Eddie Miksis – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Eddie Miksis wrapped up his 14-year Major League Baseball career in 1958, closing out a journey that took him from teenage prospect to seasoned utility player on five different teams.

He grew up in Burlington, New Jersey, and made his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers at just 17, during World War II, when so many established players had gone off to serve.

Miksis played in over 1,000 major league games between 1944 and 1958. He contributed as a versatile utility player, covering multiple positions and helping two World Series teams with the Brooklyn Dodgers.

He never quite became the star Dodgers executive Branch Rickey hoped for, but he built a respectable career by adapting to whatever role his teams needed.

His baseball story carried him from Brooklyn’s golden era—including a memorable moment in the 1947 World Series—through his most productive years with the Chicago Cubs. He finished up with short stints in St. Louis, Baltimore, and Cincinnati.

After he put away his cleats, Miksis moved into business in Pennsylvania and stayed there until he passed away in 2005.

Early Life and Background

Edward Thomas Miksis was born to an immigrant family in Burlington, New Jersey, on September 11, 1926.

He sharpened his baseball skills at Trenton High School before signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers at 17 back in 1944.

Family Origins and Childhood

Edward Thomas Miksis arrived on September 11, 1926, in Burlington, New Jersey, a suburb between Philadelphia and Trenton.

He was the third son of John C. and Pauline T. Miksis, immigrants who landed in the United States in 1909.

John came from Lithuania, and Pauline emigrated from Poland.

They built their life in New Jersey, raising their family through the 1920s and 1930s.

Eddie grew up with five siblings—three brothers and two sisters—making him one of six.

The Miksis family faced the tough times of the Great Depression during Eddie’s childhood.

Even with money tight, sports brought some joy and a sense of community to the neighborhood.

High School and Amateur Baseball

Eddie attended Trenton High School, where he became a standout athlete.

He shined in baseball and got involved in other sports during those years.

His baseball talents started showing early.

He played in local leagues around Trenton and really stood out.

Scouts noticed his determination and work ethic on the field.

His high school performance hinted at the potential that would catch the eye of major league teams.

During this time, Miksis developed the versatility that would define his pro career.

He played multiple positions and showed off the athleticism that made him attractive to professional teams.

Path to Signing with the Dodgers

In 1944, when he was just 17, Eddie Miksis signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers.

World War II was raging, and many established players served in the armed forces.

The Dodgers liked him so much that they bought a controlling interest in his minor league club just to make sure they could sign him.

That move showed just how much Brooklyn’s management valued the young player.

They saw something special in the teenager from New Jersey.

After only 72 games with the Trenton Packers in the Class B Interstate League, Miksis got the call-up to the major leagues.

Manager Leo Durocher liked what he saw and immediately put Eddie in as the starting shortstop.

Professional Baseball Career Overview

Eddie Miksis put together a 14-year career in Major League Baseball from 1944 to 1958.

He played for five teams: the Brooklyn Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, Baltimore Orioles, and Cincinnati Reds.

His ability to play almost anywhere on the field made him a valuable asset throughout his career.

Major League Debut and Wartime Years

Miksis made his MLB debut on June 17, 1944, with the Brooklyn Dodgers at just 17.

He came straight from Burlington, New Jersey, signed by the Dodgers organization.

World War II interrupted his early career.

He served in the Navy for nearly two years, which cut into his playing time in the mid-1940s.

When he got back to the Dodgers in 1946, he stayed with them through 1951.

During his Brooklyn years, he played in both the 1947 and 1949 World Series against the Yankees.

His most famous moment? Game 4 of the 1947 World Series.

He pinch-ran for Pete Reiser and scored the winning run on Cookie Lavagetto’s double, breaking up Bill Bevens’ no-hitter in the ninth.

Role as Utility Player

Miksis made his mark as a utility player who could handle several positions.

Across his career, he played 382 games at second base, 219 games in the outfield, 179 games at third base, and 137 games at shortstop.

Managers counted on him to fill different roles.

Only in four of his fourteen seasons did he play more than 100 games, which really highlights his role as a backup and utility guy.

In June 1951, the Dodgers traded Miksis to the Chicago Cubs, even though Brooklyn led the National League by 14.5 games.

With the Cubs, he became known for lending his glove to Ernie Banks in Banks’ first major league game.

After his Cubs years from 1951-1956, Miksis played for the Cardinals in 1957.

He then joined the Orioles for parts of 1957 and 1958, finishing up with the Reds in 1958.

Career Milestones and Statistics

Miksis put together solid, if not flashy, numbers over his 14 years.

In 1,042 games, he hit a .236 batting average with 44 home runs and 228 RBI.

He actually did better in the World Series than in the regular season.

He batted .273 in eight World Series games with Brooklyn in 1947 and 1949.

