Gene Conley – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Gene Conley really stood out in professional sports, both for his height and his story. At 6-foot-8, this right-handed pitcher spent 11 seasons in the major leagues. He put together a 91-96 record while playing for the Boston Braves, Milwaukee Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, and Boston Red Sox.

Conley is still the only athlete in history to win championships in both Major League Baseball and the NBA. He grabbed a World Series title with the Milwaukee Braves in 1957 and three NBA championships with the Boston Celtics. His dual-sport career is wild to think about. He managed to compete at the top of both baseball and basketball at the same time, which is just rare.

When Conley left baseball, he wrapped up a career that included three All-Star Game appearances. He relied on just two pitches, a fastball and a curveball. Even though shoulder injuries, especially after a rotator cuff injury in 1955, slowed him down, Conley kept going and made a real impact in both sports. Eventually, he decided to focus only on basketball during his last professional seasons.

Gene Conley’s Retirement From Baseball in 1963

Gene Conley’s final season in Major League Baseball closed out an 11-year run. He played for four teams and earned three All-Star selections. He retired at a time when he was juggling two pro sports at once, which is something you just don’t see every day.

Circumstances Leading Up to Retirement

By 1963, Conley’s pitching arm was in rough shape. His shoulder problems started back in 1955 after a rotator cuff injury against Philadelphia. That injury never really healed. He took over 100 cortisone shots just to keep pitching.

At 32, he was also playing pro basketball for the Boston Celtics during baseball’s offseason. Managing two sports at that level sounds exhausting, and it definitely put a lot of physical stress on him.

Conley’s relationship with team management got rocky. His drinking and clashes with managers, especially with the Milwaukee Braves, made things tense.

Teams started looking for younger, more reliable pitchers. They wanted guys who could stay healthy all season, and Conley’s shoulder just couldn’t keep up anymore.

Final MLB Season Highlights

In his last season with the Boston Red Sox in 1963, Conley made his final major league appearance on September 21 against the Minnesota Twins. He pitched six innings, gave up five hits, and struck out two in his last outing.

The 1963 season was a bit of a comeback for him after some tough years. He showed flashes of his old self, still working that fastball-curveball combo that made him successful back in the ’50s.

He finished with 91 wins and 96 losses over 276 games. The record may not look flashy, but his career ERA and clutch performances, like winning the 1955 All-Star Game, showed his real ability.

The Red Sox appreciated what he brought to the team during his three years in Boston from 1961 to 1963. His experience and veteran leadership helped out the younger players.

Impact on His Teams

When Conley retired, the Boston Red Sox lost a pitcher who could swing between starting and relief roles. His 6-foot-8 height and unusual delivery kept batters guessing for years.

The Milwaukee Braves, who traded him in 1959, had already moved on. Still, his part in their 1957 World Series win stayed a big deal for the franchise, even if he played a limited role in that series.

Conley’s dual-sport success brought some extra attention to Major League Baseball. Back then, baseball was fighting for fans with other pro leagues, and Conley’s story was something special.

Teams knew that losing a player like Conley meant losing valuable experience and knowledge. His retirement closed the book on an era for guys who started playing in the early ’50s.

Major League Baseball Career Overview

Gene Conley’s MLB career ran from 1952 to 1963. He pitched for four different teams in both leagues. He started with the Boston Braves in 1952, moved with them to Milwaukee, and later played for the Phillies and Red Sox.

Debut and Early Years

Conley made his MLB debut on April 17, 1952, with the Boston Braves at just 21. His first game was against the Brooklyn Dodgers, where he pitched four innings.

He struggled at first, not picking up a win in his first three starts. The Braves sent him down to the Milwaukee Brewers, their top minor league team.

In the minors, Conley found his groove. He finished the 1952 season with 11 wins for the Brewers, who won the pennant. He even hit .338, including a wild 5-for-5 game against Indianapolis.

Conley always stuck to just two pitches—a fastball and a curveball. That simple approach defined his style for his whole pro career.

Stints With Boston Braves and Milwaukee Braves

After strong showings in the minors in 1952 and 1953, Conley made the Milwaukee Braves’ Opening Day roster in 1954. The team had just moved from Boston to Milwaukee.

