Don Buford – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Don Buford doesn’t get mentioned as much as some of his Baltimore Orioles teammates, but honestly, his impact on the game stands out. The 5-foot-7 switch-hitter played 10 seasons in Major League Baseball, spending time with the Chicago White Sox and Baltimore Orioles before he retired in 1972. Buford called it a career after the 1972 season, wrapping up a decade in the majors as one of the most effective leadoff hitters of his era.

Buford wasn’t just good at getting on base or surprising people with his power. What set him apart was his versatility and sharp baseball sense, which caught the eye of legendary manager Earl Weaver. Weaver turned Buford from a utility guy into the spark plug for one of baseball’s greatest dynasties.

He learned the game in Texas and California, then starred in three straight American League pennant races. Buford’s story is all about a player squeezing every drop out of his talent with hard work and adaptability.

His career stats tell only part of the story. Sure, a .264 batting average and 93 home runs are nice, but Buford really understood his role and helped shape what it means to be a modern leadoff hitter. He grew up a small-town Texas kid and ended up a World Series hero, showing how baseball changed in the ’60s and early ’70s, and how one player can leave a mark on a championship team.

Don Buford’s Early Life and Amateur Career

Don Buford’s road to Major League Baseball started in a little Texas town and led him through the top athletics programs in Southern California. He went from a fatherless childhood to college stardom at USC, showing off the grit and flexibility that would define his professional career.

Childhood and Family Background

Donald Alvin Buford was born on February 2, 1937, in Linden, Texas, not far from the Louisiana border. His father, a talented semipro ballplayer, died in a shooting accident when Don was about 6 or 7.

After that tragedy, Don’s mom, Sedalia, moved the family to Southern California to be near relatives. That move ended up being huge for Don’s athletic development.

In Los Angeles, Buford learned to make do with what he had. He played sports in sandlots and backyards, using whatever gear he and his friends could scrounge up.

He picked up the value of hard work early. He started with a paper route as a kid and kept working through his youth. That work ethic stuck with him in sports.

High School and Multi-Sport Talent

At Susan Miller Dorsey High School in L.A., Buford starred in both baseball and football, even though he was pretty small. Standing 5’7″ and weighing 160 pounds, he didn’t get much attention from college recruiters.

Scouts back then wanted bigger, more imposing athletes, so his size worked against him. But Buford’s speed and flexibility made him pop on the field.

After graduating in 1955, he went to Los Angeles City College for three semesters. He played quarterback in 1955 and halfback in 1956, earning all-conference honors.

He got honorable mention as a junior college All-American. That recognition opened up doors to four-year universities.

College Baseball at USC and College World Series

Buford picked the University of Southern California because he could play both football and baseball. He played baseball in spring 1957 before his football scholarship officially kicked in.

He didn’t play much baseball in 1957 but became a regular in his last two seasons. As an outfielder for the Trojans, he hit a solid .323.

The 1958 USC baseball team won the College World Series. That was the first of ten championships for legendary coach Rod Dedeaux at USC.

On the football field, Buford played both offensive and defensive halfback in 1957 and 1958. In 1958, he led the Trojans in interceptions, punt returns, and rushing yards.

Notable Teammates and Influences

At USC, Buford played with future Major League Baseball player Ron Fairly, who ended up with a 21-year career in the majors. The team also had future baseball executive Pat Gillick.

The 1958 football season included a memorable game against Notre Dame. Buford rushed for 34 yards, threw a touchdown, returned kicks and punts, and made two interceptions in a 20-13 loss.

That performance against Notre Dame got him national attention and All-Pacific Coast honors. He even played halfback for the national all-stars in the Copper Bowl in Tempe, Arizona.

In May 1959, USC gave Buford the Jacob Gimbel Athletic Attitude Award for best attitude among senior athletes. Despite all that, professional football offers never came, and only four baseball teams showed interest: the Yankees, Dodgers, Pirates, and White Sox.

Scout Hollis Thurston signed Buford to the Chicago White Sox in November 1959, giving him a Triple-A contract and a small bonus.

Path to Major League Baseball

Don Buford’s journey from Texas to the big leagues took almost a decade, moving through college sports and the minors. After excelling at USC in both sports, he signed with the Chicago White Sox in 1959 and spent four seasons in the minors before debuting in 1963.

