Emil Verban – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Emil Matthew Verban isn’t exactly a household name like Babe Ruth or Lou Gehrig, but his seven-season run in Major League Baseball gives us a fascinating peek into the sport during the 1940s. Born in Lincoln, Illinois, in 1915, Verban managed to carve out a solid career as a second baseman during a tough era, when World War II left rosters thin and opened the door for players who might have stayed in the minors otherwise.

Verban’s brightest moment came as a rookie in 1944, when he hit .412 in the World Series and knocked in the series-winning hit that pushed the St. Louis Cardinals past the St. Louis Browns. That performance showed he was more than just a fill-in during the war, and he proved he could shine when it counted. People also noticed his defense—he led National League second basemen in double plays as a rookie and earned praise for his smooth fielding all the way through his career.

Verban’s story goes beyond just numbers. He made the journey from a coal miner’s son to a three-time All-Star, fought through injuries and tough competition for roster spots, and somehow ended up as the unlikely namesake for a famous Chicago Cubs fan club. His career really gives you a window into a time when baseball was both a distraction and a comfort during wartime. That makes his story worth knowing if you want to understand America’s pastime.

Early Life and Background

Emil Verban’s path to the big leagues started in Lincoln, Illinois, where his immigrant family taught him the value of hard work. He developed his athletic skills on local youth teams before moving up to professional minor league baseball in the late 1930s.

Family Heritage and Childhood

Emil Matthew Verban was born on August 27, 1915, in Lincoln, Illinois. His father, Michael Verban, came over from the Kingdom of Croatia in 1901 at age 18.

The family’s original last name was Vrban, but they changed it to Verban after arriving in America. Michael started out working as a coal miner for the Deer Creek Coal Company. He saved up enough to bring Manda Zupan from Croatia and married her on June 22, 1907. They kept speaking their native language at home, which must’ve made for some interesting dinner conversations.

Emil was a twin, born alongside his sister Frances Marian. The Verbans had five kids: Katherine (1910), Steven (1912), Emil and Frances (1915), and Mary (1919).

Eventually, Michael moved beyond coal mining. He opened a grocery and meat business, then became president of Central Shale & Excavating Co. in Lincoln. Both Emil and his brother Steve worked for the family company when they were young.

Education and Early Sports Involvement

Emil went to Lincoln Community High School and played basketball there. The school didn’t have a baseball team, so he had to look elsewhere to play his favorite sport.

He joined local youth baseball teams and even played with his twin sister Frances. “She was a pretty good ballplayer,” Emil remembered years later. Frances actually got an offer to play for Max Carey’s Milwaukee Chicks in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, but she turned it down because of weak ankles.

At 20, Verban tried out with the Decatur team in the Three-I League (Illinois-Indiana-Iowa). League president L.J. Wylie liked his shortstop skills. “He tried to place me in the Cardinal organization in 1936,” Verban said, “but they didn’t seem to want me.”

Minor League Development

Verban started his pro career in 1936 with the Cincinnati Reds system. He began with the Class D Paducah Indians in the Kitty League but got released after spring training.

He then played 70 games for the Class D Fremont Reds of the Ohio State League. After another release in August, he joined the Tiffin Mud Hens and hit .330 the next season.

In 1938, the St. Louis Cardinals finally brought him in. He played for Class D Alexandria in the Evangeline League, then moved up to the Class B Decatur Commodores mid-season. He batted .320 in 75 games for Decatur and helped them win the Three-I League championship.

His time in the minors wasn’t all smooth sailing. In 1939, during an exhibition game against the Cardinals, a Paul Dean curveball hit him in the back of the head. That beaning ended his season and left lasting effects, which later kept him out of military service.

Major League Baseball Career Overview

Emil Verban played seven seasons in Major League Baseball from 1944 to 1950, making his mark as a reliable second baseman on four National League teams. He debuted with the St. Louis Cardinals during World War II, picked up three All-Star selections, and helped the Cardinals win the 1944 World Series against the St. Louis Browns by batting .412.

