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

Don Elston, who people called “Every Day” Elston back in his playing days, built a unique career as one of baseball’s most reliable relief pitchers during the 1950s and early 1960s.

The Chicago Cubs right-hander pitched in 450 Major League games from 1953 to 1964. He became a workhorse reliever and led the National League in appearances more than once.

Born Donald Ray Elston on April 6, 1929, in Campbellstown, Ohio, he started out as a struggling minor league starter. Over time, he turned himself into one of the most dependable bullpen arms around.

Elston worked his way to the majors by pushing through health scares and changes in the organizations he played for. After the Cubs signed him as an amateur free agent in 1947, he survived a burst appendix and peritonitis that almost ended his career before it even got off the ground.

He kept at it and finally reached the big leagues in 1953. Elston made his debut alongside future Hall of Famer Ernie Banks.

The slim six-footer really found his groove in the bullpen. His sinking fastball and tricky delivery made him tough to hit in short relief outings.

He hit his stride in the late 1950s when he became the Cubs’ main reliever, picked up an All-Star selection in 1959, and set franchise records that lasted for decades.

From his early days as a struggling starter to his rise as one of baseball’s best closers, Elston’s story feels like the classic example of a player finding success by accepting his real place on the field.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Donald Ray Elston was born on April 6, 1929, in Campbellstown, Ohio. His parents taught him to value athletics and hard work.

He honed his baseball skills at Camden High School. There, he stood out in several sports, but he focused on pitching during his senior year.

Family Background and Childhood

Don Elston arrived in Campbellstown, Ohio, on April 6, 1929. His parents, Ethel Mae (Felty) and Robert Newton Elston, gave him a solid start for his future in sports.

Robert Newton Elston played semi-pro shortstop at a high level. That baseball background in the family probably sparked Don’s early interest in the game.

With his father’s experience, Don had access to solid baseball advice and coaching at home. The Elstons lived in an area where baseball was a big deal.

Growing up in Ohio during the 1930s and 1940s, Don found himself in a community that really cared about the sport. That kind of environment helped shape his understanding of baseball from a young age.

High School Sports Achievements

Don went to Camden High School, which people considered one of the top baseball schools in the Dayton-Cincinnati region. The school’s athletic program gave talented students like Elston plenty of chances to shine.

Elston played both basketball and baseball during high school and earned letters in both. That kind of versatility showed he was a real athlete, not just a one-sport guy.

For most of high school, Elston played second base instead of pitching. That experience as a position player helped him learn about hitting and fielding, and probably gave him a broader sense of the game.

He switched to pitching in his senior year. Elston took the mound and helped Camden High School reach Ohio’s district finals.

That late change to pitching turned out to be a huge moment in his athletic journey.

Path to Professional Baseball

In June 1947, Elston went to a tryout camp in Mansfield, Ohio, that the Chicago Cubs organized. He caught the scouts’ attention with his pitching potential, even though he hadn’t been pitching all that long.

The Cubs liked what they saw and offered him a contract. On December 6, 1947, they signed Elston as an amateur free agent.

At the time, Elston was a tall, skinny kid—6 feet and just 145 pounds. Some scouts might have worried about his size, but the Cubs saw something in his mechanics and competitiveness.

Signing with the Cubs opened doors for a small-town Ohio athlete. Going from high school ball to pro baseball was a big leap that took him far from home.

Professional Career Overview

Don Elston played professionally from 1953 to 1964. He appeared in 450 Major League Baseball games.

He spent almost his entire career with the Chicago Cubs. He had just a brief spell with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1957.

Entry into Major League Baseball

Don Elston made his MLB debut on September 17, 1953, with the Chicago Cubs. That day, three Cubs made their debuts, including future Hall of Fame shortstop Ernie Banks.

Elston started against the Philadelphia Phillies at Wrigley Field. He pitched two perfect innings, but then things unraveled in the third when he gave up four runs on five hits.

The Cubs pulled him after back-to-back singles opened the fourth inning. Even with that rough start, Elston had worked his way up through the Cubs’ minor league system.

He joined the Triple-A Springfield Cubs in 1953, where he threw 224 innings and finished 20 games. The Cubs saw enough promise to bring him up to the big league roster late in the season.

After his debut, Elston came out of the bullpen three days later against the St. Louis Cardinals. He gave up a two-run homer to Red Schoendienst.

Time with Brooklyn Dodgers

On December 9, 1955, the Cubs traded Elston to the Brooklyn Dodgers, along with Randy Jackson, for Russ Meyer, Don Hoak, and Walt Moryn. That move definitely changed the direction of Elston’s career.

Elston made a strong impression during spring training in 1956, practically knocking “the bats out of batters hands” in early drills. Still, he didn’t make the team and landed with the Triple-A St. Paul Saints.

In 1957, Elston finally made Brooklyn’s Opening Day roster. He pitched in just one game for the Dodgers, throwing a scoreless ninth inning against the Milwaukee Braves on May 5.

