Haywood Sullivan – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Haywood Cooper Sullivan found his own place in baseball history, playing nearly a decade in the majors before hanging up his cleats in 1963. Born in Donalsonville, Georgia, Sullivan’s journey took him from promising college quarterback at the University of Florida to professional catcher—pretty impressive, right? He showed off the kind of multi-sport talent that defined a lot of athletes from that era.

He chose baseball over football, lured by a big bonus from the Boston Red Sox. That decision kicked off a career where he played for two American League teams.

Sullivan wrapped up his playing career in 1963, switching from player to player-coach with the Triple-A Portland Beavers. That move closed out his eight-year major league run.

During his time in the majors, he hit .226 with 13 home runs and 87 RBIs in 312 games. He split his career between the Boston Red Sox and Kansas City Athletics.

His offensive stats were modest, but Sullivan’s impact on the game went way beyond numbers.

When Sullivan retired in 1963, it wasn’t just about leaving the field. He started a new chapter that would turn him into one of baseball’s most influential executives.

He moved from the dugout to the front office, eventually becoming part-owner of the Red Sox. His lasting impact on the organization shows that some players make their biggest mark after their playing days are over.

Early Life and Education

Haywood Cooper Sullivan was born December 15, 1930, in Donalsonville, Georgia. He grew up in a working-class family and later became a standout two-sport athlete in Alabama, then at the University of Florida.

He shined in both football and baseball. That set the stage for a professional career that lasted decades in Major League Baseball.

Family Background and Donalsonville, GA Roots

Haywood Cooper Sullivan arrived in Donalsonville, GA on December 15, 1930. Ralph and Ruby (Lee) Sullivan gave him a modest but steady foundation for success.

The Sullivans lived the typical working-class life of the 1930s and 1940s. Ralph Sullivan drove a truck for Newton Grocery Company in 1939.

By 1951, he worked as a shipping clerk for Blumberg’s Department Store. The family’s finances played a big role in Haywood’s college decision.

They didn’t own a car, which made college choice tricky. Getting to games became a real challenge, and that influenced where he ended up going.

Playing Sports at Dothan High School

After his birth in Donalsonville, Sullivan grew up in Dothan, southeastern Alabama. At Dothan High School, he quickly made a name as a standout in both football and baseball.

He set the school’s passing record as quarterback. Coaches and scouts saw him as a blue-chip prospect, thanks to his strong and accurate arm.

William A. “Bubba” McGowan, his former teammate, remembered Sullivan’s arm. He once saw him throw a baseball from one goal line to the other on a single bounce.

McGowan also said Sullivan could throw with such a soft touch that receivers caught his passes easily. That rare mix of power and finesse made college recruiters take notice.

Collegiate Career at University of Florida

Sullivan got heavy interest from big football programs like Auburn and Alabama. Still, he picked the University of Florida because he liked their wide-open, pass-heavy offense.

There was a practical side, too. Bubba McGowan, his old high school teammate, was already at Florida.

The McGowan family often traveled to Gainesville to watch games, and they could give the Sullivans rides. At Florida, Sullivan became the Gators’ starting quarterback, throwing for 2,016 yards over two seasons.

That was a big deal in an era when college football focused on running. He even earned All-SEC quarterback honors, and some people thought he should’ve been an All-American.

On the baseball diamond, Sullivan played catcher and stood out as “a man among boys.” At 6’4″ and 215 pounds, he threw and hit right-handed.

He made the All-Southeastern Conference team in 1952 for baseball.

Professional Baseball Career Overview

Haywood Sullivan’s pro baseball career lasted nine seasons, from 1955 to 1963. He played as a catcher for two American League teams.

He logged 851 career at-bats, hitting .226 with 13 home runs and 87 RBIs in 312 games. Most of his playing time came with the Kansas City Athletics, though he started out with the Boston Red Sox.

MLB Debut and Initial Years

Sullivan made his major league debut on September 20, 1955, at Fenway Park, starting as catcher for the Boston Red Sox. He batted eighth, catching for Ike Delock.

His first game was short—he went hitless in two at-bats and got replaced by pinch-hitter Ted Williams. He played just one other game that season, September 25 against the Yankees, catching Frank Sullivan and going 0-for-4.

He earned his call-up after a strong 1955 season with the Double-A Louisville Colonels, where he hit .258 with a .389 slugging percentage in 128 games. That performance got him a spot on the American Association all-star team.

Military service from 1953 to 1955 delayed his path to the majors. Boston had signed him as a bonus baby in 1952 for $75,000 after his stardom at the University of Florida.

Playing for Boston Red Sox

Sullivan played for the Boston Red Sox from 1955 to 1960, but he struggled to nail down a regular spot. He had a big 6-foot-3, 220-pound frame and right-handed power that seemed built for Fenway, but injuries and inconsistency held him back.

He finally broke through on April 19, 1960, getting his first major league hit off the Yankees’ Jim Coates after six years and 15 at-bats. His first home run came on May 17 against Chicago’s Bob Shaw.

The 1960 season was his busiest with Boston—he played 52 games, hit .161 with three home runs and 10 RBIs in 124 at-bats, sharing catching duties with rookie Ed Sadowski.

