Dave Ferriss – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Dave “Boo” Ferriss exploded onto the Major League Baseball scene in 1945 with one of the most spectacular rookie seasons ever, but arm problems forced him to retire by 1950. Growing up in Mississippi, he picked up his unusual nickname as a kid who couldn’t pronounce “brother.” Still, fans remember him for his pitching heroics with the Boston Red Sox in the late 1940s.

Ferriss racked up a 65-30 record over his six-year career, with a jaw-dropping rookie season—he won his first eight starts and threw four shutouts. His journey from the Mississippi Delta to Fenway Park really shows both the possibilities and the risks that come with a pro baseball career. Even though he played just six seasons, Ferriss made his mark on Red Sox history during some of the team’s most competitive years.

Let’s take a closer look at Ferriss’s path, from his amateur days and military service to his big break with Boston. We’ll touch on the highlights that made him such a promising young pitcher, and the setbacks that ended his career at just 28.

Early Life and Amateur Baseball

Dave Ferriss grew up out in rural Mississippi during the Great Depression. His dad played a big role in shaping his early love for baseball. Ferriss landed a full scholarship to Mississippi State University, becoming their first baseball scholarship recipient before his professional career kicked off.

Childhood and Family Background

David Meadow Ferriss was born December 5, 1921, in Shaw, Mississippi. As a child, he tried to say “brother” but it came out “boo,” and the nickname stuck.

His father, William Douglas Ferriss, played semipro ball, managed teams, and worked as an umpire. William also farmed cotton and bought cotton during the Depression.

Boo’s mom worked as Shaw’s postmaster for 30 years. The Ferriss family had three kids: Boo, his older brother (seven years older), and a younger sister.

Boo played ball on an empty lot next to their house. “In the summertime, of course, there wasn’t any organized Little League or anything in those days. We just chose up and we’d play all day,” Ferriss once said.

He started playing high school baseball in seventh grade at Shaw High. At first, he played second base, but after breaking his right wrist, he spent the summer throwing left-handed while his right hand healed in a cast.

Mississippi State University Achievements

Ferriss caught the eye of college and pro scouts during his senior year of high school. The Cleveland Indians, New York Giants, and Yankees all wanted to sign him.

Even with pro offers, his dad insisted he go to college. “The pro scouts told me they would sign me, but my dad said, ‘You’re going to college. You’re not ready for pro ball,’” Ferriss recalled.

Mississippi State gave him their first full baseball scholarship. Coach Dudy Noble already had a track record of developing major league players, like Buddy Myer and Hugh Critz.

Ferriss played varsity baseball in 1941 and 1942 after his freshman year on the frosh team. He mostly played first base when he wasn’t pitching, always carrying two gloves—he played first base left-handed but pitched right-handed.

Delta State University College Experience

Note: Dave Ferriss attended Mississippi State University for his college career, not Delta State. He later coached at Delta State University from 1960 to 1986 after his playing and coaching days.

During the summer of 1941, after his sophomore year, the Boston Red Sox set him up to play in the Northern League in Brattleboro, Vermont. This “college league” let him keep his amateur status while gaining solid experience.

The league had eight teams with players from big-name schools like Holy Cross, Georgetown, and Harvard. Ferriss played against future major leaguers Sam Mele and Chuck Connors.

That summer turned out to be a turning point. He visited Fenway Park, watched Lefty Grove win his 300th game, and met future Red Sox teammates Ted Williams, Bobby Doerr, and Dom DiMaggio.

After his junior year at Mississippi State, he signed with the Red Sox in June 1942 and got a $3,000 bonus.

Minor League Journey and Military Service

Dave Ferriss sharpened his professional baseball skills in the minor leagues and served in the Army Air Force during World War II. His road to the majors took him through North Carolina and Kentucky, with a big interruption for military duty.

Greensboro Red Sox and the Piedmont League

Ferriss started out with the Greensboro Red Sox in the Piedmont League. In his rookie season, he pitched in 21 games and finished with a 7-7 record.

He posted a 2.22 ERA, showing he had real potential. The Piedmont League was a key stepping stone for Red Sox prospects.

Ferriss showed good control and poise in Greensboro. His performance caught the eye of Red Sox scouts and coaches.

Louisville Colonels and Pre-MLB Career

After his military service, Ferriss pitched for the Louisville Colonels before making it to the majors. He also played for the Birmingham Barons during his minor league days.

His minor league stats show a 31-26 record with a 3.93 ERA over 82 games. Those numbers reflect steady improvement as he moved up.

Louisville and Birmingham gave him the experience he’d need for the big leagues. Both teams played a big role in developing Red Sox prospects.

Army Service During World War II

On January 4, 1943, Ferriss joined the Army Air Force. This move interrupted his baseball career right in the middle of World War II.

A lot of pro athletes served during the war. Ferriss stepped away from baseball while he fulfilled his military obligations.

His service delayed his major league debut until 1945. The military experience probably helped him mature as a player by the time he returned.