Career Statistics Summary:

• Games Played: 1,042
• Batting Average: .236
• Home Runs: 44
• RBI: 228
• Teams: Brooklyn Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, Baltimore Orioles, Cincinnati Reds

Miksis played his final big league game on September 26, 1958, at age 32 with the Cincinnati Reds.

His career spanned from World War II into the late 1950s, so he really saw baseball shift into a new era.

Brooklyn Dodgers Tenure and 1947 World Series

Miksis spent his first six major league seasons with the Brooklyn Dodgers.

He became a reliable utility player and helped two pennant-winning teams.

He’s probably best remembered for scoring the winning run in one of baseball’s most famous rallies during the 1947 World Series.

Key Contributions During Brooklyn Dodgers Years

Eddie joined the Dodgers in 1944 at 17 but missed most of 1945 and 1946 while serving in the Navy.

After he got out in July 1946, he came back to Brooklyn and settled into a utility role that played to his strengths.

In 1947, Miksis had his best year in Brooklyn.

He hit a career-high .267 with four home runs in just 86 at-bats.

His fielding was sharp too—he made only one error in 84 chances.

He mostly backed up second baseman Eddie Stanky.

Miksis flashed some power, hitting three home runs on consecutive days in August 1947.

That run convinced Dodgers management he might be their future second baseman.

The Dodgers liked his defensive skills, speed, and attitude.

Branch Rickey once promised fans that “Miksis will fix us” in 1948, showing just how much faith they had in him.

1947 World Series Performance

The 1947 World Series against the Yankees was Miksis’s first postseason shot.

Brooklyn and New York battled through a seven-game series that’s still talked about today.

Miksis played in several games, mostly as a substitute.

He finished with one hit in four at-bats, a .250 average.

Even with limited playing time, he made some critical contributions.

He received a full World Series share of $4,081 as part of the losing team’s payout.

That payday reflected how important he was to the Dodgers’ pennant run.

Historic Game with Cookie Lavagetto and Bill Bevens

Game 4 of the 1947 World Series turned into one of baseball’s wildest moments.

Yankees pitcher Bill Bevens carried a no-hitter into the ninth, leading 2-1.

The Dodgers were down, and the Yankees were up 2-1 in the series.

In the bottom of the ninth, Miksis came in as a pinch-runner along with Al Gionfriddo.

With two outs and the Yankees just one out away from a World Series no-hitter, Cookie Lavagetto stepped in as a pinch-hitter.

Miksis later said he took a big lead off first because Yankees first baseman George McQuinn wasn’t holding him close.

“I took off as soon as Lavagetto made contact and was past second before the ball came down,” Miksis remembered.

Lavagetto’s double off the right-field wall broke up the no-hitter and drove home both runners.

Miksis slid home with the winning run, and the crowd erupted—some called it “the biggest explosion of noise in the history of Brooklyn.”

That win tied the series at two games each.

Chicago Cubs Era

Miksis landed with the Chicago Cubs in June 1951 after a major trade sent him from Brooklyn to Chicago.

He finally got regular playing time as the starting second baseman.

His Cubs tenure showed off his defensive versatility and included run-ins with future Hall of Famers who would shape the franchise.

Trade to the Cubs and Notable Teammates

On June 15, 1951, the Dodgers traded Miksis, Gene Hermanski, Bruce Edwards, and Joe Hatten to the Cubs.

In return, Chicago sent Andy Pafko, Rube Walker, Johnny Schmitz, and Wayne Terwilliger to Brooklyn.

The trade left Miksis scratching his head—he’d asked for more playing time, but the Dodgers had a big lead in the league and still traded away key players.

“I thought it was probably the dumbest trade that was ever made,” he admitted years later.

Miksis immediately replaced Wayne Terwilliger as Chicago’s regular second baseman.

He finally got the starting role he’d wanted back in Brooklyn.

In 1954, the Cubs brought up two rookies who would change the team’s history.

Gene Baker took over at second base, and Ernie Banks became the starting shortstop.

Even after losing his position, Miksis showed class by lending Banks his glove for the first week of spring training.

Playing Second Base and Position Versatility

Miksis had his most productive year in 1951, batting a career-high .265 for the Cubs.

He stole 11 bases, ranking tenth in the National League.

That season marked his first time playing in over 100 games.

In 1953, he had his busiest year.

He played 142 games with 577 at-bats, racking up 145 hits and batting .251.

He hit 8 home runs and drove in 39 runs that year.

The Cubs kept moving Miksis around the diamond.

He played second base, shortstop, and third base regularly.

In 1955, Chicago shifted him to center field, where he hit .235 with career highs of 9 home runs and 41 RBIs.

His fielding stats varied by position.

In 1953, he posted a .954 fielding percentage at both second base and shortstop.

Still, he led National League second basemen in errors that year, even though he played fewer games than most other regulars.

