Andy Carey – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Andy Carey wrapped up his Major League Baseball career in 1962 after eleven seasons as a third baseman for four teams. Born Andrew Arthur Hexem in Oakland, California, he changed his name when his mother married divorce lawyer Kenneth Carey at age 14.

The young athlete eventually signed with the New York Yankees, landing one of the biggest bonus contracts in the team’s history. Carey played for the Yankees from 1952 to 1960, then moved on to the Kansas City Athletics, Chicago White Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers before stepping away from baseball at 31.

His career brought both highlights and some tough moments, including a rocky relationship with legendary Yankees manager Casey Stengel. Even with those challenges, Carey made a real impact during the Yankees’ powerhouse run in the 1950s.

Andy Carey’s story isn’t just about baseball stats. It’s about a talented guy navigating the pressure of being a bonus baby, struggling with chronic back pain, and finally deciding to retire early for a business career. His journey from college standout to World Series champ gives a glimpse into both Yankees history and the sacrifices players make.

Early Life and Education

Growing up in California, Andy Carey got a huge boost from his family and his own athletic gifts. Moving from Oakland through high school and into college ball, he built the foundation for his major league career.

Family Background

Andy Carey entered the world as Andrew Arthur Hexem on October 18, 1931, in Oakland. Oddly enough, his birthday was just two days before future teammate Mickey Mantle’s.

His family life changed a lot early on. His parents split up before he turned five, and he never really talked about his biological dad later.

His mom, Nola Lloyd, worked as a dental nurse to keep things afloat. When Andy was 14, she married Kenneth Carey, her divorce lawyer, and that brought some stability to Andy’s life.

Kenneth Carey stepped up as more than just a stepdad. He connected with Andy over sports and offered guidance that stuck with him. Andy took his stepfather’s last name and started calling him “Dad.”

Kenneth taught Andy about dedication. “He just told me always to try to do my best,” Andy once said. “If you’re a carpenter, try to be the best carpenter.”

Alameda High School Experience

People started noticing Andy’s baseball skills during his days at Alameda High School. He played both third base and pitcher for the team.

His performance on the field made him stand out. Scouts from several pro teams came to see him play, especially for his work at third base.

By the time Andy graduated in 1949, major league teams wanted to sign him. That kind of interest showed just how good he was as a high school player.

But Kenneth Carey told him to hold off on going pro. He figured Andy would get more out of college baseball than just sitting on a pro team’s bench. That advice turned out to be pretty important.

Saint Mary’s College of California

Following his dad’s advice, Andy enrolled at Saint Mary’s College of California in Moraga. The school already had a strong baseball tradition.

After his freshman year, Andy played shortstop for a semipro team in Weiser, Idaho—a place famous for launching Walter Johnson’s career. Scouts kept an eye on those games too.

Saint Mary’s ran into money problems and dropped varsity baseball, which really changed Andy’s plans. The Carey family started listening to offers from major league teams.

With the bonus rule gone, teams spent more to sign top players. Yankees scout Joe Devine put $60,000 on the table, the biggest bonus ever from the franchise at that point. Andy signed with the Yankees in February 1951, ending his college run and starting his pro career.

MLB Debut and Career Beginnings

Andy Carey broke into the majors with the New York Yankees on May 2, 1952, at just 20. He soon became the team’s regular third baseman and helped them win several championships in the 1950s.

Signing with the New York Yankees

The Yankees signed Andy after his time at Saint Mary’s College. He was born in Oakland on October 18, 1931, and showed a lot of promise early on.

Before making it to the majors, Andy honed his skills in the minors. He started out in 1951 with the Kansas City Blues of the American Association.

The Yankees moved him up quickly through their system. His time in the minors got him ready for the big leagues.

Transition to Major League Baseball

Andy made his MLB debut on May 2, 1952 with the Yankees. At 20, he was one of the youngest on the team.

Those first years meant learning to handle major league pitching and the overall competition. He had to be patient and keep working at it.

