Harry Hanebrink – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Harry Hanebrink made his mark in baseball history as a versatile utility player. He helped two Milwaukee Braves teams win pennants in the 1950s.

Born in St. Louis in 1927, Hanebrink played six years at the highest level of pro baseball. He suited up for the Milwaukee Braves and Philadelphia Phillies before he retired in 1959.

Hanebrink’s major league career ran from 1953 to 1959. He put together a .224 batting average with 6 home runs over 177 games, serving as a backup at second base, third base, and the outfield. He navigated the challenges of being a fringe player back when roster spots were hard to come by, and versatility could mean the difference between sticking around or getting sent down.

The St. Louis native’s story is about more than just his stats. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, stood out with a unique batting stance that earned him the nickname “The Stance,” and started a new life in real estate after baseball.

His journey from the minor leagues to the World Series shows the grit it takes to reach the top of baseball, even for those who play supporting roles.

Early Life and Background

Harry Aloysius Hanebrink was born on November 12, 1927, in St. Louis, Missouri. He grew up in a working-class family and later served his country in World War II before finding his way into professional baseball through the Boston Braves system.

Family and Upbringing

Harry Aloysius Hanebrink was the second child of Harry C. and Christina Hanebrink. He joined his older sister Christine in the family.

His dad worked for a newspaper in St. Louis, which helped the family get through the tough years of the Great Depression. The Hanebrinks raised their kids Catholic, focusing on education and discipline.

Harry went to McBride High School, a Catholic school about six miles from downtown St. Louis. That school gave him both academic lessons and a chance to play sports.

Growing up in St. Louis meant baseball was everywhere, with the Cardinals and Browns both playing in the city. That baseball-rich environment definitely helped spark his love for the game.

Military Service in World War II

Soon after finishing high school, Hanebrink enlisted in the U.S. Navy on June 21, 1945. He was only 17 when he signed up, serving during the last months of World War II.

He spent over a year in the Navy, getting discharged in August 1946. Even though the war ended in August 1945, he kept up his service during the post-war months.

That Navy experience brought him discipline and maturity. The teamwork and commitment he learned there stuck with him through his baseball career.

Path to Professional Baseball

After he left the Navy, Hanebrink signed with the Boston Braves organization to start his pro baseball journey. It’s still a little unclear exactly how he landed with the Braves.

Some say scout Bill Maughn signed him, while The Sporting News gave credit to scout Rich Keely. Either way, Hanebrink kicked off his pro career in 1948 with the Eau Claire Bears of the Class C Northern League.

His journey from St. Louis kid to pro ballplayer was underway, and he was on his way to the majors.

Professional Baseball Career: Key Highlights

Harry Hanebrink played four seasons in the majors from 1953 to 1959. He took on the Milwaukee Braves and Philadelphia Phillies uniforms as a utility player.

He played in two World Series with the Braves and built a reputation as a steady backup infield and outfield option.

Major League Debut and Teams

Harry Hanebrink made his major league debut on May 3, 1953, at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn. He pinch-hit for pitcher Max Surkont against the Dodgers and grounded out in his first trip to the plate.

He got his first major league hit on June 6, 1953, and it was a big one. Hanebrink smashed a two-run pinch-hit home run off Hall of Famer Robin Roberts at Connie Mack Stadium. That would be his only homer for almost five years.

The Milwaukee Braves brought Hanebrink up through their scouting system, though people still debate whether it was Bill Maughn or Rich Keely who found him. Hanebrink spent most of his time with Milwaukee before the team traded him to the Philadelphia Phillies in 1959.

Career Statistics:

• Games played: 177
• Batting average: .224
• Home runs: 6
• RBIs: 25
• Teams: Milwaukee Braves (1953, 1957-1958), Philadelphia Phillies (1959)

Role with the Milwaukee Braves

Hanebrink filled the utility player role for the Milwaukee Braves, stepping in at second base, third base, left field, and right field whenever needed.

His best season came in 1958, when he spent the whole year with the big league club. Hanebrink played in 84 games that year, including 24 in left field, nine in right, and seven at third base.

