Dick Whitman – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Dick Whitman’s baseball career really captures what it meant for a generation of athletes to put their dreams on hold for World War II. He was born in Woodburn, Oregon, in 1920 and quickly stood out as a college player at the University of Oregon.

But then, just as things were taking off, his career got interrupted by military service in Europe. His journey from small-town Oregon to the majors feels like a snapshot of the challenges so many players faced back then.

Whitman spent six seasons in Major League Baseball between 1946 and 1951, playing 285 games as an outfielder for the Brooklyn Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies. He made his biggest mark with the 1950 Phillies, serving as their go-to pinch-hitter and leading the National League with 12 pinch hits in their pennant-winning year.

He never nailed down a regular starting job, but he did appear in two World Series and finished with a pretty solid .259 career batting average.

Looking at Whitman’s life, you can see how his military duty shaped his baseball path, his place on championship teams, and his later move into managing in the minors. His story covers his college stardom at Oregon, his time in combat during the Battle of the Bulge, his contributions to winning teams, and even a batting title as a player-manager at age 35.

Early Life and Education

Dick Whitman was born on November 9, 1920, in Woodburn, Oregon. His parents taught him the value of hard work and integrity.

He started showing off his athletic ability back in high school, shining as a center fielder and playing alongside some future major leaguers. At the University of Oregon, he set records with his batting and quickly became one of their top players.

Family Background in Woodburn, Oregon

Dick Corwin Whitman came into the world in Woodburn, Oregon, a small town about 30 miles south of Portland. His parents, Clyde Eli Whitman and Nancy Margaret Hicks, also had a daughter, Virginia, born in 1928.

Clyde Whitman had military experience that would later influence Dick’s journey. He served in the Oregon National Guard and fought at the Mexican border in 1916.

During World War I, Clyde went to France, bringing home discipline and a sense of duty that shaped the family.

The Whitmans were your classic hardworking Depression-era family. Growing up in Woodburn gave Dick a strong sense of community and responsibility.

That small-town upbringing stuck with him and shaped the character he’d need for both the big leagues and the military.

High School and Athletic Beginnings

Dick Whitman’s baseball talent really started to shine in high school. He played center field for his local team and quickly made a name for himself.

After graduating in 1938, he kept playing and joined the Silverton Red Sox, a local semipro team loaded with talent.

That Silverton team turned out to be a springboard for future major leaguers. Whitman played with Johnny Pesky and Joe Erautt in 1938 and 1939, and those guys would eventually join him in the majors.

The Red Sox had a fantastic run while Whitman was there. In 1939, they went 34-2 and took third place in the National Baseball Congress semipro tournament in Wichita, Kansas.

Whitman, Pesky, and Erautt all landed on the 1939 national semipro All-Star team.

University of Oregon Baseball Career

Dick Whitman started at the University of Oregon in 1938, juggling his studies and sports. He joined the Sigma Nu fraternity and got involved in other campus activities.

On the baseball diamond, Whitman became a standout center fielder for the Oregon Ducks varsity team. He played three seasons from 1940 to 1942.

His offensive numbers were impressive the whole way.

College Statistics:

• Career batting average: .397 (still a University of Oregon record as of 2014)
• Senior season average: .412
• Senior year: 3 home runs, 16 RBIs (both led the team)

The Ducks won the Northern Division of the Pacific-8 conference in Whitman’s junior and senior years (1941 and 1942). As a senior, he was team captain and led the offense.

Pro scouts took notice. Tom Downey of the Brooklyn Dodgers offered Whitman a contract after graduation in 1942, kicking off his pro career.

Military Service in World War II

Dick Whitman had to put baseball on hold for military service during World War II. He served in the US Army and fought in Europe.

He saw action in the Battle of the Bulge, where he got seriously wounded. Those injuries earned him military honors and changed his athletic future.

Enlistment and Training

Whitman joined the Army in November 1942, right after his first season as a pro. He’d just finished a strong rookie year with the Brooklyn Dodgers organization, hitting .313 across two minor league teams.