The Yankees already had a championship roster when Andy joined. He found himself surrounded by established stars and future Hall of Famers.

“Imagine a young kid and I’m playing on a team with all these Hall of Famers… I look back and think I was the luckiest guy in the world,” Andy said about those days.

Position as Third Baseman

Andy became the Yankees’ regular third baseman in 1954, after Gil McDougald moved over to second base.

His best season at the plate came that year, when he hit .302 with 8 home runs and 65 RBI. That really cemented his spot in the lineup.

Standing 6’1″ and batting right-handed, Andy brought both offense and defense to third base. His fielding made a difference in big games.

His glove work at third base helped the Yankees during their championship runs. Andy’s defense mattered when it counted.

Peak Years with the New York Yankees

Andy Carey had his best years in the mid-1950s, locking down the third base job for the Yankees. In 1954, he hit .302 with 8 home runs and 65 RBIs, playing sharp defense all season.

Role on Championship Teams

Andy took over as starting third baseman in 1954 after Gil McDougald moved to second. Billy Martin’s military service opened up some roster spots for manager Casey Stengel.

He played a key defensive role during the Yankees’ championship runs. In 1954, Andy led the American League in range factor per nine innings at third base. That kind of defense anchored the infield during big games.

The Yankees won World Series titles in 1956 and 1958 with Andy at third. He chipped in both at the plate and in the field, even though he and Casey Stengel clashed at times.

Notable Teammates and Lineups

Andy shared the field with some of the game’s all-time greats. He played alongside Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford, and Hank Bauer. That lineup was stacked.

He formed a solid infield with Gil McDougald at second and Phil Rizzuto at shortstop. Together, they provided top-notch defense through the Yankees’ dominant years.

With so much offensive talent, Andy usually hit seventh or eighth. His main job was to get on base and make plays in the field.

Key Achievements

Andy had his top statistical year in 1954, batting .302 with an OPS+ of 121. He hit 8 home runs, drove in 65 runs, and walked more than he struck out.

In 1955, he led the American League with 11 triples, even though his batting average dropped to .257. That speed showed up on the basepaths.

People noticed his defense all through his Yankees years. Andy ranked among the league’s better defensive third basemen, helping New York win pennants and championships.

World Series Performances

Andy’s most famous World Series moment came in Game 5 of the 1956 Series during Don Larsen’s perfect game. He made a critical defensive play in the second inning, deflecting Jackie Robinson’s line drive to Gil McDougald for an out.

He also got a hit in that perfect game, singling to center in the sixth and later scoring on Hank Bauer’s single for a 2-0 lead.

In the eighth inning, Andy made a spectacular play, lunging to his left and catching Gil Hodges’ low liner just above the dirt. That catch helped keep Larsen’s perfect game alive.

Andy had another big World Series moment in 1955, tripling as a pinch-hitter in Game 3 against the Brooklyn Dodgers. The Yankees lost the Series, but Andy showed he could come through in the clutch.

Famous Moments and Major Games

Andy Carey delivered some unforgettable moments that helped define his legacy. His standout performance in Don Larsen’s perfect game in the 1956 World Series really stands out.

Defensive Plays in Don Larsen’s Perfect Game

On October 8, 1956, Andy played a huge part in Don Larsen’s perfect game against the Brooklyn Dodgers. That game still ranks as one of the biggest in World Series history.

In the second inning, Jackie Robinson hit a sharp grounder toward third. Andy knocked the ball on one hop right to shortstop Gil McDougald, who threw out Robinson at first.

Later, in the eighth inning, with tension sky-high, Gil Hodges lined a ball toward third. Andy dove left and snagged Hodges’ line drive off the dirt before it could touch the ground. That play kept the perfect game going with just four outs to go.

Memorable World Series Highlights

Andy made an impact at the plate during the perfect game, too. He led off the Yankees’ sixth inning with a single and scored the second run on Hank Bauer’s hit.