Manager Charlie Grimm didn’t use Conley much at first. The Braves already had Warren Spahn and Lew Burdette in the rotation. But Conley’s solid starts convinced Grimm to go with a five-man rotation.

He got his first All-Star nod in 1954 and pitched in the game in Cleveland, though he took the loss. By August, he’d racked up 14 wins before back problems shut him down early.

Conley made the All-Star team again in 1955. He pitched the 12th inning and struck out Al Kaline, Mickey Vernon, and Al Rosen in order. Stan Musial hit a walk-off homer to win it, but Conley got the victory.

His biggest team moment came in 1957 when the Braves won the World Series. He notched nine wins in the regular season and pitched in relief in Game Three against the Yankees.

Philadelphia Phillies Era

Because the Celtics kept making deep playoff runs, Conley showed up late to spring training in 1959. The Braves traded him to the Phillies on March 31, 1959, in a six-player deal.

Ironically, John Quinn, his old Braves GM, was now running the Phillies. Quinn had tried to get Conley to quit basketball back when he was in Milwaukee.

Conley joined the Phillies in late April after the Celtics won another NBA title. He started out in the bullpen but soon moved into the rotation. Even on a last-place team, he managed 12 wins that season.

His last win as a Phillie came on August 19 against the Cubs. He threw a three-hitter, maybe his best game. But a broken pitching hand, suffered while batting against Glen Hobbie, ended his season early.

Boston Red Sox Tenure

Conley’s last MLB stop was with the Boston Red Sox from 1961 to 1963. It was a bit of a homecoming for him, since he’d started his pro career in Boston with the Braves.

These years were the tail end of his baseball run. His shoulder problems never really went away. He kept needing cortisone shots—over 100, by his count.

Conley juggled baseball with his NBA career for the Celtics during this time. That meant a pretty wild schedule and a lot of coordination between the two teams.

His last MLB game was on September 21, 1963, against the Twins. He pitched six innings and gave up five hits. That marked the end of his 12-year MLB career with a 91-96 record over 276 games.

Pitching Achievements and Playing Style

Gene Conley put together a solid 11-season career, earning four All-Star selections and standing out with his 6’8″ frame. His fastball and competitive spirit made him a reliable starter for three franchises during baseball’s golden years.

Key Career Statistics

Conley finished his MLB run with a 91-96 record and a 3.82 ERA over 1,588.2 innings. He struck out 888 batters and generally kept his walks under control.

His best year came in 1954 with the Milwaukee Braves, when he went 14-9 with a 2.82 ERA in 28 games. That season got him his first All-Star selection and third place in Rookie of the Year voting.

He stayed consistent during his prime with Milwaukee from 1954 to 1958, winning 42 games against some tough National League lineups.

His last start came on September 21, 1963, against the Twins. He pitched six innings in an 11-2 Red Sox win.

All-Star Selections and Awards

Conley made the All-Star team four times—1954, 1955, and twice in 1959. His first was during his breakout 1954 season with Milwaukee.

The 1955 All-Star Game stands out. He got the win as the National League beat the American League.

In 1959, he made the team with Philadelphia. He went 12-7 with a 3.00 ERA before a hand injury cut his season short.

He won a World Series with the Braves in 1957, pitching in relief during Game 3 against the Yankees. Mickey Mantle took him deep, but the Braves won the series.

Conley finished third in 1954 Rookie of the Year voting, behind Wally Moon and Ernie Banks. His teammate Hank Aaron came in fourth.

Signature Pitches and Strengths

Conley’s fastball was his calling card. People compared it to Van Lingle Mungo’s, which is saying something. And at 6’8″, he looked pretty intimidating on the mound.

His height gave him a real edge. The angle on his pitches made it tough for hitters to get good contact.

He showed solid control for a power pitcher. His strikeout-to-walk numbers were respectable, showing he could command the strike zone.

Conley thrived in big moments. Teams trusted him in both starting and relief roles when the pressure was on.

He managed to stay durable and effective even while playing pro basketball at the same time.

