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

Don Demeter built a solid 11-year career in Major League Baseball, right in the middle of one of the sport’s most competitive eras. This Oklahoma City native bounced around six different teams between 1956 and 1967, including the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox, and Cleveland Indians.

He never quite made it to superstar status, but Demeter turned into a reliable power hitter and could handle multiple positions really well.

Demeter wrapped up his MLB career with a .265 batting average, 163 home runs, and 563 RBIs in 1,109 games before hanging it up after the 1967 season. He had his best years with the Philadelphia Phillies from 1961 to 1963, consistently hitting 20+ home runs each season and even setting a major league record for consecutive errorless games in the outfield.

Standing 6-foot-4, Demeter also played a big part in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 1959 World Series championship as their regular center fielder.

He started out with humble beginnings in Oklahoma high school baseball and worked his way through the minors before finally making it. Demeter’s story shows the kind of dedication and grit it takes to play at baseball’s top level.

His career stretched from the 1950s golden age of baseball into the modern era, giving him a mix of experiences that shaped his playing style and his life after baseball.

Early Life and Background

Donald Lee Demeter was born on June 25, 1935, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. His family faced some tough challenges while he was growing up.

His childhood was full of family disruption and a lot of moving around. Things finally settled down when he found stability with a foster family that had a huge impact on his character and faith.

Family and Childhood in Oklahoma City

Don’s early family life was honestly pretty unstable. His dad worked as a painting contractor, and his mom stayed home.

The family started out in Oklahoma City and then moved to Denver when Don was about 10.

After just a year in Denver, his parents split up. Don ended up back in Oklahoma City living with his grandparents.

His mom remarried a man from Keene, New Hampshire, and Don spent one winter there before coming back to Oklahoma City.

He had an older brother who eventually became a dentist, plus both an older and younger sister. Even with all the family chaos, Don managed to keep in touch with some supportive relatives.

His uncle, Leland Enochs, played a key role in his life and his growing love for baseball.

Leland worked at a local meat packing company but loved going to ballgames. He often took Don to see the local Double-A Texas League team in Oklahoma City.

That exposure to pro baseball really sparked Don’s interest in the sport.

Capitol Hill High School Years

Don went to Capitol Hill High School in Oklahoma City and lived with a foster family during those years. He played center field on a really talented baseball team.

The team won the state championship in both his junior and senior years.

Capitol Hill’s baseball program had a knack for turning out pro talent. Eleven boys from the school signed professional contracts, which is kind of wild.

Nine of them, including Don, signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers, and two signed with the New York Yankees.

Even with all that team success, Don stood out as the only starter who didn’t make Oklahoma City’s All-City team. “Everyone but the center fielder,” he joked later. But that snub didn’t stop pro scouts from noticing him. Professional scouts took interest anyway.

Out of those 11 Capitol Hill players who signed pro contracts, Don was the only one who actually made it to the majors.

Their coach, John Pryor, worked as a birddog scout for the Dodgers, which definitely helped connect the players with the organization.

Influences and Faith Formation

The foster family Don lived with during high school shaped his character and spiritual life in a big way. His foster dad, George Stevens, worked as a Sunday School superintendent and chaired the deacons at a local Baptist church.

Stevens became a huge influence for Don. “I saw their family life,” Don said years later. “That’s what I wanted for my family. He was a real witness and testimony for me.”

The Stevens family gave Don the faith that would carry him through his life and pro career.

That religious foundation became central to Don’s identity. He joined the Fellowship of Christian Athletes while playing professionally.

After his baseball days, he moved back to Oklahoma City and served as a pastor.

The stability and moral guidance from the Stevens family stood in sharp contrast to his rocky early childhood. This experience shaped his values and his approach to family and community as an adult.

Minor League Baseball Journey

Don Demeter’s road to the majors started in 1953 when he signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers organization. He spent six seasons sharpening his skills with several minor league teams.

