. Kaufman even said, “Dusak is much better equipped to make good in the majors.”

Initial Performance and Role

Dusak joined the Cardinals on September 16, 1941. The team was two games behind the Brooklyn Dodgers in the pennant race.

He made his MLB debut on September 18 against the Boston Braves. His first at-bat, he pinch-hit for Creepy Crespi in the ninth and struck out against Manny Salvo.

Dusak got his first start on September 20 against the Cubs in St. Louis. He batted fifth, went 0-for-4, but drove in a run on a fielder’s choice and made two solid defensive plays.

He picked up his first major league hit in one of the last games of the season at Wrigley Field, just 12 miles from where he grew up. He got it off Cubs reliever Vallie Eaves.

Dusak finished his debut season 2-for-14 in limited action. Not huge numbers, but he made the majors at 21 and got himself on the Cardinals’ radar.

Major League Career Highlights

Erv Dusak spent nine seasons in the big leagues, mostly with the St. Louis Cardinals. He had some standout moments, like winning the World Series in 1946 and delivering clutch hits during tight pennant races.

Three years of military service during World War II took away some of his prime baseball years between 1943 and 1945.

Peak Years with the St. Louis Cardinals

Dusak’s best years came with the Cardinals from 1941 to 1948. His minor league power earned him the “Four Sack” nickname.

In 1946, after coming back from military service, Dusak really made an impact. He helped the Cardinals in the pennant chase, and on July 16, he smashed a walk-off three-run homer against the Brooklyn Dodgers at Sportsman’s Park.

A couple months later, on September 24, he did it again. With the Cardinals barely ahead of Brooklyn, Dusak hit a walk-off home run in the 10th inning against Johnny Vander Meer of the Reds.

The Cardinals went on to win the 1946 World Series against the Red Sox. Dusak started in left field for Games Two and Six, both wins for St. Louis. He finished the series 1-for-4 with a double and two walks.

His best season was in 1947, batting .284 in 111 games. Throughout his career, he showed good plate discipline with a .334 on-base percentage—actually 91 points higher than his .243 career batting average.

Military Service and Missing Seasons

Dusak enlisted in the U.S. Army in late January 1943. The Navy had turned him down for a minor physical issue, so he paid for surgery himself to qualify.

He served three full seasons, from 1943 to 1945, right in the heart of his career. Dusak was stationed at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, and played for the anti-aircraft unit’s baseball team.

In 1944, he joined the Army’s Fourth Ferrying Group ball club. They even played an exhibition game against the Cardinals in Cairo, Illinois, on March 26, 1944.

By fall 1944, Staff Sergeant Dusak was sent to the South Pacific. He played baseball in the Philippines to entertain troops and keep morale up. The Eighth Army team, called the “Chicks,” went undefeated in 46 games while they were in Japan.

Missing those years—ages 22 to 24—really took away what could’ve been his best seasons.

Return to MLB After World War II

Cardinals manager Eddie Dyer liked what he saw when Dusak came back to spring training in February 1946. Dyer said military service “added weight to these boys, matured them and toughened them up.”

Dusak struggled at first after returning, getting just 10 plate appearances in the first 50 games of 1946. He broke out on June 15 with his first career home run off Monty Kennedy of the New York Giants.

He became a regular starter in left field, especially after injuries to Terry Moore and some other outfielders not playing well. His timely hitting during the pennant race made him a key part of the team.

Career Statistics:

• Games: 413
• Batting Average: .243
• Home Runs: 24
• RBIs: 106
• On-Base Percentage: .334

Dusak pitched in 23 games, going 0-3 with a 5.33 ERA. His last MLB season came in 1952 with the Pittsburgh Pirates, and he retired at 32.

Erv Dusak’s 1952 MLB Season and Retirement

Erv Dusak played his final Major League Baseball season with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1952. That wrapped up an 11-year career that started with the St. Louis Cardinals.

At 31, Dusak appeared in just 20 games in his last season, putting up modest numbers before deciding to step away from the game.

Final Year with the Pittsburgh Pirates

Dusak joined the Pirates after spending most of his career with the Cardinals. Pittsburgh gave him a shot to keep playing as a utility guy.

His role with the Pirates was smaller than before. They used him only now and then throughout the 1952 season.

Dusak’s versatility—playing different positions and even pitching sometimes—had always been a big part of his career.

Performance in 1952

Dusak’s 1952 stats showed his reduced role and the effects of getting older. He got just 27 at-bats in 20 games.

His hitting was way better on the road than at home.

Home vs. Road Statistics:

Location	Games	At-Bats	Hits	Batting Average	RBI
Home	9	10	1	.100	0
Road	11	17	5	.294	3

He did most of his hitting away from Pittsburgh, picking up five hits on the road, including a home run. That homer gave him most of his offense for the season.

Dusak walked twice and struck out eight times for the year. His on-base percentage was .181 at home and .333 on the road.

Decision to Retire from Professional Baseball

At 31, Dusak realized his days as a player were winding down. He saw his limited playing time with Pittsburgh and knew his skills just weren’t what they used to be.

The 1952 season turned out to be his last in pro baseball. He played nine seasons, from 1941 to 1952, and even picked up a World Series championship with the Cardinals.

After he left the game, Dusak moved into civilian life. He worked as an insurance agent for 21 years, then later spent about a decade at a bowling alley.

His career totals? A .243 batting average with 24 home runs and 106 RBI over 413 games. Those numbers really show he was more of a utility guy than a star.

Career Statistics and Playing Style

Dusak spent nine seasons providing defensive versatility and steady offensive production. He played all over the field, which made him a handy utility player for both the Cardinals and Pirates.