Notable Teammates and Rivalries

Conley played with some legends during his Milwaukee days. His Braves teammates included Hank Aaron, Eddie Mathews, and Warren Spahn.

He faced off against the legendary Brooklyn Dodgers lineups. His MLB debut was against a team with Jackie Robinson, Roy Campanella, Pee Wee Reese, and Duke Snider.

His 1957 World Series appearance put him up against Mickey Mantle and the powerful Yankees. He did give up a homer to Mantle, but the Braves still won it all in seven games.

During his Red Sox years, Conley made history by becoming the first athlete to play for three pro teams in the same city—Celtics, Red Sox, and Braves.

His unusual two-sport career led to all kinds of scheduling headaches. Sometimes his basketball commitments with the Celtics clashed with spring training, which eventually led to his trade from Milwaukee to Philadelphia in 1959.

World Series and Playoff Contributions

Gene Conley reached the peak of his baseball career with the 1957 Milwaukee Braves World Series team. His postseason appearances were limited, but they came when it mattered most.

1957 World Series Champion With Milwaukee Braves

Conley picked up his World Series ring as part of the Milwaukee Braves pitching staff that beat the New York Yankees in seven games.

The Braves took the NL pennant before meeting the defending champion Yankees in October 1957.

Lew Burdette turned into the series hero, winning three complete games. Warren Spahn anchored the rotation right alongside him.

Conley mostly worked out of the bullpen during the championship run.

He pitched in the Game Three matchup at County Stadium in Milwaukee. Coming in as a reliever, Conley struggled with his control and gave up two earned runs during his short outing.

The Braves lost that game 12-3.

Conley didn’t have a great individual performance, but he became part of baseball history anyway.

The Braves went on to win the series, four games to three, and brought Milwaukee its first and only World Series title.

That championship made Conley the first athlete to win titles in two major professional sports.

He’d already won NBA championships with the Boston Celtics.

Key Postseason Performances

Conley only got postseason baseball experience in the 1957 World Series.

He didn’t pitch at all in the 1958 World Series when the Braves faced the Yankees again.

His Game Three relief appearance ended up being his only World Series action.

The Yankees scored two runs off him during that blowout loss.

Manager Fred Haney didn’t use Conley much during the 1957 season.

Conley finished the 1957 regular season with a 9-9 record and a 4.26 ERA.

He bounced between starting and relief roles for the NL champs.

Shoulder problems limited what he could do that year.

That World Series ring became one of four championship rings in Conley’s professional sports career.

He later picked up three NBA titles with the Boston Celtics from 1959 to 1961.

Dual-Sport Success in Basketball and Baseball

Gene Conley pulled off something nobody else has—winning championships in both Major League Baseball and the NBA.

His basketball career with the Boston Celtics brought him three NBA titles.

His baseball success included a World Series title with the Milwaukee Braves in 1957.

NBA and Major League Baseball Dual Athlete

Gene Conley stands alone as the only athlete in history to win championships in both Major League Baseball and the NBA.

His rare dual-sport career stretched 15 years, covering 23 seasons as a pro athlete.

Conley played 11 seasons in baseball’s major leagues and six seasons in the NBA.

For one wild stretch, he fit 12 major-league seasons into six years, jumping from sport to sport without a break.

Standing 6 feet 8 inches tall, Conley had a real advantage in both sports.

On the mound, his size made him intimidating. In basketball, his height gave him a big edge as a forward and rebounder.

The grind of playing two pro sports year-round wore down Conley’s body.

He often jumped straight from baseball season into basketball training camps with barely any rest.

NBA Career With Boston Celtics and New York Knicks

The Boston Celtics picked Conley 90th overall in the 1952 NBA draft.

Red Auerbach didn’t really believe Conley could make the team after his rough 1958 baseball season.

But Conley proved Auerbach wrong, making the Celtics roster with pure determination and hustle.

He played as a forward from 1958 to 1961, mostly contributing on defense and the boards.

Conley brought strong leaping ability and defensive energy.

He could outjump most guys in the league, even though he started playing basketball later than most pros.

