Jack Crimian – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Jack Crimian might not be a name you spot in baseball’s Hall of Fame, but his journey through professional baseball is a story of grit, skill, and just plain love for the game. Born in Philadelphia in 1926, Crimian put together a solid 15-year career as a right-handed pitcher. He appeared in 74 major league games from 1951 to 1957, suiting up for the St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Athletics, and Detroit Tigers.

Crimian ended his major league career in 1957 with a 5-9 record and a 6.36 ERA. But honestly, his minor league achievements were where he truly shined, racking up a 151-91 record and a 3.05 ERA over 614 games.

His best season? That was 1955, when he picked up International League Pitcher of the Year honors with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He finished with a wild 19-6 record and led the league with a 2.10 ERA.

Crimian’s career, from his early days in the Philadelphia organization to his final games in 1959, shows the challenges and triumphs of mid-20th century baseball. There are trades, wartime service, and the grind of minor league ball that was the backbone of pro baseball in the 1940s and 1950s.

Early Life and Education

Jack Crimian was born John Melvin Crimian on February 17, 1926, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Those early years in Philly really shaped him as an athlete, especially during his time at Olney High School.

He played multiple sports there and even shared the field with future major league stars.

Philadelphia Roots

Crimian grew up in Philadelphia during the Great Depression. His family didn’t have much, but that didn’t stop him from falling in love with baseball on the city’s sandlots.

The city’s rich baseball scene, with the Philadelphia Phillies and Philadelphia Athletics, gave kids like Crimian plenty of inspiration.

He started life as John Melvin Crimian, but everyone in baseball just called him Jack. Even as his career took him far from Philadelphia, he always kept those hometown roots close.

Olney High School Highlights

Crimian went to Olney High School in Philadelphia and graduated in 1944. He played both baseball and football, showing off his athleticism.

His most famous teammate was Del Ennis, who later became a star outfielder for the Philadelphia Phillies. Ennis helped the Phillies’ “Whiz Kids” win the National League Championship in 1950.

The Olney athletic program pushed Crimian to compete hard and sharpen his skills. Playing with future big leaguers gave him a taste of high-level competition early on.

Military Service During World War II

After he graduated in 1944, World War II put his baseball dreams on hold. Like so many young men back then, Crimian served in the military.

His service delayed his entry into pro baseball until the war ended. This was just the reality for a lot of talented athletes in that era.

Serving in the military probably helped him grow up a bit faster. When he finally made his major league debut in 1951, he was already 25, having spent years serving his country first.

Minor League Development

Crimian’s minor league career stretched across several teams and leagues. He developed his pitching game through steady performances, learning along the way.

His journey took him through key organizations that really shaped his professional development.

Wilmington Blue Rocks Performances

Jack Crimian played an important role with the Wilmington Blue Rocks early in his career. The Blue Rocks gave him a chance to develop as a right-handed pitcher.

During his time there, Crimian worked on his mechanics and built the foundation for his future success. Wilmington gave him regular innings and plenty of chances to face good competition.

His performances with the Blue Rocks caught the eyes of major league scouts. The coaching staff there helped him improve his control and pitch selection, which later became key to his game.

Rise with Rochester Red Wings

The Rochester Red Wings marked a big step up in Crimian’s minor league climb. As a higher-level affiliate, Rochester meant tougher baseball and better preparation for the majors.

Crimian adapted to stronger competition during his stint with the Red Wings. He faced more seasoned hitters and learned to tweak his approach.

The coaching staff in Rochester worked closely with him on his pitching repertoire. This period was big for his understanding of game situations and strategy.

His time with Rochester helped him stand out as a real prospect in the organization.

Toronto Maple Leafs Achievements

Crimian’s run with the Toronto Maple Leafs was another key phase in his minor league journey. The Maple Leafs exposed him to International League competition.

While in Toronto, Crimian kept sharpening his skills against some of the best minor league talent. The International League was tough and a direct pipeline to the majors.

His achievements there included strong pitching outings that showed he was ready for the next level. Toronto’s place in the International League gave him crucial experience against future big leaguers.

International League Honors

Crimian’s time in the International League was the peak of his minor league development. The league was known as one of the best in pro baseball.

His performances there led directly to his call-up to the majors. The competition prepared him for what he’d face with the St. Louis Cardinals.

