Jimmy Bloodworth – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Jimmy Bloodworth wrapped up his eleven-year Major League Baseball career during the 1951 season with the Philadelphia Phillies, closing out a journey that started way back in 1937 with the Washington Senators. Born in Florida, this second baseman bounced around six different teams, feeling both the thrill of a National League pennant and the sting of missing two full seasons when he served in the military during World War II.

Bloodworth finished his MLB run with a .248 batting average, 62 home runs, and 451 RBIs over 1,002 games, stepping onto the field for the last time on August 19, 1951. His retirement ended a career marked by reliable defense and steady offense during baseball’s golden era. After 1951, Bloodworth didn’t just walk away from the game—he kept going in the minors as both a player and a manager.

From those early days pulling boats across Apalachicola Bay to his final season with the reigning National League champs, Bloodworth’s story really reflects a generation of players who juggled baseball and military service. He moved through several franchises, played a part in the Phillies’ 1950 pennant win, and, after hanging up his major league spikes, kept giving back to the sport. It’s the story of a dedicated player whose career spanned some of the most pivotal years in baseball history.

Early Life and Background

James Henry Bloodworth was born July 26, 1917, in Tallahassee, Florida, but actually grew up in the tiny coastal town of Apalachicola. He came from a big family with deep American roots and honed his athletic skills playing local baseball with adult teams.

Birth and Family Origins

James Henry Bloodworth came into the world on July 26, 1917, in Tallahassee, Florida. He was the third of four kids and the second son.

The Bloodworths’ American lineage went way back, all the way to the seventeenth century in what used to be Nansemond, now part of Suffolk County, Virginia.

On his mom’s side, Jimmy had Italian blood. He was actually the great-grandson of Italian immigrants who arrived in the U.S. in the late 1800s.

Athletic talent ran in the family. That “athletic gene” didn’t stop with Jimmy—it showed up in his brothers, his sons, and even his nephew. Ronald Bloodworth, his nephew, would later make it to professional baseball in the 1950s.

Jimmy’s older brother Benjamin, who everyone called “Francis,” could really play too. Folks in their hometown even thought Francis was the better ballplayer.

Growing Up in Apalachicola

Jimmy might have been born in Tallahassee, but he grew up in Apalachicola, about 80 miles down the coast. That small town played a huge role in shaping him as a person and an athlete.

Life on the coast offered some unique ways to build strength. Jimmy developed his upper body by pulling boats across Apalachicola Bay as a kid. That kind of work built the muscle he’d use later on the diamond.

Everyone in Apalachicola knew the local athletes. It was a small enough place that standout players like Jimmy and Francis got noticed.

The hard work and physical demands of coastal life really prepared Jimmy for the grind of professional baseball. Growing up there taught him discipline and perseverance.

Introduction to Baseball

Jimmy jumped into baseball early, playing with local adult teams in Apalachicola. Facing older, tougher competition helped him develop fast.

In 1934, a Washington Senators scout—probably former pitcher Joe Engel—came to check out Francis Bloodworth. The scout offered Francis a contract, but he turned it down. The money just wasn’t enough for his growing family.

Francis actually pointed the scout toward his younger brother, Jimmy. That move changed Jimmy’s life. “Francis was a better player than me and everyone in Apalachicola knew that,” Jimmy later joked.

The scout liked what he saw and offered Jimmy a contract. In 1935, just before finishing at Chapman High School, Jimmy signed with the Washington Senators. At 17, he started his professional baseball journey.

Professional Baseball Career Overview

Jimmy Bloodworth played 11 seasons in Major League Baseball from 1937 to 1951. He put up a .248 batting average with 62 home runs and 451 RBIs in 1,002 games. He spent the most time with the Washington Senators and Detroit Tigers, then finished with the Philadelphia Phillies.

MLB Debut and Early Years

Bloodworth stepped onto a Major League field for the first time on September 14, 1937, with the Washington Senators at Griffith Stadium. He faced the Detroit Tigers but didn’t get a hit in his first two games. He finally got his first MLB hit on September 18 against the St. Louis Browns.

