Grady Hatton – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Grady Hatton built a notable 12-season career in Major League Baseball, suiting up for six different teams before he finally hung up his cleats in 1960. This Texas native jumped straight from the University of Texas to the Cincinnati Reds in 1946, skipping over the minor leagues and quickly making a name for himself as a solid third baseman and second baseman.

Hatton played from 1946 to 1960, joining the Cincinnati Reds, Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, Baltimore Orioles, and Chicago Cubs before he retired at 37. His journey took him from a hotshot rookie who led the Reds in batting average to a veteran player-coach, wrapping up his playing days with the Cubs.

Hatton’s career tells the story of a player who had integrity and flexibility, traits that helped him both on the field and later as a manager and executive. Starting at the University of Texas, moving through service in World War II, and eventually finishing in the majors, Hatton’s path reflects what a lot of players from his era went through—balancing baseball dreams with bigger life responsibilities.

Early Life and Education

Grady Edgebert Hatton Jr. was born October 7, 1922, in Beaumont, Texas. His parents worked hard and valued education. His dad’s job in the oil industry kept the family steady while Grady’s athletic talents started to shine in high school. Grady’s journey to pro baseball kicked off at the University of Texas, where he racked up several All-Southwest Conference honors.

Family Background and Childhood

Grady was the first child of Grady Edgebert Hatton Sr. and Ada Anne Goolsbee, both born and raised in Texas. His father worked as a pipefitter for four decades at the Magnolia Petroleum Company’s refinery in Beaumont.

Seven years after Grady, his parents had his sister Joada. The family lived humbly, relying on his dad’s steady work in the oil fields.

His father played a huge part in developing Grady’s baseball skills. Grady started out throwing left-handed and batting right-handed, but his dad thought he wouldn’t be tall enough for outfield or first base.

So, his father had him switch to throwing right-handed and batting left-handed. That change ended up making a big difference in Grady’s future.

At 15, Grady got an offer to play in the Evangeline League in Louisiana for $65 a month. His dad turned it down, saying school came first.

High School Sports and Achievements

Grady went to Beaumont High School and played shortstop on the baseball team. He also played guard on the football team, showing off his athleticism in more than one sport.

He didn’t just play high school baseball. Hatton joined American Legion ball as a teen and often worked out with the Texas League Beaumont Exporters after school and before their day games.

Those sessions with pro players gave him a real taste of higher-level baseball. The extra practice helped him sharpen his skills and get a feel for the game.

College scouts started to notice him. University of Texas coach “Uncle Billy” Disch saw Hatton’s talent and began recruiting him.

College Years at the University of Texas

Hatton started at the University of Texas in 1939 with a partial scholarship from coach Disch. If he played well, it could turn into a full ride.

He studied physical education and played baseball, earning All-Southwest Conference honors three times during his college career.

College Baseball Achievements:

• 1941: All-Southwest Conference third baseman
• 1942: All-Southwest Conference shortstop
• 1943: All-Southwest Conference third baseman and team captain

The University of Texas won the Southwest Conference in 1941 and 1943 with Hatton’s help. He led as team captain in his final season.

Hatton also played running guard for the Longhorn football team for a year. His athleticism really stretched beyond baseball back then.

During summers, he played shortstop for the semipro Waco Dons from 1941 to 1942. In 1948, a local sports writer, Jinx Tucker, named him to the all-time Waco baseball team.

Early on, Branch Rickey offered Hatton $15,000 to sign with the Cardinals. Coach Disch looked over the contract and, realizing it was really closer to $1,500 with all the clauses, tore it up right in front of him.

Hatton’s college career got interrupted when he enlisted in the US Army Air Corps in December 1942. He was only two hours away from finishing his degree when he got called back to military service in May 1943.

Military Service and Its Impact

World War II interrupted Grady Hatton’s baseball plans when he enlisted in the US Army Air Corps in December 1942 at age 20. His three years of military service included physical training instruction and competitive baseball that actually made him a better player. When he got out in 1946, several teams wanted to sign him.