The International League gave him his final tune-up before he reached the big leagues. His success at this level proved all those years in the minors had paid off.

The league’s reputation for developing major league talent made Crimian’s achievements even more meaningful.

Major League Baseball Career

Jack Crimian pitched in the majors for three teams between 1951 and 1957. He debuted with the St. Louis Cardinals, had his busiest year with the Kansas City Athletics, and wrapped up with the Detroit Tigers.

St. Louis Cardinals Debut

Crimian made his big league debut on July 3, 1951, at age 25 for the St. Louis Cardinals. He faced the Cincinnati Reds in his first game, pitching briefly and giving up one hit and one earned run.

He returned to the Cardinals in 1952 for a few more games. After serving in the military in 1945, Crimian had to fight his way up through the minors before finally getting his shot.

His early days with the Cardinals were limited, and he mostly pitched in relief.

Time with Kansas City Athletics

After three more seasons in the minors, Crimian got back to the majors with the Kansas City Athletics in 1956. This was his busiest year, making 54 appearances.

He posted a 4-8 win-loss record and a 5.51 ERA with Kansas City. The Athletics leaned on him heavily, giving him the most big league innings of his career.

Those 54 games in 1956 made up most of his major league experience. Kansas City gave him the chance to prove himself as a regular contributor.

Detroit Tigers Final Season

Crimian closed out his major league days with the Detroit Tigers in 1957. He appeared in just four games for Detroit that year.

During those brief outings, he went 0-1. His last major league game came on May 6, 1957, against the Baltimore Orioles, when he pitched two innings and allowed two hits and two earned runs.

After Detroit let him go, Crimian kept playing in the minors through 1959. He finished his 15-year pro career with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Pitching Statistics and Highlights

Crimian ended up with a career record of 5 wins and 9 losses over 74 major league games. His ERA sat at 6.36, which tells you a bit about the challenges he faced at that level.

At 5’10” and 180 pounds, he pitched and batted right-handed. His strikeout numbers were modest, as he relied more on pitching to contact than overpowering hitters.

Career Statistics Summary:

• Games Pitched: 74
• Win-Loss Record: 5-9
• ERA: 6.36
• Teams: St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Athletics, Detroit Tigers

His minor league stats were way better than his big league numbers. He was a solid pitcher who just ran into the wall that is major league competition.

Significant Trades and Transactions

Jack Crimian’s pro baseball journey included several key moves that shaped his career. He started as an amateur free agent, had stints with the Cincinnati Reds, and played a part in a huge eight-player trade.

Amateur Free Agent Signing

Crimian began his pro career by signing as an amateur free agent with the St. Louis Cardinals. The Philadelphia kid joined the Cardinals in the late 1940s after coming home from the military.

This first signing was a big deal for his development. The Cardinals’ farm system was stacked back then, and they gave him plenty of chances to grow as a pitcher.

He worked his way through their system and finally debuted for the Cardinals on July 3, 1951, against the Cincinnati Reds at age 25.

Cincinnati Reds Transaction

Details about his time with the Reds organization are a little fuzzy. Crimian’s major league debut happened against Cincinnati while he was with the Cardinals.

The Reds were part of the National League scene during his early years. Teams often shuffled players around, making minor deals that didn’t always get much attention.

Records of specific Reds transactions with Crimian are incomplete, which isn’t surprising for that era. Baseball historians still dig up new details from time to time.

Eight-Player Deal with Jim Finigan and Others

One of the biggest moments in Crimian’s career came after his 1956 season with the Kansas City Athletics. The team included him in a massive eight-player trade with the Detroit Tigers.

This was a big shakeup for both teams. Multi-player deals were pretty common back then, as teams tried to fill a bunch of needs at once.

The Tigers picked up Crimian as part of the deal. His time in Detroit was short, though—they used him in just four games in April 1957 before sending him back to their minor league club in Toronto.

That trade pretty much marked the end of Crimian’s major league run. His quick stint with Detroit wrapped up his MLB career after parts of four seasons.

Trades Involving Marion Fricano

Marion Fricano and Jack Crimian crossed paths in the mid-1950s when both pitched for the Kansas City Athletics. Fricano found himself moving between teams a lot during this era of constant roster shuffling.