He put up a .272 batting average with 134 home runs and 374 RBI in 742 games.

Signing with Brooklyn Dodgers and Early Assignments

The Brooklyn Dodgers signed Demeter in 1953 when he was only 18. They sent him first to the Shawnee Hawks in the Sooner State League.

Right away, the young outfielder from Oklahoma City showed he had something. His 6’4” frame and right-handed swing grabbed the scouts’ attention.

The Dodgers saw potential in his power hitting.

Demeter mostly played outfield during those early years. His size and athleticism made him a natural for center field.

The organization started grooming him for a possible major league shot.

Progression Through the Farm System

Demeter’s minor league career took him to several teams in different leagues. He played for the Bakersfield Indians in the California League, which gave him tougher competition to face.

The Pueblo Dodgers also became an important stop for him. He kept working on his hitting and defense there, and his power numbers climbed as he got more experience.

Later, he played for the Mobile Bears and Fort Worth Cats. The Fort Worth Cats, part of the Texas League, gave Demeter a taste of higher-level competition.

His time there helped him get ready for his major league debut.

The St. Paul Saints were his last minor league stop. That team played in the American Association, which was the top level of minor league baseball back then.

Notable Minor League Teams and Achievements

Demeter’s best minor league seasons came with a few key teams. His batting stats kept getting better as he moved through the farm system.

Career Minor League Statistics:

• Games: 742
• Batting Average: .272
• Home Runs: 134
• RBI: 374
• Years Active: 1953-1958

The Fort Worth Cats were especially important for his growth. Playing in the Texas League meant facing future big leaguers. His power hitting really started to show up during that time.

His stint with the St. Paul Saints in the American Association was his final prep before the majors. That league was packed with players who were just about to make it to the big leagues.

Demeter’s performance there convinced the Dodgers he was ready for Brooklyn.

By 1956, he’d finished his time in the minors. The Brooklyn Dodgers called him up in September, and just like that, his minor league journey ended.

Major League Baseball Career Overview

Don Demeter played 11 seasons in Major League Baseball from 1956 to 1967. He appeared in 1,109 games for six different teams.

He hit .265 with 163 home runs and 563 RBIs. He also showed remarkable versatility, playing outfield, third base, and first base along the way.

Rookie Years with Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers

Demeter made his MLB debut on September 18, 1956, at Ebbets Field with the Brooklyn Dodgers. He struck out in his first pinch-hit appearance but homered in his second at-bat the next night.

He finished his rookie stint 1-for-3.

After spending 1957 with the St. Paul Saints, Demeter joined the Los Angeles Dodgers when the team moved west. He started the 1958 season on April 24 but got sent back to the minors in May for more seasoning.

Manager Walter Alston called Demeter back up for good on July 30, 1958. Alston praised him, saying, “Don can give you the long ball and he can also pull pretty good. As for his outfield play, there’s nothing I could fault him on.”

The 1959 season was Demeter’s breakout year with the Dodgers. He picked up nicknames like “Dangerous Don” and “Big D” after hitting three two-run homers in a single game on April 21, including an inside-the-park home run that beat the Giants 9-7 in the 11th inning.

Demeter helped the Dodgers win the 1959 World Series against the Chicago White Sox, playing in all six games and hitting .250. He later called that championship his greatest thrill in baseball.

Breakout Seasons with Philadelphia Phillies

The Dodgers traded Demeter and Charley Smith to the Philadelphia Phillies in 1961 for reliever Dick Farrell and infielder Joe Koppe. Demeter was hitting just .172 at the time, but he bounced back with the Phillies.

His best season came in 1962, when he hit .307 with 29 home runs and 107 RBIs. He finished 12th in National League MVP voting that year, led the league in sacrifice flies, and ranked sixth with a .520 slugging percentage.