Some sources mention the New York Knicks in connection with Conley, but not many details exist about his time there.

Basketball Championships and Notable Moments

Conley won three straight NBA championships with the Boston Celtics from 1959 to 1961.

These titles made him the first athlete to win championships in two major pro sports.

His first NBA title came in 1959, just two years after his World Series win with Milwaukee.

That accomplishment set him apart from every other dual-sport athlete.

The Celtics’ playoff runs forced Conley to show up late to baseball spring training.

His basketball commitments clashed with baseball prep, which annoyed baseball management.

Conley mostly played a supporting role on those championship teams.

He brought depth, rebounding, and defense rather than big scoring numbers.

Transition Between Sports

Switching between sports gave Conley some unique problems and headaches with team management.

The Milwaukee Braves paid him $1,000 in 1951 to promise he’d never play basketball again.

Later, Braves general manager John Quinn matched the Celtics’ $5,000 offer in 1953 to keep Conley focused on baseball.

Despite those deals, Conley ended up returning to basketball when his baseball career started slipping.

Money played a big part in his decision to play both sports.

Pro athlete salaries in the 1950s weren’t huge, so earning from two sports looked pretty good.

The seasons overlapped, so Conley often finished NBA playoffs in April, then jumped right into baseball.

That tight schedule made it tough to stay in shape for both sports.

Early Life, College, and Minor Leagues

Gene Conley’s path to pro baseball started in Oklahoma and continued in Washington state, where he became a standout in multiple sports.

His college career at Washington State University showed off his talent in both baseball and basketball, opening doors for him in both sports.

Early Years and Athletic Beginnings

Donald Eugene Conley was born November 10, 1930, in Muskogee, Oklahoma.

He was the middle child of three, born to Raymond Leslie “Les” Conley and Eva Beatrice Brewer Conley.

His roots included Irish, German, English, and Cherokee ancestry from his mother’s side.

Gene felt proud of his Native American heritage and became a citizen of the Cherokee Nation.

When Gene turned 12, his family moved to Richland, Washington.

That move turned out to be a huge step for his athletic future.

At Columbia High School in Richland, Conley played multiple sports and earned varsity letters in baseball, basketball, and track.

His senior year, he really stood out in all three.

In baseball, he lost just one game out of 10 starts and hit close to .500.

On the basketball court, he averaged over 15 points per game.

He led the Richland Bombers to their first state tournament and picked up all-state honors.

Conley also competed in track and field, finishing second in the state high jump with a leap of 6 feet 3 inches.

Washington State University Experience

By age 18, Conley stood nearly 6 feet 8 inches tall, drawing scholarship offers from top basketball programs.

He picked Washington State University from his many options.

At WSU, a supportive alumnus helped him out with a car and expenses, making college life a bit easier.

Conley captained the freshman basketball team in his first year.

As a sophomore, he led the varsity squad to the Northern Division championship of the Pacific Coast Conference.

He topped the scoring charts for the Cougars, but the team lost the conference title to UCLA on a buzzer-beater.

His basketball play earned him two honorable mention All-America nods.

In 1949, Conley represented the Northwest in the Hearst All-Star baseball game.

This big event brought the best college players in the country to the Polo Grounds.

He got named captain of the U.S. All-Stars and started on the mound, earning the win against Frank Torre’s New York team.

In spring 1950, Conley starred for Washington State’s baseball team, which finished 32-6 and took runner-up for the national championship.

He pitched in 16 games, winning five, including two shutouts.

Conley also saved two games and hit .417 at the plate.

Minor League Highlights and Awards

Gene Conley started his pro baseball career after signing with the Boston Braves in October 1950.

At first, he wanted to finish college, but scout Bill Marshall convinced him to go pro.

The Braves sent him to their Class-A affiliate in Hartford of the Eastern League for 1951.

His first pro season was outstanding by any measure.

Conley racked up 20 wins and posted a 2.16 ERA.

His strikeout-to-walk ratio topped three-to-one, showing off his control as a young pitcher.

He did all this with just two pitches: a fastball and a curveball.

That simple combo worked for him at every level.