The Athletics kept swapping players in their early Kansas City years, always trying to build a more competitive roster. Both pitchers joined in the team’s efforts, sometimes as part of larger trades meant to boost talent.

Fricano bounced through several organizations, just like Crimian did. Teams back then really valued veteran depth, and both guys fit that mold. Their moves kind of show how unpredictable roster construction was in 1950s baseball.

Researchers still dig into the exact details of trades involving both players. A lot of the transaction records from that time are incomplete or need more fact-checking.

Retirement and Later Life

Jack Crimian made his last major league appearance on May 6, 1957, facing Baltimore. That game wrapped up his six-year MLB career with a 5-9 record.

After leaving the majors, Crimian stayed active in semi-professional leagues. He also earned recognition for his impact on Delaware sports.

Transition Out of Baseball

Crimian didn’t stop playing baseball right after his time with the Detroit Tigers in 1957. He kept pitching in the high minors through the end of the 1959 season.

He wrapped up his pro career with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1959. That marked the end of a 15-year run in organized baseball.

Even though his major league record was modest, Crimian shined in the minors. He put together a strong minor league career that most pitchers would envy.

For the Philadelphia-born pitcher, leaving pro baseball was the end of a long chapter. At 33, he’d spent nearly half his life in the game, from his St. Louis Cardinals debut in 1951 to his final minor league appearance.

Induction into Delaware Sports Hall of Fame

Details about Jack Crimian’s induction into the Delaware Sports Hall of Fame are a little scarce, but the honor speaks volumes. It shows how much people valued his contributions to baseball in the region.

Crimian’s ties to Delaware sports went beyond his time in the majors. The Hall of Fame nod recognized both his pro achievements and his involvement in local baseball.

Usually, this kind of recognition goes to athletes who really shaped Delaware sports. It covers what they did professionally and how they supported their communities.

Post-Baseball Career and Legacy

After hanging up his pro cleats, Crimian made a splash with the Brooks Armored Car team in the Delaware Semi-Pro League. From 1963 to 1965, he came out of retirement to pitch for this legendary squad.

Crimian went undefeated during his three seasons with Brooks Armored Car. That’s pretty remarkable, especially considering he’d already been out of pro baseball for a while.

Family mattered most to him, both during and after his playing days. Crimian was a devoted husband to his late wife Mary, whom he called “Mom.”

He also played the role of loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His family’s legacy stretched well beyond baseball, touching several generations until his passing on February 11, 2019, at age 92.

Historical Impact and Recognition

Jack Crimian’s career spanned both the majors and minors in the 1950s. He left behind a record of solid performances at different levels.

His biggest highlights came in the International League, where he picked up MVP honors and showed off his pitching talent.

Contributions to Major and Minor Leagues

Crimian pitched in 74 major league games over four seasons. He played for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1951-52, the Kansas City Athletics in 1956, and the Detroit Tigers in 1957.

His MLB record ended up at 5-9 with a 6.36 ERA. The big league stats weren’t flashy, but Crimian really made his mark in the minors.

He put together an impressive minor league record across 15 years. His best season came with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1955.

That year, he notched a 19-6 record as a starter and took home the International League’s Most Valuable Player award. He also won two ERA championships in Triple-A, posting a 2.34 earned run average.

Notable Achievements

Crimian’s 1955 MVP season in the International League stands as his top accomplishment. Baseball Reference and other sources back up just how dominant he was that year.

Winning two ERA titles in Triple-A showed he could consistently shut down opposing hitters. That 2.34 ERA really speaks for itself.

Even after leaving organized baseball in 1959, Crimian kept competing in semi-pro leagues. He joined Brooks Armored Car in the Delaware Semi-Pro League in 1963.

Despite being out of pro ball for five years, Crimian went 24-0 over three seasons with Brooks. That perfect record says a lot about his competitive drive and lasting skill.

References and Further Reading

Baseball Reference has a ton of stats on Crimian’s major and minor league career. You’ll also find extra analysis and some biographical details over at The Baseball Cube.

The Delaware Sports Museum and Hall of Fame highlights Crimian’s biggest achievements. Baseball-Reference.com digs into his game logs and pitching stats from his pro years.

BR Bullpen goes deep on his minor league days and how his career played out. Out & About Magazine once shared memories from his semi-pro run after retirement.