Manager Walter Alston barely used him, probably because the team had so much young pitching talent—guys like Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale. Brooklyn sent Elston back to the Cubs on May 23 for pitchers Vito Valentinetti and Jackie Collum.

Chicago Cubs Career Highlights

Elston found his place with the Chicago Cubs and stayed there from 1957 to 1964. Cubs manager Bob Scheffing, who had managed Elston in Los Angeles, welcomed him back and decided to use him as a full-time reliever.

Key Career Statistics:

• Games Played: 450 (449 with Cubs)
• Win-Loss Record: 49-54
• ERA: 3.69
• Saves: 63

Fans and teammates called him “Every Day” because he pitched so often. He led the majors with 69 appearances in 1958 and 65 in 1959.

His 658⅓ relief innings are still a Cubs franchise record as of 2021. Elston’s best season was 1959, when he made his only All-Star Game appearance.

He saved the National League’s 5-4 win at Forbes Field, getting the last three American League batters out in the ninth. Elston’s durability really stood out.

He once pointed out that while he appeared in 65 games in 1959, he actually pitched or warmed up about 110 times that year. That’s a lot of work for a reliever.

Relief Pitching Excellence and Role in the Bullpen

Don Elston went from being a struggling starter to one of the National League’s most reliable relievers in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

He anchored the Cubs’ bullpen, led the league in appearances, and set franchise records that stuck around for decades.

Transition from Starting Pitcher to Reliever

Elston’s career changed course when he embraced life in the bullpen full-time in 1957. After years of mixed results as a minor league starter, he found his calling in relief work.

Cubs manager Bob Scheffing played a big part in that shift. He’d worked with Elston in Los Angeles and brought him back to develop him as a full-time reliever.

That move worked out for both of them. “Actually, I preferred relief pitching because it fit my stature. I was never really big,” Elston said.

At 6 feet and 145 pounds, he realized shorter outings suited him better than going deep into games. The switch meant he had to tweak his pitching style.

Elston dropped his side-arm delivery for a three-quarter motion and developed a sinking fastball and changeup. That new approach helped him succeed in high-pressure situations.

Notable Achievements as a Reliever

Elston’s bullpen excellence hit its peak during his 1959 All-Star Game outing. He came in for the ninth with a 5-4 National League lead and got the save by retiring three straight American League hitters.

Fans in Chicago still talk about some of his clutch moments. On Opening Day 1958, Elston entered with the bases loaded and nobody out in the seventh.

He struck out Del Ennis, got Ken Boyer to fly out, and forced Wally Moon to ground out, keeping the Cubs up 3-0. From September 1-9, 1958, Elston retired 27 straight batters over six relief appearances.

That “perfect game” streak ended when Gene Green doubled to right field.

Key Relief Statistics (1958-1959):

• 1958: 9-8 record, 69 appearances
• 1959: 10-8 record, 65 appearances, 14 saves

Leading National League in Appearances

Elston’s toughness and reliability made him the National League’s most used reliever. He pitched in 69 games in 1958, leading the league and earning the “Every Day” nickname.

He topped the NL again with 65 appearances in 1959. Elston said he actually pitched or warmed up about 110 times that season.

“That throwing in the bull pen is something that the average fan overlooks,” he pointed out. His workload set a Chicago Cubs franchise record of 658⅓ relief innings that still stands as of 2021.

That kind of durability was huge for Cubs teams that often struggled to find steady starters. Even though the Cubs weren’t winning much, Elston’s work out of the bullpen gave them some much-needed stability.

He managed to pitch often without losing effectiveness, and that made him one of the top relief specialists of his time.

Key Seasons and Noteworthy Performances

Don Elston shined brightest in the late 1950s when he became the Cubs’ main relief pitcher. His 1959 All-Star Game appearance and record-setting workload cemented his place as one of baseball’s most reliable bullpen arms.

1958 and 1959 Standout Years

Elston broke out in 1958, pitching in 69 games and leading the National League in appearances. That heavy workload earned him the “Every Day” nickname from fans and teammates.

It’s impressive, considering the Cubs had a rough season. The team finished with a losing record, but Elston still posted a 9-8 mark while mostly working in relief.

He was even better in 1959. Elston went 10-8 with a 3.32 ERA and notched 14 saves in 48 games finished.

He led the league again with 65 appearances and said he actually pitched or warmed up about 110 times that year. During a stretch from September 1-9, 1958, Elston retired 27 straight batters over six outings.

That “perfect game” run ended when the Cardinals’ Gene Green doubled to right.

All-Star Game Appearance

Elston got his 1959 All-Star nod after Vincent “Vinegar Bend” Mizell had to bow out with a bad back. At the first All-Star break, Elston had a 5-1 record and a 2.27 ERA in 43⅓ innings.

The game happened at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh on July 7, 1959. Elston came in for the ninth, protecting a 5-4 National League lead.

He got Frank Malzone to pop out to shortstop and struck out Minnie Miñoso. After Nellie Fox singled and moved to second on a wild pitch, Elston got Harvey Kuenn to pop out near third base.