Major League Debut and Breakthrough with Boston Red Sox

Dave Ferriss made a splash in the majors with one of the best debuts in baseball history. His electric start with the Boston Red Sox in 1945 turned him into a rising star, setting rookie records and earning respect across the league.

MLB Debut and Early Performance

Dave Ferriss debuted on April 29, 1945, facing the Philadelphia Athletics at Shibe Park. The 23-year-old from Mississippi got called up straight from the Louisville farm team, without pitching a regular-season minor league game there.

His first start almost fell apart. Ferriss walked the first two batters and tossed a wild pitch before he settled down. The Red Sox coaches thought about pulling him early.

Catcher Bob Garbark talked coach Del Baker into giving Ferriss a chance. “He’s throwing the ball well, but just missing the plate,” Garbark said.

Ferriss regrouped and pitched a brilliant five-hit shutout. He struck out six and notched his first MLB win. At the plate, he went a perfect 3-for-3.

That shutout was the first time all season Red Sox pitchers had held an opponent to under four runs. Ferriss’s debut kicked off one of the most impressive rookie campaigns ever.

Rookie Records and Shutouts

Ferriss’s debut shutout started a wild streak of eight straight wins to begin his career. He won his first 10 starts, tossing four shutouts along the way.

A week after his debut, Ferriss blanked the Yankees 7-0. His early dominance got national attention—he was an unexpected wartime star proving he could handle top competition.

He wrapped up 1945 with 21 wins for a seventh-place Red Sox team. Some critics said he only succeeded against weak wartime lineups, but Ferriss proved them wrong in 1946.

When veterans returned from military service, Ferriss won 25 games in 1946. He led AL pitchers with a .806 winning percentage and helped the Red Sox win their first pennant since 1918.

His two-year total of 46 wins made him one of baseball’s brightest young arms. The combination of rookie records and continued success showed his debut wasn’t just a fluke.

Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame Induction

Arm injuries cut Ferriss’s career short after 1947, but the Red Sox never forgot what he brought to the team. His debut and early years left a huge impression.

The Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame inducted Ferriss in 2002. This honor recognized his brief but brilliant career, packed with unforgettable moments.

His rookie shutout and winning streak gave the team hope during tough times. The Red Sox had started the 1945 season with eight straight losses before Ferriss sparked a turnaround.

Ferriss later served as the Red Sox pitching coach from 1955 to 1959, staying connected to the club. He helped shape the next generation of Red Sox pitchers.

The Hall of Fame induction celebrated both his playing days and his influence on Red Sox baseball. That debut is still one of the most memorable first games in MLB history.

Peak Career and Notable Seasons

Dave Ferriss hit his stride in his first two seasons with the Red Sox, quickly becoming one of the American League’s best pitchers. His rookie year stands as one of the greatest starts for any pitcher, and his second season helped the Red Sox reach their first World Series since 1918.

1945 and 1946 Season Highlights

Ferriss took the league by storm in 1945. After a late-April call-up from Louisville, he debuted against the Philadelphia Athletics on April 29.

That first game almost went off the rails. Ferriss walked the first two hitters on eight straight balls and kept struggling with his control. Catcher Bob Garbark convinced manager Del Baker to let the rookie work through the nerves.

That call paid off. Ferriss settled in and fired a 2-0 shutout, giving up just five hits and collecting three hits himself.

His second start? Also impressive. In front of a packed Fenway Park, he shut out the Yankees 5-0 on seven hits. That gave him 22⅓ scoreless innings to start his career.

Ferriss finished 1945 with a 21-10 record and a 2.96 ERA. He led the AL in wins and tossed 26 complete games. His eight straight wins to open his career set a Red Sox record.

The 1946 season might have been even better. Ferriss went 25-6 with a 3.25 ERA, again leading the league in wins. He threw 26 complete games and helped the Red Sox win their first pennant in 28 years.

Key Wins and Pitching Milestones

Ferriss racked up some amazing pitching milestones during these seasons. His 46 wins over 1945 and 1946 made for one of the hottest two-year starts in modern baseball.

His control really improved after his shaky debut. In 1945, he struck out 98 and walked only 53 in 264⅔ innings. The next year, he kept up the solid command with a strikeout-to-walk ratio among the league’s best.

He became the first pitcher since 1917 to notch at least 20 wins in each of his first two seasons. His 25 wins in 1946 tied him for the most by any Red Sox pitcher that decade.

Four shutouts in 1945 showed his ability to dominate hitters. He beat every AL team during his initial eight-game win streak, making it clear he was a true ace.

Ferriss’s durability was just as impressive as his effectiveness. He completed 52 of his 64 starts over those two years, showing he could handle a heavy workload.

World Series Appearances

The Red Sox made it to the 1946 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals, which gave Ferriss his only shot to pitch on baseball’s biggest stage.

Boston came in as favorites, riding high after a dominant regular season.

Ferriss got the nod to start Game 2 at Fenway Park with the series tied up at 1-1. He pitched pretty well, but took a 3-0 loss to the Cardinals, who didn’t get many hits but made the most of them, and got a strong outing from Harry Brecheen.