He only hit .188 that season, but he knew his job. “I can’t afford to be choosy,” Hanebrink said about his role. “I just want to stay up here and help out wherever I can, whether it’s in the outfield or infield.”

The Milwaukee Braves won the National League pennant in both 1957 and 1958. Hanebrink played in both World Series against the Yankees. In 1958, he went 0-2 as a pinch-hitter in Games Three and Five, and the Braves lost in seven games.

Season with the Philadelphia Phillies

Just ten days before the 1959 season started, the Milwaukee Braves traded Hanebrink to the Philadelphia Phillies. The deal included pitcher Gene Conley and infielder Joe Koppe, and they got catcher Stan Lopata and infielders Ted Kazanski and Johnny O’Brien in return.

That trade meant a big change for Hanebrink. He went from a contending team to the Phillies, who finished last in the league that year.

With the Philadelphia Phillies, Hanebrink kept his utility job. He played second base, third base, and right field and hit .258 in 97 at-bats, a step up from his tough 1958 season.

He also spent time with the Buffalo Bisons, the Phillies’ Triple-A team, during 1959. That back-and-forth between majors and minors was pretty normal for guys in his spot back then.

Career End and Retirement

Hanebrink’s big league career wrapped up after the 1959 season with the Philadelphia Phillies. He didn’t hang up his spikes right away, though.

He played for the Buffalo Bisons in 1960 and 1961, mostly at corner infield spots. Over those last two seasons, Hanebrink hit just .219 in 310 at-bats, showing his skills were fading.

After 1961, Harry Hanebrink’s 14-year pro baseball career came to a close. He was 33 years old and had spent almost half his career developing in the minors.

When he retired, Hanebrink moved back to St. Louis. He sold real estate with Dolan Realtors for 20 years, then later worked as a shuttle bus driver at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport in 1992.

1959 Season and Final Year

Harry Hanebrink’s 1959 season with the Phillies marked the end of his Major League days. He played in 57 games, splitting time between second base and left field.

Performance and Statistics in 1959

Hanebrink played 57 games with Philadelphia in 1959. He picked up 25 hits in 97 at-bats, good for a .257 average.

With limited playing time, he still managed to drive in 7 runs and score 10 times.

He hit one home run that year, which came on the road. That helped boost his .371 slugging percentage away from home.

Home vs. Road Performance:

• Home: 34 games, 16 hits, .258 average, 5 RBI, 8 runs
• Road: 23 games, 9 hits, .257 average, 2 RBI, 2 runs

He hit better at home, with 16 hits in 62 at-bats, compared to 9 hits in 35 at-bats on the road.

Significant Games and Milestones

The 1959 season was Hanebrink’s final year in the majors. He finished up at age 31.

His last MLB appearance came in 1959 with Philadelphia. That closed out his six seasons in the big leagues.

Hanebrink’s career totals show 177 games played for two teams. He posted a .224 career average, 6 home runs, and 25 RBI.

After leaving MLB, he played two more years in the minors with Buffalo, hitting .219 in 310 at-bats before ending his 14-year professional career.

Career Statistics and Achievements

Harry Hanebrink put up modest but respectable numbers in his four MLB seasons from 1953 to 1959. His .224 batting average reflected his role as a utility man who valued versatility over big offensive stats, and he contributed to two pennant-winning teams in Milwaukee.

Batting Average and Offensive Stats

Hanebrink finished his MLB run with a .224 batting average over 177 games. He collected 71 hits, 6 home runs, 25 RBIs, and 32 runs scored.

His first major league hit was a memorable one—on June 6, 1953, he hit a two-run pinch-hit home run off Hall of Famer Robin Roberts at Connie Mack Stadium. That big swing would be his only homer for almost five years.

The 1958 season gave Hanebrink his most playing time, but he managed just a .188 batting average. Even with the low average, he had some clutch moments, like his game-winning two-run homer against the St. Louis Cardinals on June 15, 1958.

In his final season with Philadelphia in 1959, he hit .258 in limited chances. Hanebrink’s offense wasn’t flashy, but he came through when needed.

Fielding and Defensive Contributions

Hanebrink’s main value was his defensive versatility. He played second base, third base, left field, and right field for both Milwaukee and Philadelphia, always ready to fill in wherever he was needed.