After those first hitless games, Bloodworth adjusted pretty quickly. He batted .294 over his last 34 at-bats in 1937 and drove in eight runs, showing he could handle big-league pitching.

The young second baseman seemed set for a regular spot with the 1938 Senators, but the organization sent him back to the minors for more seasoning.

Bloodworth came back up in 1939 when the Senators needed help at second base. He rotated with veteran Buddy Myer and impressed people with his double-play skills and steady hands.

Key Teams and Trades

The Washington Senators shipped Bloodworth to the Detroit Tigers in December 1941 as part of a four-player deal. Detroit wanted him to replace the retiring Hall of Famer Charlie Gehringer at second base.

Bloodworth had his best offensive year in 1942 with Detroit, hitting a career-high 13 home runs. In 1943, injuries limited him to just 25 at-bats in June before the military called him away.

World War II kept Bloodworth off the field for over two years. He served as a marksmanship instructor at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, from November 1943 until spring 1946.

When he got back, Bloodworth struggled to win back his starting spot with the Tigers. Detroit sold him to the Pittsburgh Pirates for $10,000 in December 1946. He played the 1947 season there before the Pirates traded him to the Brooklyn Dodgers organization.

Final MLB Season in 1951

The Cincinnati Reds picked up Bloodworth before the 1949 season. He brought some veteran leadership to a young team and played two seasons in Cincinnati, filling in at different infield spots while the team rebuilt.

Bloodworth joined the Philadelphia Phillies for his last two MLB seasons in 1950 and 1951. At 33, he was one of the oldest guys on the young Phillies squad, even earning the nickname “Whiz Kid” despite his years.

His 1951 season in Philadelphia was his last in the majors. Jimmy Bloodworth played his final MLB game that year, ending an 11-year career that had been interrupted by his World War II service.

After leaving the majors, Bloodworth kept playing in the minors. He took on roles as both player and player-manager in Cedar Rapids and Spartanburg, staying involved in baseball even after his big-league days.

Highlights from the 1951 Season

Jimmy Bloodworth’s last major league season with the Phillies included 21 games, capping off a 14-year career that started in 1937. He made his final appearance on August 19, 1951, against the New York Giants, closing the book on his professional playing days.

Game-by-Game Batting Performance

Bloodworth played in 21 games during the 1951 season with the Phillies. At 34, his age and limited playing time definitely showed.

Baseball Almanac’s stats show his offense was inconsistent that year. His last at-bat came on August 19, 1951, against the New York Giants.

In that final game, Bloodworth went 1-for-4. No home runs, no RBIs. That pretty much summed up his limited role that season.

As a bench player, his batting average and offensive numbers reflected his reduced time on the field. Twenty-one games was quite a drop from his busier seasons.

Defensive Roles in 1951

Bloodworth still played multiple positions during his final season. He mostly handled second base and first base, just like he had throughout his career.

Even at his age, his defensive fundamentals stayed reliable. At 5-11 and 180 pounds, he gave the Phillies solid play at both spots.

The Phillies used him as a utility player. His right-handed arm came in handy for spot starts and late-inning defense.

Manager Eddie Sawyer valued Bloodworth’s ability to play wherever needed. That kind of versatility had defined his whole 14-year major league career.

Significant Moments and Late Career

Bloodworth’s last big-league game on August 19, 1951, wrapped up a run of 1,002 games. He finished with a .248 batting average, 62 home runs, and 451 RBIs over 11 seasons.

Just a year earlier, he’d played in the 1950 World Series with the Phillies. That World Series was definitely a highlight of his later years.

After his major league days, Bloodworth stuck around in the minors for three more years. Then he managed in the minors for two seasons.

Born in Tallahassee, Florida, on July 26, 1917, Bloodworth played for five different major league teams. His last season in Philadelphia completed a journey that started with the Senators in 1937.