MLB Debut and St. Louis Cardinals Era

Verban made his big league debut on April 18, 1944, with the St. Louis Cardinals at age 28. He grabbed the starting second base job as a rookie because regulars like Lou Klein were off serving in World War II.

That first season stood out. Verban played solid defense and led NL second basemen with 105 double plays. He finished with a .257 average and a .968 fielding percentage.

The 1944 World Series against the St. Louis Browns turned into Verban’s signature moment. Browns owner Don Barnes mocked him about lousy seats, saying, “You ought to be sitting behind a post.” Verban answered with clutch hitting, batting .412 in the Series and delivering the game-winner in Game Six.

In 1945, he earned his first All-Star selection. Verban played all 155 games and led NL second basemen with a .978 fielding percentage. He set career highs with 22 doubles, 8 triples, and 72 RBIs, batting .278.

When veterans came back from the war in 1946, Red Schoendienst took over his job. The Cardinals traded Verban to Philadelphia on May 1, 1946.

Philadelphia Phillies Years

The Phillies traded for Verban in 1946, paying the Cardinals $40,000 and giving him the starting spot at second base. That move gave his career new life.

He made an instant impact in Philadelphia. In his debut, Verban walked, stole second, and scored the winning run in a 1-0 win over Cincinnati. Fans and teammates quickly noticed his defense.

Verban made his second All-Star team in 1946. He played in the All-Star Game at Boston’s Fenway Park on July 9, though he made an out in his only at-bat against Jack Kramer.

In 1947 with the Phillies, Verban became a legend for his plate discipline. He struck out just 8 times in 540 at-bats, setting a major league record for fewest strikeouts by a right-handed hitter in a season.

The Phillies traded him to the Chicago Cubs during the 1948 season. By then, Verban had built a reputation as one of the hardest players to strike out in baseball history.

Chicago Cubs Highlights

Verban joined the Chicago Cubs in 1948 and had his best offensive seasons there. People knew him for his incredible contact hitting and defensive consistency.

In 1949, Verban really showed off his plate discipline. He struck out just twice in 343 at-bats and hit .289. Even late in his career, he could make consistent contact.

With the Cubs, Verban kept his steady defensive reputation. He turned double plays smoothly and rarely made errors at second base.

The Cubs didn’t have much team success while Verban was there, but his steady play brought some stability to the infield. He helped younger players adjust to the big leagues.

Verban’s career strikeout rate—once every 39 at-bats—made him one of the toughest outs in baseball. Pitchers across the National League must have found him frustrating.

Boston Braves and Final Season

Verban wrapped up his major league career with the Boston Braves in 1950. At 35, he served as a backup infielder and veteran presence on the team.

He played his last game on October 1, 1950, against the New York Giants. Verban had one at-bat and didn’t get a hit, closing out his seven-year major league career.

The Braves didn’t use Verban much that year. Younger players got most of the time at second base.

Still, Verban’s professionalism and experience brought value to the Braves. He mentored younger players and kept his reputation for strong character.

Verban retired with a .272 career batting average and just 74 strikeouts in 2,911 at-bats. He hit only one home run in his whole major league career, but he racked up 301 runs, 99 doubles, and 26 triples.

Career Achievements and Notable Moments

Emil Verban hit some impressive milestones in his seven-season MLB career. He won the 1944 World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals, made three All-Star teams, and set records for contact hitting while managing just one career home run.

1944 World Series Champion

Verban played a key role in the Cardinals’ 1944 World Series win over the Browns. He batted a strong .412 in the series, making 15 putouts and seven assists with no errors.

The rookie second baseman came through with the game-winning hit in the fourth inning of Game Six. That hit clinched the championship for the Cardinals and became the highlight of his career.

There’s a story about Browns owner Don Barnes mocking Verban about his slow start and refusing better seats for Verban’s wife, saying, “You ought to be sitting behind a post.” After the Cardinals won, Verban supposedly told Barnes, “Now you can sit behind a post!”