Enlistment During World War II

Hatton first enlisted in December 1942 while still attending the University of Texas. The Army sent him back to school after two weeks.

But in May 1943, the military called him back for good. He missed graduating by just two hours. That timing meant he never officially finished his degree at Texas.

The Army stationed him at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio at first. After that, they transferred him to the Overseas Replacement Depot (ORD) in Greensboro, North Carolina. He spent three years there.

Hatton served as a Sergeant. He mainly worked as a physical training instructor, which kept him in top shape during his service years.

Service Baseball and Physical Training

Hatton worked as a physical training instructor at the ORD for three years. That job let him keep up his athletic skills while serving.

He played for the ORD baseball team. They were tough competitors and played in national tournaments, reaching the National Semi-Pro tournament in Wichita twice and finishing third both times.

Surprisingly, his baseball skills actually improved during his time in the service. He got to play against other talented servicemen, and the constant competition kept him sharp.

While still in uniform, Hatton signed a $15,000 contract with the Cincinnati Reds. But Commissioner Kenesaw Landis declared all contracts signed by servicemen illegal, which made Hatton a free agent when he got out.

Transition Back to Civilian Life

Sergeant Hatton got his discharge on February 13, 1946. His value as a baseball player had jumped a lot during those years. Scouts and executives noticed his play in military baseball.

Fifteen of the sixteen major league teams reportedly put in offers for him. The Brooklyn Dodgers even offered $35,000.

Even with bigger offers on the table, Hatton stuck with his handshake deal with Cincinnati. He told GM Warren Giles, “I shook hands on the deal. The contract was just a piece of paper.” Giles liked his honesty so much, he added $5,000 to the original deal.

Hatton also got a $25,000 bonus, which GM Giles called “the largest amount ever paid to a rookie to tie up with a National League club.” Hatton used that money to buy 455 acres near Warren, Texas, and set up a ranch that stayed important to him for years.

Major League Baseball Career

Grady Hatton played 12 seasons in the majors from 1946 to 1960, mostly as a third baseman with the Cincinnati Reds before bouncing around to five other teams. He started strong as a rookie, played all over the infield, and was part of several trades.

Debut and Rise with the Reds

Hatton made his MLB debut on April 16, 1946, with the Cincinnati Reds at just 23. He skipped the minors entirely.

His first game was a good one. Hatton went 3-for-5 with two RBIs against the Chicago Cubs, knocking three singles off Claude Passeau.

His rookie season turned out great. Hatton led the sixth-place Reds in batting average (.271), home runs (14), and RBIs (69).

He finished seventh in the National League for home runs and placed 18th in NL MVP voting—pretty impressive for a first-year guy.

An injury ended his season early. On August 24, Hatton fractured his right kneecap sliding into a brick wall while dodging a young autograph seeker.

Hatton stayed as Cincinnati’s main third baseman through 1951. His best year was 1949, when he hit 38 doubles, ranking third in the league.

Positions Played: Primarily Third Baseman

Hatton mostly played third base but filled in all over the infield. The Reds moved him to second base in 1952, and he didn’t complain.

He adjusted quickly. In his first season at second, Hatton led National League second basemen in fielding percentage (.990).

Hatton thought second base was a lot tougher than third. He once said, “Second base is five times harder than third base. It’s the meanest job in the infield.”

The job meant covering first, handling bunts, and holding position during slides meant to break up double plays.

Even though it was tough, Hatton played well defensively throughout his career. In 1949, he led all NL third basemen with a .975 fielding percentage.

His defense kept him valuable even as his batting average dropped in later years. Teams trusted his steady glove and experience.

Trades and Career Milestones

Hatton’s career took a few turns with trades starting in 1954. On April 18, Cincinnati traded him to the Chicago White Sox for Johnny Lipon.