Contributions to the Philadelphia Phillies and the Whiz Kids

Jimmy Bloodworth came to the Philadelphia Phillies in 1950, bringing a steady veteran presence to a very young team. His experience and calm play helped the Whiz Kids finally win a National League pennant after 35 years.

Role in the 1950 Pennant Run

Bloodworth was a key utility player for the Whiz Kids in 1950. At 33, he was one of the oldest guys on a roster where the average age was just 26.4.

His leadership mattered to the young team. Bloodworth could fill in anywhere in the infield, giving manager Eddie Sawyer some real options during the long pennant chase.

The Phillies hadn’t won a pennant since 1915. Bloodworth’s steady hand helped keep the younger players calm when the pressure was on.

He came off the bench and delivered in big moments. The team leaned on his experience, especially in the tense final weeks of the season.

World Series Appearance

The Whiz Kids faced the New York Yankees in the 1950 World Series. The Phillies, despite their great season, got swept in four games.

Bloodworth made it onto the World Series roster. The team just couldn’t keep up with the Yankees’ lineup and pitching.

Losing the Series stung, but just making it that far was a huge deal for the Phillies.

Bloodworth’s World Series appearance marked the end of his major league postseason experience. He retired after the 1951 season, so that 1950 pennant run was his last taste of October baseball.

Teammate Relationships and Robin Roberts’ Quote

Bloodworth earned his teammates’ respect with his work ethic and professionalism. The young pitching staff especially valued having a steady veteran around.

Robin Roberts, the Whiz Kids’ ace pitcher, later praised Bloodworth’s impact. Roberts said, “We would not have won the pennant without the contributions of guys like Putsy Caballero, Dick Whitman, Jimmy Bloodworth, and Milo Candini.”

That quote shows how much the star players appreciated the veterans who kept the team grounded. Bloodworth’s name might not have been in the headlines, but his teammates knew what he brought.

The bond between veterans like Bloodworth and young stars like Roberts helped create real team chemistry. That connection played a big part in the Phillies’ surprising success in 1950.

Minor League and International League Achievements

Bloodworth found his biggest minor league success with the Montreal Royals in 1948, when he picked up International League MVP honors. He spent productive years with several other minor league organizations along the way.

Montreal Royals and International League MVP

In 1948, Bloodworth joined the Montreal Royals after the Brooklyn Dodgers organization sent him there. That team had future Hall of Famers Duke Snider and Don Newcombe, so it was one of the strongest Triple-A squads around.

Bloodworth really stood out that season. He hit .294 with 24 home runs and 99 RBIs. He even tied a team record by smacking three consecutive home runs in one game.

The Royals dominated the International League that year, taking the league championship and then beating the St. Paul Saints in the Junior World Series. Bloodworth’s steady play at second base played a big part in their run.

His season earned him All-Star selection and MVP honors from the International League Baseball Writers’ Association. One old-school Montreal writer called him “the best second sacker the Royals have had in at least 20 years.” Not bad, right?

Stints with Various Minor League Teams

Bloodworth kicked off his pro career in 1935 with the Panama City Pilots in Class D ball. At just 17, he hit .305 in 200 at-bats and got a late-season bump up to Class-A Chattanooga.

He bounced around a bit after that. In 1938, he played for both the Chattanooga Lookouts and Charlotte Hornets, where he started to develop some real pop in his bat.

During his major league years, teams sometimes sent him down to the minors. In 1939, he played for the Springfield Nationals before Washington called him back up. In 1947, he spent a short stint with the Indianapolis Indians before heading back to Pittsburgh.

Bloodworth did a bit of everything in the minors, including managing. After his playing days, he took on player-manager roles in Cedar Rapids and Spartanburg, staying in the game even after leaving the majors in 1951.

Military Service and Post-Baseball Life

Jimmy Bloodworth’s baseball career hit a pause during World War II military service from 1943 to 1946. When the war ended, he came back for a few more seasons and then switched over to law enforcement in Florida.

World War II Service

Bloodworth started his military service on December 15, 1943, while playing for the Detroit Tigers. He served in the US Army at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri during World War II.