He signed with the Dodgers in June 1942, but the Army called him soon after. His service lasted from 1942 to 1945.

He shipped out to Europe in December 1944, landing right in the thick of some of the war’s toughest fighting.

Battle of the Bulge Experience

Whitman fought in the Battle of the Bulge, Germany’s last big push on the Western Front in the winter of 1944-45. It was a brutal battle for American troops.

During the fighting, Whitman got hit by shrapnel in the back, which exited through his shoulder and scraped his head. The injury was pretty nasty and required a lot of medical care.

He also suffered frostbite to his toes during the campaign. That injury would stick with him and affect his baseball career.

The frostbite slowed his running for good. For an outfielder, losing a step is a big deal.

Awards: Purple Heart and Bronze Star

Whitman’s time in the service earned him some major honors. He received the Purple Heart for his wounds in combat.

The Army also gave him the Bronze Star for meritorious service in combat. That’s a pretty significant award.

He picked up three battle stars along the way, marking his participation in major campaigns.

Impact on Baseball Career

Whitman’s military service and injuries really changed the course of his career. He lost three key years that would have been prime time for his development as a pro.

When he returned to baseball in 1946 at age 26, the frostbite in his toes had permanently slowed him down. That’s a tough break for an outfielder who relied on speed.

Even so, Whitman made his major league debut on April 16, 1946, against the Boston Braves. He played in 104 games that year, batting .260 with 31 RBIs for the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Missing those years in the minors hurt his development. Some baseball historians think he could have reached another level if not for the war and his injuries.

Major League Baseball Career

Dick Whitman played six seasons in the majors from 1946 to 1951, logging 285 games—mostly as an outfielder for the Dodgers and Phillies. He debuted at 25 after the war and built a reputation as a pinch-hitter and defensive replacement.

He even got to appear in back-to-back World Series with two different teams.

Brooklyn Dodgers Debut and Highlights

Whitman made his big league debut on April 16, 1946, for the Brooklyn Dodgers after coming home from World War II. He went 0-for-3 but drove in a run against the Boston Braves.

His first major league hit came just two days later during the Dodgers’ home opener. With the bases loaded, he doubled off Harry Feldman of the New York Giants and brought in two runs.

The 1946 season turned out to be his best statistically. He played 104 games, batting .260 with 69 hits, 31 RBIs, and 39 runs scored.

He hit his first big league home run on June 29, 1946—a two-run shot off Boston’s Ed Wright. The New York Times called it a “Ruthian wallop into Bedford Avenue.” He’d only hit one more homer in his MLB career.

That year, the Dodgers chased the National League pennant all season, but lost to the St. Louis Cardinals in a playoff. Whitman played in both games, but the Dodgers fell short.

World Series Appearances: 1949 and 1950

Whitman got to play in two straight World Series with two different teams, showing his value off the bench. He only appeared as a pinch-hitter, but that was his specialty.

In the 1949 World Series with the Dodgers, Whitman made one appearance against the Yankees. He struck out as a pinch-hitter against Allie Reynolds to end Game Four.

The 1950 World Series with the Phillies was a bigger deal for Whitman. He played in three of the four games against the Yankees, going 0-for-2 with a walk.

During the 1950 season, he led the National League with 12 pinch hits. He hit .308 as a pinch-hitter (12-for-39), helping the Phillies win their first pennant in 35 years.

Transition to Philadelphia Phillies

The Dodgers sold Whitman to the Phillies on November 14, 1949, as part of Branch Rickey’s overhaul of the farm system. That move gave Whitman a bigger role.

With the 1950 Phillies “Whiz Kids,” Whitman became the main pinch-hitter. The regular outfield was set—Del Ennis, Richie Ashburn, and Dick Sisler—so Whitman filled in as the top substitute.

He played in 75 games that season, appearing in the field 32 times across all three outfield spots and handling most of the pinch-hitting duties.

His 1951 season with the Phillies was short and tough. He managed just two hits in 19 games before the team sold him to the St. Paul Saints on June 8, which ended his major league run.