Signing and Minor League Development

Hollis Thurston, a scout for the Chicago White Sox, signed Buford in November 1959. Even with his USC success, just four clubs offered him a shot. The White Sox gave him the best deal with a Triple-A contract and a small bonus.

Buford started his minor league career strong in 1960 with the Triple-A San Diego Padres. He hit safely in his first 21 spring games but then got sent to Lincoln, Nebraska, in the Three-I League. There, he posted a .287 average, drew 94 walks, and stole 36 bases, showing off the plate discipline that would define his career.

A knee injury late in 1960 required surgery and stuck with him throughout his career. He had to get three more surgeries over the years. After hitting just .236 in 1961 with Charleston, Buford bounced back in 1962 with Savannah, batting .323 with 91 walks and 100 runs scored.

He really broke out in 1963 with Indianapolis, leading the International League with a .336 average, 206 hits, 41 doubles, 114 runs, and 42 steals. That season, he took home league MVP and rookie of the year honors.

Major League Debut with the White Sox

Don Buford made his major league debut on September 14, 1963, at age 26 against Washington. In his first game, he got a hit in three at bats, including a double off pitcher Bob Baird.

He played in 12 games that September, finishing with 42 at bats and a .286 average.

The White Sox had sold longtime second baseman Nellie Fox to Houston, partly to make room for Buford. Manager Al Lopez liked Buford’s approach, saying, “This fellow knows how to get on base.” They moved him from third to second base during spring training, so he had to learn the tough double-play pivot at age 27.

Buford’s defensive transition was rough. He was sure-handed but struggled to get the ball out of his glove quickly on double plays. That erratic glove work kept affecting his position early on.

Even with defensive issues, Buford’s offensive skills kept him in the lineup. He drew walks and got on base, making him valuable even when his batting average dipped.

Key Early Statistics and Milestones

In 1964, Buford played his first full season and hit .262. He showed solid plate discipline, which helped make up for his defensive issues.

He improved in 1965, batting .283 with 67 walks and scoring 93 runs, which was fourth most in the American League.

In 1966, manager Eddie Stanky moved him back to third base, supposedly his natural spot. That didn’t go well—Buford led league third basemen with 26 errors, mostly on throws. His average dropped to .244, but he still scored 85 runs.

Stanky challenged Buford to steal 30 bases in 1966, promising him a sports coat. Buford blew past that, stealing 51 bases—second in the league—and picked up a few more clothing items along with the jacket.

1967 was Buford’s last year with Chicago. He hit .241 but kept walking enough to stay productive. The White Sox were in a wild four-team pennant race, and Buford played a key role as a versatile singles hitter with good speed, stealing 34 bases while covering second, third, and left field.

Major League Career Highlights

Don Buford spent ten years in the majors, from 1963 to 1972, splitting time between the Chicago White Sox and Baltimore Orioles. He started as a utility infielder in Chicago, then became a star leadoff hitter for Baltimore’s championship teams, earning All-Star honors and World Series glory.

Chicago White Sox Years

Buford kicked off his big league career with the Chicago White Sox in September 1963 after a huge season in Triple-A. He hit .336 with 206 hits at Indianapolis, getting named minor league player of the year by The Sporting News.

The White Sox planned to use him at second base after moving Nellie Fox to Houston. He had trouble with the double-play pivot but showed off his trademark plate discipline right away.

His best year in Chicago was 1965, when he hit .283, walked 67 times, and scored 93 runs—fourth most in the league.

Manager Eddie Stanky moved Buford to third base in 1966. He led league third basemen with 26 errors, but despite the defensive issues, he stole 51 bases and finished second in the league.

Buford’s versatility was his thing in Chicago. He played second, third, and left field while building a reputation as a patient hitter who could get on base.

Baltimore Orioles Success

The trade to Baltimore in December 1967 changed everything for Buford. He went to the Orioles with pitchers Roger Nelson and Bruce Howard, while Chicago got Luis Aparicio, Russ Snyder, and John Matias.

Earl Weaver took over as manager in July 1968, and that was huge for Buford. In Weaver’s first game, he put Buford in as leadoff hitter and center fielder against the Twins.

Buford responded with a walk and a run in the first inning, then homered in the fifth for a 2-0 win. From then on, he never left the lineup that season, hitting .298 with 11 home runs in the last 82 games.

The Orioles won three straight American League pennants from 1969 to 1971 with Buford leading off. He played 144 games in both 1969 and 1970 and scored 99 runs each season.