He always stayed humble about his time in the service. “I just went in,” he once said, “and did what I was told and hoped and prayed that the war ended as soon as it could.”

His service lasted just over two years. The war took away what could’ve been some of his best baseball years, so he ended up with fewer than 3,800 plate appearances over 11 seasons.

Bloodworth left the Army on April 15, 1946. He jumped right back into pro baseball, rejoining the Detroit Tigers for 76 games that year.

Return to Major League Baseball

After leaving the military, Bloodworth kept playing for five more seasons. He appeared in 76 games with Detroit in 1946, then Pittsburgh bought his contract for the 1947 season.

In 1948, he joined the Brooklyn Dodgers organization, but they sent him to Montreal in the International League. His play there earned him the league MVP award, which proved he still had it after the time away.

Bloodworth went back to the majors with the Cincinnati Reds in 1949. The Phillies picked him up in May 1950, and he became part of the “Whiz Kids” team that won the National League pennant.

He played in one game during the 1950 World Series. The 1951 season was his last in the majors, but he kept playing in the minors for three more years and managed for two more seasons.

Later Years and Legacy

After baseball, Bloodworth settled in Apalachicola, Florida, and worked as a deputy sheriff. That move showed his commitment to public service even after his days on the diamond.

He looked back fondly on his baseball career, despite the bumps along the way. “I think,” he once said, “that I played in the greatest era of baseball that anybody could play in.”

Bloodworth was known for a dry sense of humor during his playing days. In 1950, he joked about the salaries of baseball’s top earners, and The Sporting News picked up on it.

James Henry Bloodworth died on August 20, 2002, in Apalachicola, Florida, at age 85. His career stretched from 1937 to 1951, with a break for military service, and he finished with a .248 batting average, 62 home runs, and 451 RBI in 1,002 games.

Career Stats and Legacy

Over 11 Major League seasons, Jimmy Bloodworth hit .248 with 62 home runs and 451 RBI in 1,002 games. His playing time took a real hit from World War II, which cost him two full seasons right in his prime.

Career Batting and Fielding Statistics

Bloodworth put up solid numbers in the big leagues from 1937 to 1951. He collected 874 hits over 3,519 at-bats while playing for five different teams.

He made a name for himself defensively at second base. In 1941, he led American League second basemen in putouts and assists, which says a lot about his range and reliability.

Bloodworth’s career paused when he served in the Florida Army National Guard during World War II. He missed all of 1944 and 1945 because of military duty.

His best years came with the Washington Senators and Detroit Tigers. He became a regular starter in 1939 and held that spot until he left for the Army.

His 347 career runs scored show that he could get on base and help his teams score throughout his career.

Home Run and Power Numbers

Bloodworth hit 62 home runs in his major league career, which averages out to about 5.6 per season. He wasn’t a power hitter by today’s standards, but for a second baseman in that era, those numbers were respectable.

The “dead ball” era and those huge 1940s ballparks kept his power numbers down. Most of his home runs came during his best years before military service.

The Baseball Almanac noted that Bloodworth had “little speed but a powerful bat” early in his career. You could see his power potential before World War II put things on hold.

In 1943, he led the American League in grounding into double plays with 29. Oddly enough, that actually showed his knack for making contact and driving in runs.

Recognition and Remembering Jimmy Bloodworth

People remember Bloodworth as part of the 1950 Philadelphia Phillies “Whiz Kids” team that took home the National League pennant. He even got into one game during the 1950 World Series, coming in as a defensive replacement.

SABR (Society for American Baseball Research) has put together a detailed look at his career in their Baseball BioProject. I think that says a lot about his spot in baseball history, even though his stats weren’t flashy.

After he hung up his major league cleats in 1951, Bloodworth stuck around in baseball as a player-manager in the minors. He spent time with teams in Cedar Rapids and Spartanburg, like the Spartanburg Peaches.

Later on, he settled back in Apalachicola, Florida, the same place where he grew up hauling boats across Apalachicola Bay to build up his strength. He stayed there until he passed away in 2002 at the age of 85.