In 1955, while playing in the minors with Toledo, Hanebrink played every position except pitcher and catcher. Managers appreciated that kind of flexibility.

During the 1958 season with the Braves, he played 24 games in left field, 9 in right field, and 7 at third base. He filled in behind stars like Hank Aaron, Eddie Mathews, and Wes Covington, doing the job that needed to be done.

Notable Career Records

Hanebrink played in two World Series with the Milwaukee Braves in 1957 and 1958. He helped the team win National League pennants.

He stepped up as a pinch-hitter in Games 3 and 5 of the 1958 World Series against the Yankees. Those moments must’ve felt huge for him.

His career included the historic 1953 season when the Braves moved from Boston to Milwaukee. That move made him part of baseball’s westward expansion.

Hanebrink made his MLB debut at Ebbets Field on May 3, 1953. He pinch-hit against the Brooklyn Dodgers that day.

He played 14 seasons in professional baseball, with 13 of those in the minors from 1948 to 1961. Hanebrink showed a lot of persistence and grit, really capturing the journeyman spirit of 1950s baseball.

Life After Baseball

After hanging up his glove, Harry Hanebrink jumped into real estate. Later, he spent his last years as an airport shuttle driver.

He stayed in his hometown, St. Louis, living with his wife Wanda. They raised their kids there, and he remained close to home until he passed away in 1996.

Post-Baseball Career

When Hanebrink finished his pro baseball run in 1961, he went back to St. Louis. He started working in real estate.

He joined Dolan Realtors and stuck with them for two decades. That’s a pretty long second act.

In 1992, Hanebrink switched things up at age 65. He started driving a shuttle bus for Quik Park at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport.

That job let him meet travelers and keep busy. He seemed to enjoy staying active, even later in life.

He kept driving that shuttle until he passed away on September 9, 1996. Hanebrink died from a brain aneurysm at 68.

As a Navy veteran from World War II, he was buried at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis.

Personal Life and Interests

Hanebrink married Wanda Powers, and together they built a life in St. Louis. They had four kids, two daughters and two sons.

He also had three grandkids when he died. Family meant a lot to him.

Back in 1958, his parents watched him hit a game-winning home run against the Cardinals in his hometown. That must’ve been a proud moment for all of them.

He kept in touch with his baseball roots while focusing on his family and work. After he passed, his sister Christine, his wife, and his children survived him.

Hanebrink always took pride in his Navy service during World War II. That part of his life stayed important to him.

Legacy and Final Resting Place

Harry Hanebrink died on September 9, 1996, after a brain aneurysm. He left behind a story as a utility player who helped two Milwaukee Braves teams reach the pennant.

As a World War II Navy veteran, he received military honors when he was laid to rest in a national cemetery.

Remembrance and Legacy

Hanebrink’s baseball legacy really comes down to his steady role as a utility player during the Braves’ best years. He got his shot in the 1958 World Series, pinch-hitting in Games Three and Five against the Yankees.

People called him “The Stance” in the minors because of his unusual batting style. Fans in Hartford would actually chant “One, two, three, dip” with his pre-swing routine.

After leaving baseball in 1961, Hanebrink went back to St. Louis. He worked as a real estate broker with Dolan Realtors for 20 years.

Later, he drove a shuttle bus at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport starting in 1992. That’s quite a journey.

Hanebrink played 177 major league games across four seasons. He finished with a .224 batting average, six home runs, and played for two National League teams.

Cemetery and Burial Information

Harry Aloysius Hanebrink rests at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri. He earned his spot there because he served in the Navy during World War II.

He joined the U.S. Navy on June 21, 1945, and got discharged in August 1946. The cemetery stands as a tribute to his service, right alongside thousands of other veterans.

Burial Details:

• Location: Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri
• Military Service: U.S. Navy (1945-1946)
• Date of Death: September 9, 1996
• Age at Death: 68 years old

Hanebrink left behind his wife Wanda (Powers) Hanebrink and his sister Christine. He also had two daughters, two sons, and three grandchildren.

The national cemetery now holds him, honoring both his time as a pro baseball player and his Navy service.