In 1971, Buford had his best year, hitting .290 with 19 homers and a career-high .413 on-base percentage. He led the league with 99 runs and drew 89 walks.

All-Star and World Series Achievements

Buford made his only All-Star team in 1971 at age 34. He struck out against Don Wilson of Houston, but the American League won 6-4.

He had some memorable World Series moments, even if the results were mixed. In 1969, he led off Game 1 against the Mets with a home run off Tom Seaver, sparking a 4-1 Orioles win.

The Orioles lost that series in five games, but Buford bounced back in 1970. He helped Baltimore dominate the Reds for their first World Series title since 1966.

Buford hit .318 in the 1970 postseason, with home runs in both the League Championship Series and World Series. His clutch bat fit right in with the team’s power.

In 1971, he homered twice in the World Series against Pittsburgh, though the Orioles lost in seven games. Buford finished his postseason career with five home runs in 21 games.

Memorable Games and Moments

April 9, 1970, stands out as a big day—Buford became the first Oriole to hit home runs from both sides of the plate in the same game. That switch-hitting display really showed off his balanced approach at the plate.

On August 28, 1970, Buford stepped up and launched a grand slam against Milwaukee. Pitcher Dave Baldwin had just intentionally walked Boog Powell, so Buford’s dramatic hit pushed Baltimore to an 8-4 win and highlighted his knack for clutch moments.

He made his debut on September 14, 1963, facing Washington and went 1-for-3 with a double off Bob Baird. That quiet start didn’t hint at the success he’d find later.

Buford set a unique major league record for the lowest ground-into-double-play rate, hitting into just one double play every 138 at-bats. That stat points to his speed and sharp situational hitting.

He never played for a losing team in his career. Buford brought a winning edge to both Chicago and Baltimore.

Statistical Legacy and Impact

Don Buford played ten seasons, posting a .264 batting average with 1,203 hits and 672 walks over 1,286 games. He scored 718 runs, swiped 200 bases, and his 36.2 career WAR showed how valuable he was year after year.

Batting Average, Hits, and Walks

Buford hit .264 over 4,553 at-bats, which was solid for a leadoff guy in the 1960s and 1970s. His best year came in 1971, when he batted .290 for Baltimore.

He piled up 1,203 hits through consistent contact. Except for his last season in 1972, he always reached double-digit hits in full seasons.

Walk totals revealed his patience at the plate:

• 672 career walks in 5,347 plate appearances
• Career .362 on-base percentage
• 109 walks in 1970, his highest single-season mark

Switch-hitting let him face pitchers from both sides, which definitely helped him stay patient and selective.

Runs Scored and On-Base Excellence

Buford scored 718 runs in his career, a clear sign of his effectiveness as a table-setter. He crossed the plate 99 times in both 1970 and 1971, leading Baltimore’s championship teams.

His .362 career on-base percentage was almost 100 points higher than his batting average. That gap shows how often he reached base by drawing walks.

Key on-base stats:

• .406 OBP in 1970
• .413 OBP in 1971
• .397 OBP in 1969

During Baltimore’s three straight pennant runs from 1969 to 1971, Buford scored 297 runs in 410 games. Getting on base ahead of power bats like Frank Robinson and Boog Powell proved crucial for the Orioles.

Stolen Bases and Base Running Records

Buford stole 200 bases in his career, showing off his speed and base-running smarts. In 1966 with Chicago, he swiped 51 bags, his personal best.

He needed sharp instincts to succeed on the bases. Buford got caught stealing 105 times, so his success rate landed at 66%.

Notable stealing seasons:

• 51 stolen bases in 1966
• 34 stolen bases in 1967
• 27 stolen bases in 1968

With Baltimore, he stole 85 bases over five seasons and shifted his focus more toward getting on base than pure speed. That change helped the Orioles get the most out of his skills.

WAR and Advanced Metrics

Buford finished his career with 36.2 WAR, a sign of steady, above-average play over ten years. His best season for WAR came in 1965 with Chicago, when he posted a 6.9 mark.

His 115 OPS+ shows he was 15% better than the average hitter after adjusting for ballpark and era. That’s a pretty telling stat.

Advanced metric highlights:

• 6.9 WAR in 1965
• 5.1 WAR in 1971
• 153 OPS+ in 1971

During his Baltimore years, Buford put up 19.2 WAR in five seasons. His on-base skills, speed, and strong defense made him a key part of those championship teams.