1962 Season Highlights:

• .307 batting average
• 29 home runs
• 107 RBIs
• 85 runs scored

Demeter showed his flexibility by playing 105 games at third base, 63 in the outfield, and one at first base. Manager Gene Mauch praised his work ethic, saying, “he grinds it out every day, with the best disposition in the world.”

While with Philadelphia, Demeter started an errorless streak of 266 games in September 1962. That defensive excellence became a big part of his reputation.

Later Years: Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians

Demeter’s errorless streak kept going until July 1965, when he was with the Detroit Tigers. It ended in a strange way during a game in Kansas City, when one of owner Charlie Finley’s trained dogs interfered with a throw to shortstop Dick McAuliffe.

He handled 449 errorless chances in total, setting a major league record for outfielders that lasted until Darren Lewis broke it in 1994. Demeter stayed pretty gracious about the weird ending: “I know in my own mind there were probably some balls on which I should have been given an error but they didn’t.”

The Boston Red Sox picked up Demeter in 1967 during their “Impossible Dream” season. He only played a few months in Boston but was part of the trade that brought pitcher Gary Bell to the Red Sox.

Demeter finished up his career with the Cleveland Indians in 1967. His last game was on August 28, 1967, against Kansas City. That ended an 11-year run where he played for six organizations from coast to coast.

Positions Played and On-Field Performance

Don Demeter played several positions during his 11-season career. He mostly played centerfield but also spent time at third base and first base.

His best-known defensive achievement came in the outfield, where he set a Major League record for consecutive errorless games that lasted nearly 30 years.

Outfield and Center Field Responsibilities

Demeter established himself as the Los Angeles Dodgers’ regular centerfielder during the 1959 season. He helped them win the World Series that year with solid defense in center field.

His outfield skills showed up early, even in the minors. In 1956 with the Fort Worth Cats, he led the Texas League in putouts with 442 as a centerfielder.

The Brooklyn Dodgers showed their confidence in his defense early on. Team President Walter O’Malley announced plans to move Duke Snider to left field to make room for Demeter in center.

Demeter’s defensive consistency became his calling card. Starting in September 1962, he kicked off a streak of 266 consecutive errorless games in the outfield. That Major League record stood until Darren Lewis broke it in 1994.

He kept playing center field through his time with the Phillies and Tigers. The Boston Red Sox used him as their starting centerfielder in 1966, but Reggie Smith took over in 1967.

Transition to Third Baseman and First Baseman

Demeter could do a bit of everything. He played third base and first base on top of his outfield duties.

Teams valued him for this versatility. Managers liked having those extra lineup options.

He showed off his athleticism by moving between positions. Shifting from the outfield to the infield takes a different mindset and skill set.

Teams leaned on his flexibility when younger players like Mickey Stanley and Jim Northrup took over outfield spots in Detroit. Demeter just found ways to stay in the lineup.

He brought steady defense wherever he played. The fielding skills that made him solid in center field worked in the infield, too.

Notable Defensive Records and Achievements

Demeter set an impressive defensive record with his streak of errorless games. He played 266 straight outfield games without an error, starting in September 1962 for Philadelphia.

That streak really showed how reliable he was on defense. For almost 30 years, no outfielder could match that level of consistency.

His defense helped his teams win, too. He played a steady center field for the Dodgers during their 1959 World Series run.

Teammates and managers respected his glove. People around the league knew he could be counted on in the field.

His record stuck around for decades. Darren Lewis finally broke it in 1994, but Demeter’s mark stood as the gold standard for a long time.

Statistical Highlights and Career Achievements

Don Demeter put up respectable offensive numbers over his 11-season Major League career. He finished with a .265 batting average, 163 home runs, and 563 RBIs.

His best year came in 1962 with Philadelphia, where he hit .307 with 29 home runs and even got some MVP votes.

Batting Average and Power Numbers

Demeter kept his career average at .265 over 1,109 games from 1956 through 1967. In 1962, he broke through for the Phillies, batting .307—his only year over .300.