Verban’s performance picked up big time after his rough start. He collected five hits in the last three games and went from the “ugly duckling of the batting order” to a World Series hero.

All-Star Game Selections

Verban made three straight All-Star teams from 1945 to 1947. His first All-Star nod came in 1945, when he played every game for the Cardinals and led NL second basemen with a .978 fielding percentage.

He played in the 1946 All-Star Game at Fenway Park. Batting against Jack Kramer in the ninth, Verban popped out to catcher Hal Wagner for his first All-Star at-bat.

His steady defense earned him recognition as one of the league’s top second basemen. Verban turned 95 double plays in 1945, and sportswriter Fred Lieb said he fielded “with the grace and precision of a Charley Gehringer.”

Record for Fewest Career Home Runs

Verban hit just one home run in 2,911 career at-bats, which made him famous for his contact hitting, not his power. He hit that lone homer in 1949 off Cincinnati Reds pitcher Johnny Vander Meer while playing for the Cubs.

That lack of power became part of his story. Even with so few home runs, Verban was still one of the toughest outs around because of his contact skills.

He struck out just once every 39 at-bats in his career. In 1947, Verban set a major league record for fewest strikeouts by a right-handed hitter in a season, with only 8 strikeouts all year.

Key Game Performances

Verban’s most memorable game came in the 1944 World Series, Game Six. His fourth-inning hit clinched the championship for the Cardinals over the Browns.

In 1949, he hit his career-high batting average of .289 for the Cubs. That season included his only major league home run and showed his best offensive production.

While with the Phillies, Verban made a highlight-reel defensive play by leaping and snagging a Stan Musial line drive one-handed. That play helped the Phillies go on a winning run, improving their record from 8-24 to 26-30.

Across his career, Verban tallied 99 doubles, 26 triples, and 241 RBIs in 853 games played.

Statistical Analysis and Playing Style

Emil Verban’s seven-year MLB career from 1944 to 1950 was all about making contact and playing steady defense at second base. He finished with a .272 career average, which says a lot about his offensive consistency. His defensive skills made him a valuable piece for every team he joined.

Batting and Offensive Performance

Verban put together a career batting average of .272 over 854 games. He really focused on making contact at the plate, not swinging for the fences.

The second baseman racked up 793 hits and drove in 241 RBIs. He didn’t hit for power, managing just one home run in his entire MLB career.

His 1950 season with the Boston Braves was tough. In 50 games, he collected only 4 hits in 42 at-bats, batting just .095.

At home that year, Verban hit .130, picking up 3 hits in 23 at-bats. On the road, things got even rougher—he hit .052 with just 1 hit in 19 at-bats.

Fielding and Defensive Contributions

Verban brought most of his value with his glove as a second baseman. Teams counted on his steady fielding throughout his career.

He spent a lot of time with the St. Louis Cardinals (1944-1946), Philadelphia Phillies (1946-1948), and Chicago Cubs (1948-1950). His dependable defense helped him stick around on four different teams.

The Baseball Almanac shows how his versatility in the field kept him in the league. Managers really appreciated his reliable glove and smart play at second base.

Verban’s defensive work mattered most in his early years. That’s when he really built up his reputation as a dependable middle infielder in the MLB.

Leadership and On-Field Presence

As Verban moved between teams, his veteran presence became more valuable. He brought experience from championship-level clubs and helped guide younger players.

He earned recognition as a two-time All-Star and played a part on a World Series championship team. Those honors showed he could handle the pressure when it counted.

Teammates called him “Dutch” because of his easygoing attitude. The nickname “Antelope” fit his quickness both in the field and on the basepaths.

Teams kept signing him even when his bat cooled off. Clearly, they saw value in what he brought beyond the numbers.

Comparison to Peers

Verban’s .272 career batting average put him among the better contact hitters of his time. Sure, he wasn’t a superstar, but he balanced his offense with strong defense.