That save sealed the win for the National League. It turned out to be Elston’s only All-Star Game appearance in his MLB career.

Records and Statistics

Elston threw 658⅓ relief innings for the Chicago Cubs, and as of 2021, no one had broken that franchise record. He racked up those innings over parts of nine seasons, from 1953 to 1964.

When you look at his career numbers, you see 49 wins, 54 losses, and a 3.69 ERA in 450 games. He also notched 63 saves and struck out 519 batters in 755 innings.

Elston really stood out for his durability, especially back then. In 1958, he took the mound 69 times, and in 1959, 65 times—both years, he led the majors. The Cubs leaned on him a lot, trusting his steady arm.

Career Highlights:

• 450 career games (449 with Chicago Cubs)
• 2× All-Star selection (1959)
• Cubs franchise record for relief innings pitched

Retirement and Later Life

Don Elston wrapped up his MLB run with the Cubs in 1964, closing out 11 seasons in the majors. After that, he moved into coaching and charity work, never really drifting far from baseball or Chicago.

Final Season in 1964

Elston’s last season came in 1964, finishing his career as a Cub. He played his final game on October 2, 1964, against the San Francisco Giants when he was 35.

He spent nearly all his big league years with the Cubs. Across 450 games, he compiled a 49-54 record, a 3.70 ERA, and 63 saves.

His best season probably came in 1959, when he made his only All-Star Game appearance. That year, he tallied 10 wins and helped the National League hang on for a 5-4 victory in the Midsummer Classic.

Post-Baseball Life

After leaving MLB, Elston spent a short time managing in the minors before stepping away from pro baseball for good. He stayed local in Chicago and jumped into a sales job.

He poured a lot of energy into charity work around Chicago. Elston got involved with Chicago Baseball Cancer Charities and other groups.

His dedication to giving back said a lot about his connection to the city where he played most of his career. Martha, his wife since 1950, stood by him and supported his charitable efforts all the way.

Elston kept working in sales for years after baseball. He retired from that job not long before he passed away, still keeping one foot in the business world.

Legacy in Baseball

Don Elston still holds the Cubs’ record for relief innings pitched, a testament to his impact. People called him “Every Day” for a reason—he just kept showing up and getting it done.

He led the National League in appearances twice, with 69 in 1958 and 65 in 1959. That kind of workload really shows how tough he was, especially when relievers didn’t get much rest.

Elston died on January 2, 1995, at 65, after a heart attack in Evanston, Illinois. He had just retired from his sales job.

He played during a time when relief pitching was changing, bridging the gap between old-school relievers and the modern closer. Elston’s style helped lay the groundwork for future Cubs bullpen arms.

Impact and Recognition

Don Elston made a real mark on the Cubs and helped shape the modern relief pitcher role during his nine-year career. His work as one of baseball’s early closers earned him an All-Star nod in 1959, and his loyalty to the Cubs and Chicago community left a real impression.

Contributions to Chicago Cubs

Elston anchored the Cubs bullpen from 1957 to 1964. He appeared in 450 Major League games, all but one with the Cubs.

He was most valuable because you could count on him as a closer. Elston finished 241 of the 450 games he pitched. That means he closed out more than half his appearances, showing he could protect leads and lock down wins.

The right-hander picked up 63 saves in his nine years. His top season saw him save 13 games. Back when the closer role was still new, Elston gave the Cubs a steady late-inning option.

His 49-54 record reflected his work as a reliever, not a starter. The Cubs put him in tough spots and trusted him to keep them in the game.

Influence on Relief Pitching Roles

In the late ’50s and early ’60s, Elston became one of baseball’s first closers. He helped define what bullpen specialists could do in the majors.

When Elston started, the idea of a dedicated closer was still taking shape. He showed that relievers could be just as valuable as starters, especially in high-pressure moments. His knack for finishing games made other teams realize the value of a reliable bullpen anchor.

Elston’s approach and game sense influenced how relievers thought about their job. He proved that going all out for shorter stints could work better than those old marathon relief outings.

During the Cubs’ rebuilding years in the early ’60s, Elston’s example showed how a strong bullpen could help a team stay competitive.

Accolades and Remembrance

Elston picked up All-Star recognition in 1959, which really marked the high point of his career. That season, he stood out as one of the top relief pitchers in Major League Baseball.

After he wrapped up his playing days in 1964, Elston stuck around Chicago and stayed close to the game. He gave managing in the minor leagues a try for a bit, then shifted his focus to charitable work.

He got involved with Chicago Baseball Cancer Charities, showing just how much he cared about giving back to his community. Chicago and Cubs fans never forgot how much Elston gave to the team and the city.

He kept living in Chicago after his career ended, always staying connected to the franchise that shaped his life. Elston passed away on January 2, 1995, at 65, after a heart attack.

He died not long after retiring from his sales job, closing out a life devoted to baseball and helping others in Chicago.