He returned for Game 6 in St. Louis with the Red Sox on the brink of elimination. Ferriss stepped up and threw a complete game win, forcing a dramatic Game 7.

That World Series loss really marked the end of Ferriss’s best years. Arm problems soon crept in and limited what he could do, cutting short what looked like a really promising career.

Still, his big role in Boston’s 1946 pennant run secured his spot in Red Sox history.

Stats, Playing Style, and Achievements

Dave Ferriss put up some impressive numbers in his six seasons with the Boston Red Sox from 1945 to 1950.

He finished with a 65-30 win-loss record and a 3.64 earned run average. That kind of dominance made him a key part of the Red Sox rotation.

He had a knack for throwing complete games and staying consistent, which really set him apart.

Pitching Techniques and Performance

Ferriss threw right-handed and batted left-handed, which isn’t something you see every day. That combo helped him both at the plate and on the mound.

His pitching wasn’t about blowing hitters away, but more about control and being able to go deep into games.

He made a splash right away as a rookie from Mississippi. On April 29, 1945, he tossed a five-hit shutout against the Philadelphia Athletics.

That debut set the tone for his rookie year.

Ferriss put together 22 straight scoreless innings to start his career, which set an American League record. That record lasted until 2008, when Brad Ziegler finally broke it.

His early ability to keep runs off the board was pretty remarkable.

His best season came in 1946, when he put up a 25-6 record. That win-loss mark helped the Red Sox clinch the American League pennant.

He also shares the MLB record for most consecutive home wins to start a season, with 13 in 1946.

Statistical Records and Awards

Ferriss made the All-Star team twice, in 1945 and 1946.

His rookie year was a breakout—he went 21-10 and quickly became one of the league’s top pitchers.

His career stats:

• Win-Loss Record: 65-30
• Earned Run Average: 3.64
• Games Pitched: 194
• Batting Average: .250 (as a hitter)

The Boston Red Sox inducted Ferriss into their Hall of Fame in November 2002. That honor reflected what he meant to the franchise in the 1940s.

Ferriss could swing the bat a bit too. He finished with a .250 batting average, picking up 93 hits in 372 at-bats.

He drove in 52 runs and even hit a home run during his career. In both 1945 and 1947, he knocked in 19 RBIs.

Strikeouts, Complete Games, and Earned Run Average

Ferriss struck out 296 batters during his time in the majors. He didn’t rely on velocity, but instead used location and movement to get outs.

His 3.64 ERA showed he could keep teams from scoring, and he did it year after year.

Ferriss specialized in complete games. In the 1946 World Series, he threw a complete-game shutout in Game 3 against the Cardinals.

That outing really showed his stamina and ability to perform when it mattered.

Arm issues and asthma slowed him down later in his career. He pitched just 31 times in 1948 and only four games in 1949.

He made his final appearance on Opening Day 1950, throwing one inning before stepping away from pro baseball.

Ferriss also fielded his position well. His .979 fielding percentage showed he could handle the defensive side as a pitcher, even while focusing on his main job on the mound.

Later Career, Retirement, and Legacy

After his playing days, Dave Ferriss moved into coaching. He became a respected pitching coach and college baseball mentor.

His impact stretched far beyond the field, especially through his decades at Delta State University in Mississippi.

Final MLB Season and Transition

Ferriss finished up his major league career with Boston in 1950. He kept playing in the minors until 1953.

He spent his last pro season with Birmingham of the Southern Association in 1950. Over the next three years, he pitched for Louisville in the American Association.

A shoulder injury back in 1947 really ended his major league run, even though he kept playing for a while. Despite that, Ferriss left MLB with a 65-30 record in 194 games.

His .684 win percentage still ranks among the best in Red Sox history.

Coaching and Post-Playing Contributions

After he hung up his glove, Ferriss joined the Red Sox as a pitching coach from 1955 to 1959. He worked with young pitchers and helped shape future talent.

Starting in 1960, Ferriss began an incredible coaching run at Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi. He led the Statesmen for 26 seasons, only taking a short break from 1967 to 1969.

His coaching record really says a lot. Ferriss developed several future major leaguers and coached 20 All-Americans.

More than 60 of his former players went on to become baseball coaches themselves.

Delta State University even named its baseball field after him, which speaks volumes about his legacy there.

His players called themselves “Boo’s Boys,” a nod to his childhood nickname.

Hall of Fame Honors and Mississippi Sports Influence

The Boston Red Sox inducted Ferriss into their Hall of Fame, celebrating everything he did for the team during his playing days. That rookie season back in 1945? It was something special, and fans still talk about how he became such a big part of Red Sox history.

Ferriss didn’t just stick to college coaching when it came to Mississippi baseball. In the Delta region, he turned into a real patriarch of the sport and inspired so many young players along the way.

He stayed involved with baseball right up until he passed away on November 24, 2016, at 95 years old. Ferriss died on Thanksgiving morning, just a short distance from the Delta State University baseball field that now carries his name.