He really started to click after joining Philadelphia in 1961. That season he hit .257, then jumped to .307 the next year, before dropping to .258 in 1963.

While playing for Detroit from 1964 to 1966, he hit .256, .278, and .268. He struck out 658 times and drew 180 walks, but his ability to make contact stuck with him his whole career.

Home Runs and Runs Batted In

He hit for power, especially in Philadelphia. Over three seasons there, Demeter smacked 71 home runs.

His 1962 campaign was his best—29 home runs and 107 RBIs. That year, he finished 12th in the National League MVP voting.

He hit at least 20 home runs four times. Besides the 29 in 1962, he hit 22 in 1963 and 1964, and 21 in 1961.

Demeter wrapped up his career with 163 home runs and 563 RBIs over 11 seasons. His big RBI year came in 1962 with 107, and he also topped 80 RBIs in 1963 and 1964.

Slugging and Wins Above Replacement

Demeter’s .459 career slugging percentage showed his solid power. In 1962, he posted a .520 slugging percentage, with an .879 OPS and a 137 OPS+.

His 12.8 career Wins Above Replacement (WAR) peaked with a 3.8 WAR in 1962. That season, he pulled everything together—power, average, and defense.

He put up positive WAR in eight out of 11 seasons. From 1962 to 1964, he totaled 6.8 WAR, his best three-year stretch.

On average, over 162 games, Demeter hit 24 home runs and drove in 82 runs. He was a steady middle-of-the-order presence.

Legacy, Recognition, and Life After Baseball

Don Demeter left his mark on and off the field. He helped the Dodgers win the 1959 championship and later spent decades in pastoral service back in Oklahoma City.

After baseball, he showed the same dedication he brought to the game. He built a legacy of faith-based leadership and community service.

Role in the 1959 World Series

Demeter played a key part in the Dodgers’ 1959 World Series win over the White Sox. He appeared in all six games, started three, and batted .250 with three hits in 12 at-bats.

His flexibility helped throughout the series. He scored twice and handled multiple positions on defense.

Demeter once called that World Series victory his “greatest thrill in baseball.” The Dodgers had to beat the Milwaukee Braves in a two-game playoff before even reaching the Series.

In the playoff, he started the first game and went 1-for-4. He also pinch-hit in the clincher.

Induction into Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame

There isn’t much public info about Demeter’s Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame induction. Still, he made a big impact on Oklahoma baseball.

He starred at Capitol Hill High School in Oklahoma City, leading his team to back-to-back state titles.

His high school team was loaded with talent. Eleven players signed pro contracts, and nine joined the Dodgers’ organization.

Of all those prospects, only Demeter made it to the majors. That says a lot about his ability.

Leadership and Contributions Off the Field

Demeter’s leadership reached beyond baseball. He got involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, where he combined his faith and sports background.

His defense set records that lasted for decades. From 1962 to 1965, he handled 449 straight outfield chances without an error.

The streak ended in a weird way during a game in Kansas City. A trained dog from owner Charlie Finley’s crew got in the way of a play.

Demeter’s 266-game errorless streak held up as the major league record until Darren Lewis broke it in 1994.

People respected his professional attitude. Gene Mauch once said, “he grinds it out every day, with the best disposition in the world.”

Pastoral Career and Community Engagement

After he retired from baseball in 1967, Demeter felt drawn to ministry. He stepped into the role of pastor at Grace Community Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, and spent decades serving people there.

His journey of faith really started back in his teenage years. While living with a foster family, he came under the guidance of George Stevens, who led Sunday School and chaired the deacons at a local Baptist church.

Demeter talked a lot about how much his foster family’s faith shaped him. “I saw their family life,” he said. “That’s what I wanted for my family. He was a real witness and testimony for me.”

He kept working in church leadership and helping out in the community even as he grew older. Demeter stayed involved right up until he passed away in November 2021 at 86.