Retirement in 1972 and Later Life

Don Buford’s career wrapped up after the 1972 season, closing out a decade in the majors at age 35. He didn’t hang up his cleats right away, though—he played four more seasons in Japan and stayed involved in baseball as a coach and mentor.

Final MLB Season and Reasons for Retirement

The 1972 season ended up being Buford’s last in the big leagues. At 35, he struggled at the plate, batting just .206—a sharp drop from his productive Orioles years.

The Orioles’ offense collapsed that year after Frank Robinson left. Baltimore, once a league leader in runs, fell to eighth place out of 12 teams. Buford scored only 46 runs, way below his usual numbers.

His age and declining skills made retirement the obvious next step. Buford had played a huge role in Baltimore’s dynasty from 1969 to 1971, but by 1972, he just couldn’t keep up at the major league level.

Playing in Japan and Post-MLB Baseball Involvement

After leaving MLB, Buford headed to Japan and played four more seasons. That experience let him keep playing the game he loved and try out a different baseball culture.

The Japanese leagues welcomed American players looking to extend their careers. Buford joined a group of former MLB players who found new opportunities in Japan during the 1970s.

His time overseas showed how adaptable and committed he was to baseball. It also gave him a broader view of the game’s global appeal and the different ways it can be played.

Coaching and Contributions to Baseball After Playing

Buford stayed close to the game, moving into coaching and player development. His background as a versatile player who succeeded at multiple positions made him a valuable teacher.

He later took over as director of MLB’s Urban Youth Academy in Compton at age 75. That role let him work directly with young players and share his experience. The academy aimed to develop urban youth through baseball.

His coaching style focused on the basics that brought him success. Buford especially emphasized getting on base and understanding the finer points of the game, skills that defined his Orioles years.

Personal Life and Legacy

Buford’s family includes his wife Alescia and their children, among them son Damon Buford, who also played pro baseball. When Don joined the Orioles, the family faced housing discrimination—one of many challenges Black players dealt with in that era.

He left behind a statistical legacy as one of the toughest players to double up in baseball history. Buford grounded into only 33 double plays in 4,553 career at-bats, a testament to his speed and awareness.

Buford’s impact on baseball comes from his role as leadoff hitter for the powerhouse Orioles teams of 1969-1971. Getting on base and scoring runs helped set the tone for those championship squads managed by Earl Weaver.

Don Buford’s Influence and Place in Baseball History

Don Buford changed how teams viewed the leadoff spot and left a real mark on baseball strategy. His knack for avoiding double plays and reaching base consistently helped shape what teams want in a top-of-the-order hitter now.

Reputation as a Leadoff Man

Buford shook up the leadoff man role during his time with the Baltimore Orioles. While most leadoff hitters in the ’60s just tried to slap singles and steal bases, Buford brought something different.

Earl Weaver saw Buford’s unique skills when he took over as manager in 1968. Weaver wanted more from his leadoff man than just speed.

Buford’s numbers tell the story. He drew 96 walks in 1969 and then 109 in 1970. With a career .369 on-base percentage, he was perfect for starting rallies.

The switch-hitter scored 99 runs in three straight seasons from 1969 to 1971. In 1971, he led the American League in runs scored with 99.

Groundbreaking Accomplishments

Buford owns one of baseball history’s most impressive records. In 4,553 career at-bats, he grounded into just 33 double plays. That makes him the hardest player to double up in modern baseball.

He delivered some unforgettable World Series moments. Buford led off the 1969 World Series with a home run off Hall of Famer Tom Seaver, giving the Orioles a win in Game 1 against the Mets.

On April 9, 1970, he became the first Baltimore Oriole to hit home runs from both sides of the plate in the same game. That feat highlighted his switch-hitting power.

Buford played in three World Series with the Orioles from 1969 to 1971. He hit four home runs in World Series play, proving he could deliver when it mattered most.

Influence on Future Players and the Game’s Evolution

Buford changed how managers look at the leadoff spot. He mixed patience, power, and speed in a way that set a new standard for future leadoff hitters.

He didn’t just rely on contact hitting. Buford actually proved that drawing walks and hitting for some power could matter just as much as speed.

Later on, the rise of baseball analytics backed up Buford’s style. Getting on base, not just racking up hits, started to look a lot more important.

Buford played for the Orioles during one of baseball’s most dominant stretches. He played a big part in Baltimore’s streak of 100-win seasons and their 1970 World Series victory.