He didn’t stay long in Chicago. After hitting .167 in 13 games, the White Sox sent him to the Boston Red Sox on May 23 along with $100,000 for George Kell.

Boston turned out to be a good move for him. Hatton hit .281 with a .399 on-base percentage in 99 games and led AL third basemen in fielding percentage (.966).

He made his only All-Star team in 1952 as a reserve infielder. The game at Shibe Park got called after five innings because of rain, so he never got to play.

Hatton played for three teams in 1956. He started with Boston, went to the St. Louis Cardinals in May, and then to the Baltimore Orioles in August.

Baltimore released him after the 1956 season. Hatton then returned for a short stint with the Chicago Cubs in 1960, playing in 28 games before retiring and ending his 12-season MLB career.

Final Playing Years and Retirement in 1960

Grady Hatton wrapped up his career with several teams in the mid-1950s, finishing up in 1960. He bounced from the Chicago White Sox to the Baltimore Orioles and other clubs, finally retiring at 37 after a short return with the Cubs.

Chicago White Sox and Later Teams

In April 1954, the Cincinnati Reds traded Hatton to the Chicago White Sox for Johnny Lipon. After nine seasons with Cincinnati, it was his first time in a different uniform.

His time with the White Sox was short and tough. Hatton struggled, hitting just .167 in 13 games over 35 days.

The Red Sox picked up Hatton on May 23, 1954, along with $100,000 for George Kell. He found his groove in Boston, batting .281 with a .399 on-base percentage in 99 games.

In 1956, Hatton played for three teams in one year. After five pinch-hit appearances with Boston, the St. Louis Cardinals bought his contract on May 11.

The Baltimore Orioles picked up Hatton on August 1, 1956, for the $10,000 waiver price. He hit .148 for Baltimore, splitting time between second and third base before they released him after the season.

Retiring from Baseball

Hatton thought about leaving baseball after 1956 for an insurance job in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. But, the Red Sox talked him into playing for their San Francisco farm team, and they even kept him at his major league salary.

At 34, he played minor league baseball for the first time ever. Hatton hit .317 for the San Francisco Seals in 1957, and he helped them win the Pacific Coast League title.

He took over as player-manager of the San Antonio Missions from 1958 to 1960. The Chicago Cubs called him up as a player-coach in 1960 while he was still managing San Antonio.

Hatton played in 28 games that season with the Cubs. His last game came on October 1, 1960, which officially ended his 15-year major league career.

Career Statistics and Notable Records

Hatton finished with a .254 career batting average, 91 home runs, and 533 RBIs in 1,312 games. Over his career from 1946 to 1960, he played for six different teams.

His rookie season in 1946 turned out to be his best. He led Cincinnati in batting average (.271), RBIs (69), and home runs (14). He even finished 18th in National League MVP voting that year.

Career Highlights:

• Made one All-Star team in 1952
• Led NL third basemen in fielding percentage (.975) in 1949
• Led NL second basemen in fielding (.990) in 1952
• Never won a World Series during his playing career

Hatton hit 38 doubles in 1949, ranking third in the National League. In all his years in the majors, only in 1955 did his team finish above .500 for a full season.

Post-Playing Career: Manager, Scout, and Executive Roles

When he retired as a player in 1960, Hatton jumped right into management, leading teams in the minor leagues. Later, he managed the Houston Astros from 1966 to 1968. He also scouted for the San Francisco Giants and held several executive jobs after his playing days.

Minor League and Houston Astros Management

Hatton kicked off his managerial career in 1958 as player-manager for the Double-A San Antonio Missions. He stuck with the team for three years, and they got a little better each season. The Missions ended up sixth with a 74-79 record in 1958, then improved to 75-70 in 1959.

In 1960, Hatton led San Antonio to a 50-42 record before the Cubs called him up. He later managed the Triple-A Houston Buffs in 1961, then joined the new Houston Colt .45s as director of player personnel.

