Ed Stroud – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Ed Stroud’s name might not ring out in baseball history the way some others do, but his six-year major league career is still a pretty compelling story. He brought speed, determination, and showed just how tough it could be for utility players in the late 1960s.

Born in Alabama, Stroud found his spot as a reliable backup and pinch runner for the Chicago White Sox and Washington Senators. Back then, stolen bases were starting to matter more and more.

Stroud wrapped up his career on June 29, 1971, after playing his last game for the White Sox. That closed a journey that started in 1966 and saw him swipe 72 bases over 529 games.

People called him “The Streak” and “The Creeper” for good reason—his speed was something else. He really fit the mold of a specialized role player who could shake up a game just by running.

He went from being an undrafted free agent in 1963 to making it to the majors. That path shows how players who leaned into their best skills could still find a place, even if their bats weren’t the loudest.

Stroud bounced between Chicago and Washington, which kind of highlights how teams in that era valued certain abilities, like base stealing, and how quickly rosters could change.

Early Life and Background

Edwin Marvin Stroud was born on October 31, 1939, in Lapine, Alabama. He moved to Ohio as a kid and spent most of his life there.

He went to Warren G. Harding High School, then served in the military. Those experiences set the stage for his future baseball career.

Childhood in Lapine, Alabama

Edwin Marvin Stroud came into the world on October 31, 1939, in Lapine, Alabama. Back then, baseball was already becoming a big deal in America.

Even though he was born in Alabama, his family relocated to Warren, Ohio. He’d spend about 70 years there.

That move from the South to the Midwest really shaped who he became, both as a person and an athlete.

Warren, Ohio, was your typical Midwestern industrial town. It was a steady place for a kid to grow up.

The community in Warren definitely helped foster his athletic side. Sports were important there, and competition was everywhere.

Those early years gave him the base he needed for what was coming in professional baseball.

Education at Warren G. Harding High School

Stroud went to Warren G. Harding High School in Warren, Ohio, graduating in 1958. The school gave him a mix of academics and sports that really mattered for his growth.

During high school, he started to show off that speed and athleticism—hence, the nicknames “The Streak” and “The Creeper.” His running style and knack for stealing bases started to turn heads.

He learned baseball fundamentals there. The athletic programs at Harding High gave him the structure and competition to sharpen his game.

Once he graduated in 1958, he was done with formal education and started looking toward athletics for real. The foundation from his high school days stuck with him all through his pro career.

Military Service and Personal Development

After high school, Stroud served in the United States Army. He did this before the Chicago White Sox signed him as an undrafted free agent in 1963.

The army gave him discipline and structure, which definitely helped on the baseball field. Teamwork, dedication, following orders—it all translated.

Because of his military service, Stroud started pro baseball a bit older than some guys. That extra maturity probably helped him handle the ups and downs of the game.

His army background shaped his character and work ethic. He leaned on those qualities during his six-year Major League Baseball run with the White Sox and Senators.

Minor League Career Highlights

Ed Stroud’s minor league career ran from 1963 to 1971. He hit .308, knocked 29 home runs, and drove in 220 RBIs over 571 games.

His speed made him a three-time minor league stolen base leader, which is how he picked up the nickname “The Creeper.”

Stint With Indianapolis Indians

The Indianapolis Indians played a big part in Stroud’s minor league journey. Playing there helped get him ready for the majors in 1966.

He moved through the White Sox system, and the time with Indianapolis gave him experience against tougher competition.

He showed he could adjust to new levels of play. What he learned there led to his shot at the majors.

Success in the Pacific Coast League

Stroud also played for the Tucson Toros in the Pacific Coast League. The PCL was tough—one of the highest levels in the minors.

With Tucson, he showed off his defensive chops in the outfield. The league’s strong pitching helped him refine his skills.

Playing in the PCL meant dealing with weird travel schedules and different ballparks. That kind of experience helped him later on.

Player Development and Minor League Stats

Speed defined Stroud’s minor league days. He was always a threat to steal, and people noticed.

He hit .308 in the minors, which was a lot better than his .237 big league average. The jump to major league pitching is no joke.

Stroud played for teams like the Clinton C-Sox, Portsmouth Tides, and Lynchburg White Sox. Each stop taught him something new.

His minor league stats showed off his speed and contact hitting. Those were his calling cards all the way up to 1971.

Major League Baseball Career Overview

Ed Stroud played six seasons in Major League Baseball from 1966 to 1971. He showed off his speed and defensive skills as an outfielder for the White Sox and Senators.

His career included a quick debut with Chicago, a main role as centerfielder in Washington, and then a last run with the White Sox.

MLB Debut and Early Years

Stroud made his MLB debut on September 11, 1966, with the White Sox at age 26. He faced Washington and went 2-for-3 with an RBI and a stolen base.

He got the call after a hot 1966 with the Indianapolis Indians, hitting .309 and stealing 57 bases.