Playing Style and Outfield Role

Whitman stood 5-foot-11, weighed 170 pounds, and hit left-handed while throwing right-handed. He played solid defense and could cover all three outfield spots.

His best skill was pinch-hitting, where he posted a .286 career average (26-for-91)—32 points better than his .254 mark in other roles. That made him a clutch option off the bench.

Whitman’s career numbers: .259 batting average, two home runs, and 45 RBIs in 285 major league games. He never became a regular starter, but he provided steady depth and versatility.

He really fit the utility player mold of the 1940s and ’50s. Teams needed guys who could handle multiple spots and deliver in pinch-hitting situations late in games.

Minor League Years and Player-Manager Career

Dick Whitman spent most of his pro baseball years in the minors, bouncing between teams from 1951 to 1957. He had some standout seasons with the Montreal Royals and St. Paul Saints. Eventually, he took on a player-manager role with the San Jose JoSox and even won league MVP honors there.

Montreal Royals and International League

Whitman joined the Montreal Royals in 1953 after a mid-season transfer from St. Paul. The Royals, Brooklyn’s Triple-A affiliate, played at the highest level of minor league ball.

In Montreal, Whitman played alongside future Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente. Manager Max Macon often picked Whitman, the veteran, over the young Clemente, which really frustrated the future star.

Whitman’s left-handed bat made him a good fit for platoon situations. He brought veteran leadership to a roster full of up-and-coming prospects.

The International League had a reputation for tough play and developing big league talent. Whitman’s time in Montreal showed he could still contribute as an outfielder, even after his major league prime.

St. Paul Saints and American Association

Philadelphia sold Whitman in June 1951, and he landed with the St. Paul Saints in the Class AAA American Association. This move brought him back into the Brooklyn system.

Whitman stayed with St. Paul from 1951 through part of 1953. The American Association was one of the top minor leagues, with teams in cities like Minneapolis, Kansas City, and Louisville.

He played outfield and offered veteran presence to the Saints. His major league experience helped the team, and he kept a professional attitude.

The American Association let Whitman keep playing at a high level. Since he already knew the Brooklyn system, he adjusted to minor league ball pretty easily.

San Jose JoSox: California League Leadership

In 1956, Whitman became player-manager of the San Jose JoSox in the Class C California League. At 35, he took on both managing and playing.

The California League gave Whitman a spot to share his baseball wisdom and keep playing. He appeared in 129 out of 140 games, mostly in center field.

Whitman led the JoSox to a third-place finish that season. His leadership from both the dugout and the field seemed to work well.

He came back for another season as player-manager in 1957. That year, the team finished fifth, and it ended up being Whitman’s last season in pro baseball.

Notable Achievements and MVP Honors

Whitman’s best individual season came in 1956 with the San Jose JoSox. He led the California League with a wild .391 average, showing his bat still had life.

He earned the league’s Most Valuable Player award for that performance. It really highlighted what he brought as both a player and a leader.

Career Minor League Statistics:

• 1,207 hits in 10 seasons
• 64 home runs
• .321 combined batting average
• 1,093 games played

Back in 1947 with Montreal, Whitman put together a 23-game hitting streak, the longest in the International League that year. He hit .327 with 10 home runs that season.

His move to player-manager showed off his baseball smarts and leadership. That MVP award in 1956 proved he could still compete and manage at the same time.

Post-Retirement Life and Legacy

After he hung up his cleats in 1951, Dick Whitman built a solid career in California’s water industry. Later, he got recognized for his college baseball achievements at the University of Oregon. Decades later, his name popped up in pop culture—kind of a surprise.

Career Outside Baseball

After his playing days, Whitman made a smooth jump into civilian life. He settled in San Jose, California, and started working for the local water company.

He stuck with the San Jose Water Company for 29 years, eventually moving up to management. That steady job gave him financial security and let him stay rooted in California.

Whitman found real satisfaction in his work there. His military background and leadership from baseball helped him out in the corporate world. He stayed with the company until he retired in the mid-1980s.