Batting and Fielding Statistics

Dusak finished with a .243 batting average in 413 games, hitting 24 home runs and driving in 106 RBIs. His best year at the plate came in 1947—he hit .284 with 93 hits in 111 games.

He missed three seasons, from 1943-1945, while serving in the military. When he came back in 1946, he played 100 games and put up a .700 OPS, which was his most productive stretch.

Key Career Numbers:

• 251 career hits over nine seasons
• 168 runs scored and 12 stolen bases
• World Series champ with St. Louis in 1946

He spent most of his career with St. Louis (372 games), finishing up with Pittsburgh (41 games) in 1951 and 1952.

Strengths and Versatility

Dusak really stood out for his defensive flexibility. He played outfield, second base, and even pitched at times. That versatility made him a go-to utility guy for managers.

In 1947, he reached a .378 on-base percentage, which was his best offensive season. He showed patience at the plate, drawing 142 walks against 188 strikeouts.

He stepped up in the 1946 World Series, appearing in four games and batting .250 with a .500 on-base percentage and a 1.000 OPS.

His ability to help both at bat and in the field made him a reliable player for his teams.

Position Changes and Utility Roles

Dusak mainly played outfield and second base, but he also got on the mound in 23 games. His position flexibility let managers move him around as needed.

Early on, he focused on infield spots. As his batting average dropped later in his career, he tried pitching for a bit, then went back to utility work.

With Pittsburgh, he kept up that utility role, mostly playing outfield and first base. In his last season, 1952, he only got into 20 games.

That kind of versatility kept him on the roster and gave managers options off the bench.

Post-Baseball Life and Legacy

After he left baseball in 1952, Erv Dusak settled into a quieter life in the Chicago area. His impact from baseball’s golden era still stuck with former teammates and fans. He kept in touch with old Cardinals friends and left behind a legacy of versatility that not many from his era could match.

Personal Life After Retirement

Dusak returned home to Chicago after his playing days ended. He stayed married to Geraldine Kozel, who he’d married back in 1943 during his military service. They built a life together out in the suburbs.

He spent his later years in Glendale Heights, Illinois. Dusak stayed in touch with his Czech heritage and held onto the family values that shaped him. He mostly kept his post-baseball life private, choosing to stay out of the spotlight.

Dusak didn’t give up on staying active. He kept roller skating, which was something he’d done to stay in shape during his career. That hobby showed just how much he valued fitness, even after baseball.

He passed away on November 6, 1994, at 74. Dusak was laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery in Forest Park, Illinois, not too far from where he first played baseball on Chicago’s neighborhood fields.

Impact on Teammates and the Game

Dusak’s versatility helped his teams in a big way. He played outfield, infield, and even pitched, giving managers some much-needed options during tight races.

He first met Stan Musial in the minors at Rochester. Some scouts actually thought Dusak might be the better prospect between the two. That says a lot about how much people respected his talent early on.

In the 1946 World Series run, he came through with clutch performances. He hit walk-off home runs against the Brooklyn Dodgers, proving he could handle the pressure. Those moments made him a dependable guy in big games.

When he switched from position player to pitcher, Dusak showed how baseball was changing. He became one of the rare two-way players of his time. That move made teams rethink how they developed and used players.

Recognition and Memorials

People called Dusak “Four Sack” for his home run power in the minors. The nickname stuck and became part of his identity as a player.

He served three years in the Army during World War II, including time in the South Pacific. That service earned him respect beyond what he did on the field and really showed his generation’s values.

The Society for American Baseball Research has put together a lot of info on his career. Their work keeps his place in the Cardinals’ history and his unique role as a multi-position player alive.

His grave at Woodlawn Cemetery gives fans and family a quiet place to remember him. It’s fitting, since that’s close to where his baseball journey began at Farragut High School.

Net Worth and Financial Overview

Erv Dusak’s finances reflected what most 1940s ballplayers earned—pretty modest compared to today. His estimated net worth of $7 million factors in career earnings and whatever investments he made after baseball.

Earnings During Baseball Career

Dusak played in the majors from 1941 to 1952, but salaries back then were a lot lower than now. Most players in the 1940s made between $3,000 and $15,000 a year.

His best season was 1947, when he played 111 games and hit .284 for the Cardinals. That probably got him his highest single-year paycheck.

Key Career Highlights:

• Teams: St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates
• Career span: 1941-1952 (9 seasons)
• World Series: Won 1 title with the Cardinals

The World Series win meant some extra bonus money. Dusak played in 4 Series games and hit a double in Game 2.

Later Ventures and Investments

Not much is known about Dusak’s finances after baseball. Like a lot of players from his era, he probably tried a few different business ventures.

Back then, retired players often went into coaching, started businesses, or worked skilled trades. Dusak lived until 1994, so he had plenty of time—over 40 years—to build up his savings.

His Chicago roots and Midwest ties probably shaped where he invested. The economic boom after World War II opened up new opportunities for guys like him.

Estimated Net Worth

Online sources put Dusak’s net worth at about $7 million when he passed away in 1994. That’s a hefty sum, especially considering his baseball salary alone wouldn’t have gotten him there.

People guess he managed his money well or found other business opportunities after retiring from the game. Still, nobody’s really turned up solid proof about where all his wealth came from.

Financial Timeline:

• 1941-1952: MLB career earnings
• 1952-1994: Post-baseball income sources
• Total estimated worth: $7 million

Honestly, it’s tough to pin down the exact number, since financial records for players from Dusak’s time are pretty scarce.