Injuries were a constant problem. He missed all of 1958 after back surgery for a ruptured disk.

The Red Sox spent nearly $1 million on bonus babies like Sullivan in the early 1950s, but none became stars. On December 14, 1960, his Boston run ended when the expansion Washington Senators picked him in the expansion draft.

Years with Kansas City Athletics

Sullivan found more playing time after joining the Kansas City Athletics in December 1960, when Washington traded him for Marty Kutyna. Those three seasons with Kansas City were the most productive of his career.

In 1961, he played a career-high 117 games, batting .242 with six home runs and 40 RBIs. He also played first base and both corner outfield spots, showing off his athleticism.

The 1962 season saw him in 95 games, hitting .248. His final year in 1963, though, his numbers dipped—he hit .212 in just 40 games.

Out of his 851 career at-bats, 718 came with Kansas City. That was the bulk of his major league experience, even though he spent four years with Boston and only three with the Athletics.

In July 1963, he took on a player-coach role with the Triple-A Portland Beavers. That move signaled the end of his playing days as he started looking at managing in the Kansas City farm system.

1963 Season and Retirement

Haywood Sullivan’s last year with the Kansas City Athletics closed out his eight-year major league career. His final game was June 30, 1963, against Baltimore, where he notched two hits in four at-bats.

Performance Highlights in 1963

He played 40 games during his last season with Kansas City. At 32, Sullivan served as a backup catcher for the Athletics.

His final stats showed a veteran’s experience behind the plate. He took his last professional at-bat against the Baltimore Orioles on June 30, 1963.

That year was his third with Kansas City since joining in 1961. He carved out a niche as a reliable reserve catcher.

Sullivan’s 1963 numbers reflected his career-long battle with consistency at the plate. His batting average stayed below his career mark of .226 all season.

Final Games and Transition Out of Playing

Sullivan wrapped up his career quietly on June 30, 1963, against Baltimore. In his last game, he went two-for-four, with no home runs or RBIs.

That game marked the end of a career spanning parts of seven seasons. He finished with 851 career at-bats, 718 of those with Kansas City.

After retiring, Sullivan jumped right into baseball management. He became manager of the Athletics’ Birmingham Barons farm club in 1964, just a year after playing.

His shift from player to manager happened fast. The Athletics valued his baseball smarts and leadership in their minor league system.

Legacy as a Catcher

Sullivan played catcher throughout his career, showing solid defensive skills. At 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, he was an imposing figure behind the plate.

His defense stood out more than his hitting. That glove helped him stick with both Boston and Kansas City, even when his bat cooled off.

He finished with a .226 average, 13 home runs, and 87 RBIs in 312 games. Those numbers fit the profile of a backup catcher.

But Sullivan’s real baseball legacy grew after his playing days. He moved into management, front office roles, and even ownership, showing a deep understanding of the game that went way beyond his stats.

Statistical Achievements and Skills

Haywood Sullivan’s nine-year pro career produced some modest but notable stats in both the majors and minors. His defensive skills as a catcher often defined his value more than his bat.

Career Batting Statistics: RBI, Home Runs, and OPS

Sullivan hit .226 over his seven-year major league career from 1955 to 1963. He tallied 192 hits in 851 at-bats over 312 games with the Boston Red Sox and Kansas City Athletics.

His power stayed steady throughout his career. Sullivan hit 13 home runs and drove in 87 RBI during his time in the majors.

His best offensive year came in 1961 with Kansas City, when he hit .242 with 6 home runs and 40 RBI. Sullivan’s OPS of .631 reflected his defense-first approach behind the plate.

He posted a .312 on-base percentage, showing patience—109 walks against 140 strikeouts. He was more productive with Kansas City, racking up 172 hits in 718 at-bats.

His minor league numbers tell a slightly different story. Sullivan hit .271 with 33 home runs and 199 RBI in 509 minor league games, proving he could swing the bat a bit more at that level.

Defensive Performance as Catcher

Sullivan really made his mark with his defensive work behind the plate. He spent most of his 312 major league games as a catcher, earning a reputation as a steady, reliable presence.

In 1961, he posted his best defensive numbers with a fielding percentage of .984. That season, he handled 426 total chances, racking up 387 putouts and 32 assists, and only made 7 errors.

He finished 67 games behind the plate that year. Sullivan showed off a strong arm and sharp game-calling skills.

In 1960, he threw out 7 of 20 attempted base stealers, which came out to a 35.0% caught stealing rate. His defensive range factor hit 6.57 per nine innings, topping the league average of 5.93.

He proved his durability by catching a ton of complete games. In 1961, Sullivan caught 67 complete games out of 78 starts, which says a lot about his stamina and grit.

Notable Games and Milestones

Sullivan played his last major league game on June 30, 1963, against the Baltimore Orioles. He managed 2 hits in 4 at-bats during that final appearance at age 32.

He made his major league debut on September 20, 1955, with the Boston Red Sox at 24. Military service from 1953 to 1954 delayed his rookie season and definitely shaped his timeline.