His first taste of the majors was rough. He hit just .167 with the White Sox that year.

But in 1967, he bumped his average up to .296 in 20 games. Even so, his time with Chicago didn’t last—he got traded in June 1967.

Role With Washington Senators

The White Sox traded Stroud to the Washington Senators in June 1967 for Jim King. Stroud quickly became the team’s main centerfielder, playing almost as much in half a season as Fred Valentine did all year.

From 1968 to 1970, Stroud played over 100 games each season for Washington. In 1968, he hit .239, which was actually 15 points better than the team average. Offense was pretty low across the league then.

Stroud made his mark with speed. He finished among the top five in triples twice and cracked the top ten in stolen bases twice while with the Senators.

Life off the field wasn’t always easy. Teammate Hank Allen said black players, including Stroud, felt uncomfortable with the team in 1968. Things got better in 1969 when new ownership and Ted Williams came in.

Return to Chicago White Sox in 1971

Stroud came back to the White Sox in 1971, his last year in the majors. That season, his bat just wasn’t there anymore.

He struggled in 1971. His last game with Washington had come on May 2, when he went 0-for-3 in a 3-1 loss.

Stroud’s final MLB game was June 29, 1971, back in a White Sox uniform. That wrapped up his six-year career.

His speed and glove had kept him in the league, but the hitting woes in ’71 brought things to an end.

Performance and Playing Style

Ed Stroud’s six years in the majors were all about speed and defensive flexibility, though his .237 batting average kept him from making a bigger impact. His best year was 1970, when he put up a 3.1 WAR and stole 29 bases for the Senators.

Batting Statistics and Achievements

Stroud never really found his groove at the plate. He finished with a .237 average and 320 hits over 529 games from 1966 to 1971.

He didn’t hit for much power—just 14 home runs and 28 triples in six seasons. He drove in 100 RBIs, which worked out to about 31 per 162 games.

His best offensive year was 1970, when he hit .266 with 115 hits in 433 at-bats and scored 69 runs. That year, he reached a career-best 3.1 WAR.

In 1971, things just fell apart at the plate. He hit .177 in 141 at-bats over 53 games.

Base Stealing and Speed

Speed was Stroud’s thing. He stole 72 bases in his career and got caught 26 times, which is a pretty solid rate.

He showed his wheels best in 1970, swiping 29 stolen bases and only getting caught eight times.

People called him “The Creeper” because he could steal bases and mess with pitchers and catchers. As a pinch runner or late-inning sub, he was a real asset.

Over his career, he averaged 22 steals per 162 games. If he got on base, you had to pay attention.

Defensive Skills as an Outfielder

Stroud could handle all three outfield spots, but he played mostly center and right field for Washington.

In 1967, he put up a .985 fielding percentage, making just two errors in 136 chances. Solid stuff.

He played 129 games in center field in 1970, racking up 151 total bases on defense. His range and arm were steady.

His speed helped him cover ground in the outfield. Managers liked having him as a reliable glove, wherever they put him.

Impactful MLB Moments

Stroud’s MLB debut on September 11, 1966, was a good one. He went 2-for-3 with an RBI and a stolen base, showing off his tools right away.

In 1969, he managed a 1.8 WAR for Washington, even without a ton of playing time. He played in 123 games and helped on both sides of the ball.

He put it all together in 1970. That season, his 3.1 WAR and 29 steals led the Senators and showed what he could do.

Stroud played his last big league game on June 29, 1971, at age 31. He landed on the disabled list the next day, and that was it for his pro career.

Notable Trades, Teammates, and Relationships

Ed Stroud’s career took shape through some key trades that sent him between the Chicago White Sox and Washington Senators. The way he worked with teammates and managers helped define his place as both a starter and a veteran presence during his six years in the majors.

Trade for Jim King

The White Sox traded outfielder Jim King to the Washington Senators for Ed Stroud in 1966. That deal brought Stroud into Major League Baseball.

Chicago saw immediate benefits. Stroud stepped in as a regular outfielder for three of his first four seasons.

He built a reputation as a solid defensive player. His speed and base-running turned him into a valuable part of the lineup.

Later, Stroud returned to Washington through another trade. In March 1971, the Senators sent him back to Chicago for Tommy McCraw.

Interactions With Managers and Teammates

Stroud formed close bonds with teammates, especially during his time with the 1969 Washington Senators. The team had strong chemistry under manager Ted Williams.

Ted Williams demanded discipline and unity. Stroud remembered that Williams “wouldn’t put up with any foolishness” and made sure everyone got along.

The 1969 Senators had a reputation for being tight-knit. Stroud called the team “very close,” saying the players maintained good relationships.

During his last season in 1971, Stroud played with Mike Hershberger on the White Sox. Both took on veteran backup roles in the outfield.

Stroud and Hershberger shared more than just baseball. The two Ohio natives died within a day of each other in July 2012.