He found his greatest success managing the Oklahoma City 89ers in the Pacific Coast League. Hatton led them to league championships in both 1963 and 1965. His work earned him Minor League Manager of the Year honors in 1965.

Major League Management with Houston:

• Managed the Houston Astros from 1966 to June 1968
• Oversaw the team’s development during their early National League years
• Worked with young talent as the franchise got its start

Contributions as a Scout and Executive

After managing Houston, Hatton stayed with the Astros in different roles. He scouted from 1968 through 1972, helping the franchise find and develop new talent. His experience as a player made him especially good at evaluating young players.

Hatton returned to coaching in 1973 and 1974 as a major league coach for the Astros. This job let him work directly with players, sharing his decades of baseball knowledge.

He later joined the San Francisco Giants as a scout. He spent 16 years with the Giants, from the mid-1970s into the early 1990s. His scouting helped the Giants identify future major leaguers.

People respected Hatton for his honesty and baseball smarts. Teams valued his ability to judge both talent and character in players.

Notable Players Coached or Managed

While with Houston, Hatton worked with several players who became stars. Rusty Staub developed under Hatton’s guidance in the early years of the franchise. Staub became one of the team’s first notable offensive players.

Hatton also managed Jimmy Wynn, who went on to become a key power hitter for the Astros. Wynn’s growth into a home run threat happened while Hatton was there.

His time managing in the minors gave him the chance to work with many players who later made it to the majors. The championship teams he managed in Oklahoma City included several future big leaguers.

Hatton’s coaching philosophy focused on fundamentals and character development. Players often praised his teaching and leadership. He wanted players to reach their potential while keeping high standards.

Personal Life, Legacy, and Final Years

After baseball, Grady Hatton settled into quiet life in rural East Texas. He spent four decades away from the spotlight. Over the years, people recognized his baseball contributions with various honors, including his college’s hall of fame.

Life in Warren, Texas

Grady Hatton made Warren, Texas his home for 40 years after his baseball career ended. The rural Piney Woods town gave him a peaceful place far from the noise of big-league life.

He married Dorris Mae Brannan of Beaumont on February 4, 1952, during his playing days. Together, they raised three children: Dorri Jayne, Patti, and Grady III.

Hatton’s connection to Texas stayed strong. With his $25,000 signing bonus from the Cincinnati Reds, he bought 455 acres of land near Warren in 1946. He ran a ranch there, kept 40 range cows, and used the same “J” brand his grandfather had used.

His father drove 52 miles from Beaumont on weekends to help with the cattle. The ranch became the center of Hatton’s life after baseball, a sign of his deep Texas roots.

Honors and Recognitions

The University of Texas honored Hatton by inducting him into the Longhorn Legion of Honor (UT Hall of Fame) in 1967. They recognized his three-time All-Southwest Conference selection and his time as team captain during the 1943 conference championship.

People called him “Grade-A” for his professional integrity. In 1956, the Boston Traveler praised his character, saying there should always be a place for him as a coach or manager, because “any young player lucky enough to be associated with Grady must have some of that big league quality rubbed off on him.”

Hatton’s teammate Ewell Blackwell, who threw a no-hitter in 1947, once called him the “nicest teammate” he ever played with. That reputation for integrity and leadership followed Hatton into management and front office roles after his playing days.

Death and Burial

Grady Hatton died on April 11, 2013, at age 90 at his home in Warren, Texas.

His granddaughter Alyssa Hatton said he passed away from old age, surrounded by the rural East Texas community he’d called home for four decades.

His death closed the book on a baseball career that lasted more than 60 years. He played, managed, scouted, and worked as a front office executive.

Hatton rests at Mount Pisgah Cemetery in Warren, Texas. That’s the same small town where he spent his retirement years.

The baseball world felt the loss of a man who hadn’t even seen a major league game until he was 23. Still, he managed to play in over 1,600 professional games and left a mark on so many players and colleagues along the way.