Induction into Oregon Sports Hall of Fame

The University of Oregon honored Whitman’s college baseball days by putting him in their Athletic Hall of Fame. They did this in 2004, a year after he passed away.

His college stats were pretty impressive. He hit .397 batting average for the Oregon Ducks from 1940-1942, and that number stood as a school record for a long time.

As a senior, he really stood out. In 1942, as team captain, he led Oregon with a .412 average, three home runs, and 16 RBIs. The Ducks won the Northern Division of the Pacific-8 conference during his last two years.

Later Years and Community Involvement

Whitman and his wife Joan moved to Peoria, Arizona, in 1991 to enjoy retirement. The Arizona weather let him stay active and try new things.

Golf became his main hobby down there. He played with the same focus he brought to baseball. Phoenix’s sunny weather and tons of golf courses made it a perfect spot for him.

He also became a big fan of pro baseball in Arizona. After the Arizona Diamondbacks started up in 1998, he followed them closely. His love for the game just never faded, even years after he’d played.

Dick Whitman passed away from a heart attack on February 12, 2003, in Peoria. He was 82. He left behind his wife Joan, three children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Connection to Mad Men Character

Years after Whitman’s death, his name turned up in pop culture thanks to the TV show Mad Men. The main character, Don Draper, was born Dick Whitman in the show’s story.

The fictional character’s timeline lined up pretty closely with the real Whitman’s life. Both were born in the 1920s, which is kind of a fun coincidence for baseball fans and TV buffs.

This twist brought some fresh attention to the real Dick Whitman. Baseball fans and Mad Men viewers started looking up the real guy, and his baseball career and military service got a second look.

Dick Whitman’s Impact and Recognition

Dick Whitman left his mark on baseball with his contributions to championship teams and his work developing young talent. His World War II service added another layer to his story.

Contribution to Team Successes

Whitman played key roles on three pennant-winning teams during his big league career. He appeared in both the 1949 World Series with the Brooklyn Dodgers and the 1950 World Series with the Philadelphia Phillies.

He made his biggest impact with the 1950 Phillies. That season, he led the National League with 12 pinch hits. He played in 75 games and hit .308 as a pinch-hitter.

He filled in as the main outfield backup for the Phillies’ starters. Whitman played 32 games in the field, covering all three outfield spots. Manager Eddie Sawyer got valuable depth from him during the pennant chase.

His pinch-hitting really came through for the Phillies. Whitman’s career pinch-hit average of .286 beat his overall average by 32 points. That skill made him a real asset in tight games.

Influence on Future Baseball Players

Whitman’s influence reached beyond his stats, especially through his time as player-manager. He managed the San Jose JoSox in the California League in 1956 and 1957. The team finished third in his first year and fifth in his second.

At age 35, Whitman took home the California League MVP Award in 1956. He led the league with a .391 average while playing 129 games. That kind of performance showed he still had it, both as a player and a leader.

Earlier in his career, he crossed paths with Roberto Clemente in Montreal. Whitman and Clemente played together on the Montreal Royals in 1954. Manager Max Macon sometimes chose Whitman over Clemente for playing time.

Whitman’s military service and baseball career mirrored what many players from his era went through. His story really reflects the challenges athletes faced when they served in World War II before chasing their professional dreams.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Dick Whitman really captured the spirit of the Greatest Generation. He joined the Army’s 83rd Infantry Division during World War II and served from 1944 to 1946.

He fought in the Battle of the Bulge, where he earned both a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. That says a lot about his grit.

His brother-in-law once said Whitman’s life was “the kind of story that maybe America was built on.” Honestly, his journey from small-town Oregon to Major League Baseball feels like the American Dream in action.

Whitman left a mark at the University of Oregon, too. His .397 career batting average stuck around as a school record all the way through 2014.

The university inducted him into their Athletic Hall of Fame in 2004, though it happened after he passed away.

There’s also the fictional Dick Whitman from “Mad Men.” That coincidence brought some fresh attention to the real ballplayer’s story.

Their lives overlapped in curious ways, and sometimes you wonder if that was just chance or something more.