Contributions to Team Dynamics

Stroud brought veteran leadership to both teams during his career moves. He helped younger players get used to the big leagues.

As a backup outfielder in 1971, he provided depth and guidance. His role switched from starter to support, but he still helped keep the team steady.

Stroud’s base-running gave managers options in key game moments. His speed added another layer to the offense.

He played reliable defense in the outfield, letting teams rotate players without losing quality. That versatility made him valuable in his later years.

When rosters changed, Stroud’s experience helped teams stay on track during tough stretches.

Retirement, Later Life, and Legacy

Stroud’s baseball career ended suddenly in 1971 after a trade back to the White Sox. He built a meaningful life in Warren, Ohio, working as an EEO Commissioner and staying active in local sports.

He died in Cleveland at 72 on July 2, 2012, just a day after his birthday.

Life After Baseball

Stroud played his final major league game on June 29, 1971, during his second stint with the White Sox. The trade from Washington for Tommy McCraw didn’t pan out. He batted just .177 in 141 at-bats over 53 games.

After leaving baseball, Stroud went back to Warren, Ohio, where he’d gone to Warren G. Harding High School. He lived in that community for about 70 years.

He worked as an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Commissioner for Warren County. Stroud stayed in that role until retiring in 1998, serving his community and building a steady career outside baseball.

Even after retiring from government work, Stroud kept playing sports. As late as 1998, at 59, he was still competing in Warren’s top men’s slow-pitch softball leagues.

Community Involvement and Honors

Stroud kept in touch with former teammates and the baseball world throughout retirement. In November 1998, he attended a reunion for the 1969 Senators, and teammates noticed he looked younger and healthier than many others.

He felt a special connection to the 1969 Senators. Stroud was one of the first players interviewed for a book about that team. Interviewers described him as gracious, funny, and kind.

He enjoyed sharing stories from his playing days, especially about his time under Ted Williams in Washington. Stroud spoke fondly of his experiences in the capital, remembering RFK Stadium and the city with warmth.

Passing and Remembrance

Ed Stroud died on July 2, 2012, at University Hospitals of Cleveland at 72. His passing came just one day after his birthday. The cause of death wasn’t made public.

He was buried at Oakwood Cemetery in Warren, Ohio, where he had spent most of his post-baseball life. Former teammates and fans mourned his loss and remembered his contributions to the 1969 Senators team.

Stroud joined other 1969 Senators who had passed away, like Ed Brinkman, Zoilo Versalles, Lee Maye, Sam Bowens, and Frank Bertaina. His death marked the loss of another player from that memorable 86-win season.

Teammates and baseball historians recalled Stroud as a shy but friendly guy who was exciting to watch. His nicknames, “The Creeper” and “The Streak,” captured his unique baserunning and speed.

Career Statistics and Records

Over six MLB seasons, Ed Stroud hit .237 across 529 games, collecting 14 home runs and 100 RBIs. He had his best years with the Senators from 1968 to 1970, making his mark as a reliable outfielder and base stealer.

Comprehensive Career Stats

Stroud’s numbers show he contributed more with speed and defense than power. In 529 games, he racked up 320 hits in 1,353 at-bats.

His top offensive year came in 1970 with Washington. That season, he batted .266, picked up 115 hits in 433 at-bats, drove in 32 runs, and stole 29 bases.

Key Career Numbers:

• Batting Average: .237
• Home Runs: 14
• RBIs: 100
• Stolen Bases: 72
• Runs Scored: 209
• Games Played: 529

Stroud showed consistent speed, swiping 72 bases and getting caught 26 times. His best year was 1970, with 29 steals.

He didn’t hit for much power, topping out at four home runs in both 1968 and 1969.

Recognition and Notable Records

Stroud never made an All-Star team, but his 1970 season with Washington stood out as his best. He posted a 3.1 WAR that year, his highest.

He played solid defense at all three outfield spots and kept a .979 career fielding percentage. Baseball Reference shows he spent most of his time in center and right field.

Stealing bases was his calling card. Stroud averaged 12 steals a year over his six-season career.

That 1970 season really was his peak. Besides batting .266, he also set career highs in hits (115), runs (69), and steals (29).

The Senators relied on Stroud as their main center fielder during their last years in Washington. He played 444 games for Washington and 85 for Chicago.

Baseball Reference and Sources

Baseball Reference is the go-to spot for Stroud’s career stats. They track everything from his major league numbers between 1966 and 1971.

You can dig into his player page for season-by-season details. There, you’ll find advanced stats like his career OPS at .642 and a total WAR of 3.2.

The Baseball Almanac adds more background about Stroud’s time in the majors. They list his debut as September 11, 1966 with the Chicago White Sox.

Several sources back up his career totals. ESPN, StatMuse, and The Baseball Cube all show his .237 batting average and 14 home runs.

Stroud played his final game on June 29, 1971, against Milwaukee. He went 0-for-1 that day and wrapped up his career at 31.