Key 1951 Achievements:

• 20 wins in his first pro season
• 2.16 ERA with Hartford
• Eastern League MVP award
• Minor League Player of the Year by The Sporting News

After a short look with the big-league club in 1952, Conley went back to the minors with Milwaukee of the American Association.

He notched 11 wins for the pennant winners, even though he didn’t start until June.

The 1953 season in Toledo was even better.

Conley won 23 games before getting sidelined late with back problems.

He picked up American Association MVP honors that year.

The Sporting News again named him Minor League Player of the Year, making Conley the first player to win it twice.

His minor league record, 54-22 over three seasons, showed he was ready for the majors.

That performance earned him a spot on the Milwaukee Braves’ Opening Day roster in 1954.

Legacy, Influence, and Personal Life

Gene Conley’s one-of-a-kind achievement—winning championships in two major pro sports—left a real mark on American athletics.

His death on July 4, 2017, at age 86, closed the book on an era of multi-sport excellence.

His reputation as a trailblazer still inspires athletes today.

Gene Conley’s Impact on Multi-Sport Athletes

Conley stands as one of just two athletes ever to win championships in two of America’s four biggest pro sports.

He won the 1957 World Series with the Milwaukee Braves and three straight NBA titles with the Boston Celtics from 1959 to 1961.

Otto Graham is the only other athlete to pull off something similar, winning championships in both the NFL and basketball.

This tiny club highlights just how rare it is to have that kind of athletic versatility.

Conley succeeded in an era when athletes didn’t always specialize.

He showed he could jump from the pitcher’s mound to the basketball court and still perform at a high level.

“When I look back, I don’t know how I did it, I really don’t,” Conley told the Los Angeles Times in 2008.

“I think I was having so much fun that it kept me going.”

His career path made other athletes think about trying multiple sports.

Conley showed that, with good time management and a lot of dedication, you could play in more than one pro league.

Recognition and Honors

Conley picked up four All-Star selections in his baseball career (1954, 1955, 1959, 1959).

He won the 1955 All-Star Game as the pitcher, showing he could deliver on the biggest stage.

His basketball career brought three NBA championship rings with the Celtics.

He didn’t play big minutes, averaging 5.9 points and 6.3 rebounds per game over six NBA seasons, but his teams valued his contributions.

Conley finished third in National League Rookie of the Year voting in 1954, behind Wally Moon and Ernie Banks.

His teammate Hank Aaron came in fourth that year, which says a lot about the competition.

The Eastern League gave Conley the MVP award during his minor league days.

He became the first player in Hartford history to win twenty games in a single season, building his pitching credentials early.

Later Years and Passing

After retiring from pro sports, Conley got business experience through his connection with the Washington Tapers.

He often tagged along with team owner Paul Cohen on sales calls for Tuck Tape Company, learning the ropes of the industry.

Conley stayed connected to baseball throughout his later years.

He was the last living player to have played for both the Boston Red Sox and Boston Braves, a rare link to baseball history.

He passed away on July 4, 2017, at age 86 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

The Boston Red Sox announced his passing, honoring his time with the team from 1961 to 1963.

His death really marked the end of an era for multi-sport athletes.

With pro sports getting more specialized, Conley’s dual-sport championship feat looks even more remarkable now.

Noteworthy Associations

Conley’s career crossed paths with quite a few baseball legends. When he made his MLB debut on April 17, 1952, he faced a Brooklyn Dodgers lineup stacked with four future Hall of Famers: Roy Campanella, Jackie Robinson, Pee Wee Reese, and Duke Snider.

He joined the Boston Red Sox in 1961 and stayed until 1963. That was right after the team started integrating.

Pumpsie Green had broken the Red Sox color barrier in 1959, which was just two years before Conley arrived.

Switching over to basketball, Conley played for the Boston Celtics under the legendary coach Red Auerbach. He shared the court with future Hall of Famers during those wild Celtics championship runs in the late ’50s and early ’60s.

Conley wore jersey number 17 with the Celtics. Later on, John Havlicek took over that number, and the team eventually retired it to honor Havlicek, but Conley’s role in those championship days still gets a nod in Celtics history.