He played in several World Series with the Yankees. In the 1955 Series against the Brooklyn Dodgers, Andy came in as a pinch-hitter in Game Three and tripled in a run.

The 1956 Series against the Dodgers was his first time starting in a Series opener. He did have a rough moment in Game Three, fumbling a ground ball that let a run score, but his perfect game performance more than made up for it.

Andy showed he could deliver when the pressure was on.

Later Career and Team Transitions

Andy Carey’s time with the Yankees ended in 1960 when they traded him to the Kansas City Athletics for Bob Cerv. He spent his last three seasons moving between teams before retiring in 1962.

Trade to Kansas City Athletics

In 1960, the Yankees sent Andy to the Kansas City Athletics for Bob Cerv. That trade brought his eight-year Yankees run to a close.

By then, Andy had lost his starting job in New York, and his hitting had slipped from his best years. The move to Kansas City gave him a shot at more playing time.

The Athletics wanted some veteran experience in their infield. Andy brought World Series experience and good defense to Kansas City. He played for the Athletics in 1960 and 1961 before moving on again.

Time with Chicago White Sox

The Chicago White Sox picked up Carey from the Athletics during the 1961 season. That trade gave the White Sox some much-needed depth at third base as they tried to build on their recent success.

Carey didn’t spend long in Chicago, but he made an impact. He brought veteran leadership to a team that had just won the American League pennant in 1959.

His experience from multiple World Series runs with the Yankees meant a lot to the White Sox organization. People around the team really noticed his defensive skills and his steady, professional attitude.

Carey took on his role as a utility player and mentor to younger guys without fuss. He only played part of the 1961 season with the White Sox, but he left a mark.

Final Season with the Los Angeles Dodgers

Carey wrapped up his major league career in 1962 with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers brought him in, hoping his veteran presence would help their young roster during their second year in Los Angeles.

He didn’t get much playing time for the Dodgers, mostly coming off the bench as a pinch-hitter. The team focused on building around younger players, and Carey filled in where they needed him.

He played his last game on September 30, 1962. Over eleven seasons in the majors, he finished with a .260 batting average, 64 home runs, and 350 RBIs in 938 games.

The Dodgers gave him a fitting place to end his professional baseball journey.

Life After Baseball and Legacy

After leaving professional baseball, Andy Carey moved into the brokerage business in California. He kept his family life pretty private, living with actress Lucy Marlow until his death in 2011 at age 80.

Post-Retirement Career

When Carey hung up his cleats in 1962, he started working in the financial services industry in California. He put the same work ethic into his new career as he did on the diamond.

Carey found success in the brokerage world and built a solid career that lasted well beyond his playing days. The job brought stability and let him stay in California, which he seemed to enjoy.

He showed he could adapt to life after sports, which isn’t always easy. While a lot of former players struggled with the transition, Carey managed to find his footing in his second career.

Personal Life and Family

Carey married actress Lucy Marlow in 1955, back when he was still with the Yankees. Marlow had a handful of film credits in the 1950s, so they made a pretty interesting couple in both entertainment and sports circles.

Throughout his life, Carey loved photography. He got into it during his playing days and kept at it long after retirement. It gave him a creative escape from the pressures of baseball and business.

The couple mostly kept to themselves in California. They didn’t chase the spotlight that often follows ex-Yankees. Carey preferred focusing on his family and business instead of making public appearances.

Passing and Memorial

Andy Carey passed away on December 15, 2011, at 80 years old in Costa Mesa, California. His life stretched across baseball’s golden era, and honestly, that’s pretty remarkable.

Major sports outlets quickly reported his death, highlighting what he did for the Yankees dynasty in the 1950s. People remembered him as a crucial part of one of baseball’s most successful runs.

Fans still talk about Carey’s role in Yankees history. He played third base through four straight American League pennants and grabbed two World Series championships.

His stats and what he did for those championship teams keep him in baseball history.