He finished with 793 hits and 301 runs scored in seven seasons. Those stats showed he could help out at the plate while anchoring the infield.

Second basemen back then didn’t usually hit for much power, and Verban fit that mold. His lone home run was low, but not all that unusual for middle infielders in the 1940s.

He managed to stay on four different teams, which says a lot about how organizations valued his all-around game. That kind of longevity meant he did what teams expected for his role and era.

Post-Baseball Life and Honors

After he retired in 1950, Emil Verban became an unexpected cultural icon thanks to a dedicated fan club. He even caught the attention of President Ronald Reagan. His later years involved community work and a quirky legacy that kept him connected to both Cubs fans and the White House.

Emil Verban Society and Fan Legacy

In 1975, some Chicago Cubs fans in Washington, D.C. started the Emil Verban Memorial Society. They picked Verban as their symbol because he represented the Cubs’ long tradition of steady, hard-working players who didn’t always grab headlines.

The society grew into a nationwide club that celebrated Verban’s career and character. Members liked that he was one of the toughest players for pitchers to strike out, fanning just once every 39 at-bats. They also honored his .272 career average and his knack for making contact.

The Emil Verban Society became one of baseball’s most unusual fan clubs, named for maybe the most obscure player ever. Even though Verban only spent three seasons with the Cubs (1948-1950), his name lived on through this dedicated group.

Meeting President Ronald Reagan

President Ronald Reagan joined the Emil Verban Society as an honorary member while in office. That connection between the president and Verban made for a memorable moment in both sports and politics.

Reagan’s involvement brought national attention to Verban’s story. The president’s membership really highlighted just how unique the fan club was and its commitment to celebrating a player most people had forgotten.

This recognition from the White House boosted Verban’s profile well beyond baseball. It’s kind of amazing how some athletes stay relevant long after their last game.

Community Involvement and Recognition

After baseball, Verban stayed close to his Illinois roots and kept his reputation as “Mr. Nice Guy.” He lived out his post-retirement years quietly, but fans and his community still remembered him.

The Emil Verban Society kept his name alive for decades after he left the game. Their commitment to honoring his work ethic and character showed the lasting impression he left during his playing days.

Verban’s legacy proves that players can be remembered for how they played and who they were, not just their stats.

Personal Life, Death, and Memorials

Emil Verban married Annetta Marie Cosby in 1942 and had children, including daughter Suzanne Marie. He died on June 8, 1989, at 73 in Quincy, Illinois, after suffering a stroke.

Family and Personal Relationships

Emil Verban married Annetta Marie Cosby on October 26, 1942, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Elkhart, Illinois. Annetta left her senior year at Marquette University to marry the baseball player.

Their first child, Suzanne Marie, was born January 3, 1945, while Verban was still playing for the St. Louis Cardinals.

Verban grew up in a close-knit family with Croatian roots. His father, Michael Verban, came to the U.S. from Croatia in 1901, worked as a coal miner, and later started his own business. His mother, Manda, took care of the home and raised five kids.

Emil had a twin sister, Frances, who was also a skilled baseball player. In 1944, Frances decided not to join the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League because she had weak ankles from playing local ball.

Final Years and Passing

Emil Verban died on June 8, 1989, in Quincy, Illinois, at 73. He suffered a stroke that led to his passing.

He spent his final years living in Illinois. His death came almost four decades after he’d retired from professional baseball.

Verban’s passing brought an end to a life that had taken him from wartime replacement player to a beloved figure in baseball history. He managed to keep ties to the game even in his later years.

Burial and Public Memorials

Emil Verban rests at St. Mary Cemetery in Lincoln, Illinois, which is his hometown. You can find his burial details on Find a Grave memorial records.

Baseball fans who remember his contributions sometimes visit his grave site. The Find a Grave memorial lists his burial location, in case anyone wants to pay their respects.

The Emil Verban Memorial Society, named after him, still keeps his memory alive. This group of Chicago Cubs fans includes everyone from Supreme Court justices to former President Ronald Reagan.