The 1961 season really stood out for Sullivan. He played in 117 games and set personal bests in hits (80), runs (42), and doubles (16).

That year, he became Kansas City’s main catcher. His best offensive stretch happened with Kansas City from 1961 to 1963.

He picked up 240 of his 271 career total bases during those years, which really shows how much his bat improved after leaving Boston.

Family Life and Personal Legacy

Haywood Cooper Sullivan’s life went way beyond baseball. He built strong family ties and found big success in business after retiring in Florida.

His son Marc followed his path as a professional catcher, and Sullivan himself put together a thriving business in Fort Myers.

Relationship with Marc Sullivan

Marc Sullivan kept the family baseball tradition going as a major league catcher. He played for the Boston Red Sox in the 1980s, just like his dad had done decades earlier.

That father-son connection brought something special to the Red Sox. Haywood Sullivan worked as a general partner and executive for Boston from 1978 to 1993, overlapping with Marc’s time as a player.

People noticed and sometimes questioned if Marc’s spot on the roster had anything to do with his dad’s role—nepotism rumors weren’t uncommon.

Marc played in 186 games over four seasons with Boston. He hit .186, with four home runs and 29 RBIs.

Even though Marc’s stats didn’t jump off the page, the Sullivan name stayed front and center in Red Sox circles through both generations.

Post-Retirement Life in Fort Myers, FL

After baseball, Haywood Cooper Sullivan moved to Fort Myers, Florida, and launched a successful business career. He ran a marina and made some pretty shrewd real estate investments along the Gulf Coast.

Sullivan showed sharp business instincts, maybe as sharp as his baseball smarts. His real estate deals paid off well, especially during Florida’s big growth spurts.

Running the marina kept him close to the water and the outdoors, which he clearly enjoyed. He lived in Florida until he died on February 12, 2003, at age 72.

Sullivan suffered a stroke in Fort Myers, FL, passing away in the community he had called home for so long. His smooth transition from baseball to business really showed off his versatility and intelligence beyond the sport.

Influence Beyond Playing

People sometimes mentioned Sullivan’s name when talking about potential ownership groups for other major league teams. He popped up as a possible investor, sometimes alongside former Baseball Commissioner Fay Vincent.

He brought a unique perspective as both a player and an executive, making him a valuable consultant in baseball circles. Sullivan knew the game from just about every angle, having worked as a catcher, manager, and front office executive.

The Sullivan family left its mark on baseball across two generations. Haywood Cooper Sullivan’s influence on the Boston Red Sox stretched far past his playing days, shaping the franchise through his executive roles and family ties.

Later Roles and Honors

After he retired as a player in 1963, Haywood Sullivan moved into baseball management and eventually became part-owner of the Boston Red Sox. His post-playing days included major front office roles and lasting contributions to the organization that first signed him as a bonus baby in 1952.

Front Office Career with Boston Red Sox

Sullivan came back to the Red Sox in 1965 as Director of Player Personnel under general manager Dick O’Connell. That move kicked off a nearly 30-year run with the team.

He worked closely with O’Connell, who had never played or managed professionally. Sullivan’s own playing and managing experience became especially valuable as the team tried to bounce back from a rough 62-100 season in 1965.

By the early 1970s, Sullivan moved up to director of amateur scouting. Even after his role shrank a bit following the team’s surprise 1967 pennant, he kept a close relationship with owner Tom Yawkey and his wife Jean.

When Tom Yawkey died in 1976, Sullivan teamed up with former Red Sox trainer Buddy LeRoux to buy the franchise. Jean Yawkey accepted their bid in 1977, even though it wasn’t the highest offer.

Sullivan took over as the team’s general manager from 1978 to 1983. During his ownership tenure, he made some controversial moves that drew plenty of criticism from fans and media.

Honors and Inductions

Sullivan picked up several honors during his career. At the University of Florida, he earned All-SEC quarterback recognition for football before signing with the Red Sox.

In the minors, he grabbed multiple all-star selections. In 1955, he made the American Association all-star team with the Louisville Colonels, hitting .258 with a .389 slugging percentage.

He got another all-star nod in 1956 with the San Francisco Seals of the Pacific Coast League. That year, he improved his numbers, batting .296 with 11 home runs and 32 doubles.

During spring training in 1960, Sullivan was voted the Hardest Worker in Camp, Surprise of Training Season, and Most Improved Player by The Sporting News. He also earned the Most Likely to Improve award for the third straight season.

Contributions to the Game After Retirement

Sullivan stayed involved in baseball operations with the Red Sox until 1993. He really saw the franchise change through many different eras.

After he left the Red Sox, Sullivan moved down to Florida’s Gulf Coast. He ran a marina and got into real estate, where he managed to build up some wealth outside of baseball.

People in baseball sometimes mentioned his name as a possible part-owner for other major league teams. He often got linked with former Commissioner Fay Vincent during these talks.

Sullivan influenced the Red Sox well beyond his official titles. The way he connected with players, scouts, and front office folks helped shape the team’s culture for decades.

He died in February 2003 at age 72 in Fort Myers, Florida, after he suffered a stroke. That really closed the book on a baseball life that touched playing, managing, scouting, and even ownership.