Influence on Team Dynamics and Double Play Combinations

Before Banks arrived, Miksis teamed up with several shortstops to form the Cubs’ main double play duo. He brought experience and sharp baseball instincts, which really helped the team as it grew. Cubs general manager Wid Mathews once asked, “Where would we be without Miksis?” during the 1952 season, and honestly, it’s a good question.

On June 11, 1952, against Philadelphia, Miksis’s instincts took over. He caught Tommy Brown glancing back at second after rounding the bag. Trusting his gut, Miksis called for the ball, stepped on second, and got Brown called out for missing the base, wiping away two runs.

“I didn’t see Brown miss second. But when he rounded the bag he glanced back with a guilty look,” Miksis said. “I was playing a hunch. Psychology, you know.”

The Cubs leaned on Miksis as a steady veteran while they brought up younger players. He mentored Banks and Baker, laying the groundwork for Chicago’s future infield. When the Cubs shifted him to a utility spot in 1956, he just rolled with it and played 114 games in all sorts of positions.

Final Playing Years and Retirement

In 1957, the Cubs traded Eddie Miksis to the St. Louis Cardinals when he was 30. Those last two seasons saw him bouncing between three teams before he retired in 1958 at just 32.

St. Louis Cardinals and Final MLB Seasons

The Cubs sent Miksis to the St. Louis Cardinals before the 1957 season, which kicked off his final chapter in pro baseball.

With the Cardinals, Miksis rarely played and struggled at bat. He only managed a .211 average in limited chances with St. Louis.

His numbers dropped sharply from earlier years, and the Cardinals let him go before the season finished.

On September 19, 1957, the Cardinals sold him to the Baltimore Orioles. That ended his short time in St. Louis after less than a season.

Baltimore Orioles and Cincinnati Redlegs Stints

Miksis landed with the Baltimore Orioles in September 1957 but barely played. His time there was short and, to be honest, pretty forgettable.

The Orioles released him on May 15, 1958, after just three games. He didn’t make much of an impact, so the team moved on.

Just two days later, the Cincinnati Redlegs picked him up as a free agent on May 17, 1958. This would be his last shot in the majors.

With Cincinnati, he played 69 games but only hit a career-low .140. His last MLB game came on September 28, 1958, when he was 32.

Decision to Retire in 1958

After the 1958 season, Miksis decided to walk away from professional baseball. His declining performance and fewer opportunities pushed him to make that call.

The Cincinnati Redlegs cut him during spring training in 1959. Instead of hunting for another team, he just chose to hang up his spikes.

He moved to Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania, and started working as a salesman for a trucking company. That marked the start of his life after baseball.

Miksis wrapped up 14 years in the majors with a .236 average, 44 home runs, and 228 RBIs in 1,042 games. When people asked about his biggest thrill, he just said, “Getting paid every two weeks.”

Personal Life and Post-Baseball Career

After leaving baseball in 1958, Edward Thomas Miksis switched to business but kept strong family roots in Pennsylvania. He worked as a salesman for a trucking company and still showed up at memorabilia shows and fan events, keeping a toe in the baseball world.

Family and Personal Legacy

Eddie Miksis married Rosemarie Valovage on February 6, 1954, in Philadelphia. He met her at a Polish social event, which fit with his family’s Eastern European background.

They settled down in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania, and raised five kids together. Their family included daughters Jeanine, Rose Marie, and Christina, plus sons Edward Jr. and Joseph.

Miksis spent all his post-baseball years in Huntingdon Valley. He stayed close to his family until he passed away on April 8, 2005, at 78.

Rosemarie and all five children survived him. The family kept his baseball legacy alive, though they respected his wish for a quieter life out of the spotlight.

Business Ventures and Activities After Baseball

After retiring, Miksis took a job as a salesman for a Pennsylvania trucking company. The steady work let him stay near his family.

During the 1980s and 1990s, he showed up at baseball card shows and memorabilia events. Not only did that bring in some extra cash, but it also let him meet fans who still remembered his playing days.

He kept attending baseball events that celebrated the game’s history. These activities stayed part of his life even as he got older.

When someone asked about his greatest baseball thrill, he replied, “Getting paid every two weeks.” That answer really summed up his practical approach to both baseball and business.

Legacy Within Baseball History

Miksis actually picked up a single vote for the Baseball Hall of Fame back in 1964. That one odd nod sparked some newspaper chatter, and folks even called for Congress to look into how Hall of Fame voting worked.

When someone asked him about that vote, he just laughed it off. “I think the person who voted for me was a true baseball expert. He wasn’t interested in statistics, he must have had a few beers before he made out his ballot.”

His biggest moment probably happened during the 1947 World Series. He scored the winning run on Cookie Lavagetto’s double, breaking up Bill Bevens’ no-hit bid in Game Four.

Miksis also did something pretty memorable for Ernie Banks. He lent his glove to Banks for his first major league game, which really speaks to his character and sportsmanship, even as he was losing his starting spot.