Jerry Coleman – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Jerry Coleman didn’t just shine as a second baseman for the New York Yankees—he also became the only Major League Baseball player to serve in combat during both World War II and the Korean War. His story goes way beyond baseball, blending military heroism, championship moments, and a broadcasting career that eventually landed him in Cooperstown.

Coleman retired from professional baseball after the 1957 season, wrapping up a nine-year run that brought him four World Series championships and a bunch of personal honors. In his last showing, he batted .364 in the 1957 World Series against the Milwaukee Braves, which felt like a perfect way to say goodbye to the only team he ever played for.

From his early days in San Jose, California, to a broadcasting career that lasted more than five decades, Coleman’s journey really stands out in baseball history. He balanced life as a Marine Corps pilot and professional athlete, then found success as a broadcaster, leaving a legacy that stretched beyond the game and made him one of the sport’s most respected names.

Early Life and Background

Jerry Coleman started his path to baseball fame in California during the 1920s, shaped by tough family times and a love for sports. Growing up in San Jose built his character, and his high school years in San Francisco let him show off his skills in both basketball and baseball—until World War II pulled him toward naval aviation.

Childhood in San Jose

Gerald Francis Coleman was born on September 14, 1924, in San Jose, California. He was the second child of Pearl Beaudoin and Gerald Griffin Coleman.

His older sister Rosemarie arrived two years earlier. Even though Jerry was born in San Jose, the family actually lived in San Francisco.

Coleman’s father played backup catcher in the Pacific Coast League for a few years. After that short career ended, he kept playing semipro ball and worked as a bank teller to support them.

Jerry’s childhood wasn’t easy. His father struggled with alcoholism and became abusive to the family.

When Jerry was about eight, his mother Pearl left her husband and took both kids with her. Things got worse when Jerry’s father shot his estranged wife several times outside a dance hall.

Pearl Coleman survived but spent nine months in the hospital. During that time, Jerry and his sister stayed with relatives while their father disappeared.

High School and Amateur Baseball

Jerry attended Lowell High School in San Francisco, a pretty prestigious place, and his athletic talent got him in. He stood out in basketball and baseball during those years.

As a senior, he made All-City in basketball and even set a city single-game scoring record. On March 8, 1942, he scored 23 points against Commerce High.

While still in high school, Coleman played for the Keneally Yankees, the top semipro team in the Bay Area back then.

Some of his teammates there, like Bobby Brown and Charlie Silvera, would later join him on the Yankees.

The Brooklyn Dodgers offered Jerry a $2,500 bonus after a tryout camp during his senior year. His mom wanted him to go to college, so he accepted a basketball and baseball scholarship to USC instead.

Naval Aviation Cadet and V-5 Program

December 7, 1941, changed everything for Coleman when Pearl Harbor was attacked. In March 1942, he heard about the Navy’s V-5 flight training program during a high school presentation.

Two naval aviators described the program, and Coleman decided on the spot he wanted to become a Navy fighter pilot. He couldn’t enlist yet, though—he wouldn’t turn 18 until September.

Yankees scout Joe Devine had been keeping tabs on Coleman through high school. Devine offered him $2,800 to sign with the Yankees, and Jerry took the deal since he couldn’t join the military yet.

After his first minor league season with Wellsville, New York, Coleman went back to San Francisco. He got accepted into the Navy’s V-5 flight training program and started his military service.

Coleman trained at several places, including Adams State College in Colorado, St. Mary’s University in California, and locations in Kansas and Texas. He eventually chose to become a Marine pilot and received his commission as a second lieutenant on April 1, 1944.

Military Service and Heroism

Jerry Coleman stands alone as the only Major League Baseball player to see combat in both World War II and the Korean War. He flew 120 combat missions in total, earning several Distinguished Flying Crosses and Air Medals as a Marine pilot.

World War II Combat Missions

Coleman enlisted in the Navy’s V-5 flight training program in 1942 after that high school presentation. He became a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps on April 1, 1944.

After training in several locations, including Jacksonville, Florida, Coleman learned to fly the SBD Dauntless dive bomber. He picked dive bombers because they could sink aircraft carriers.

He deployed to Guadalcanal and joined the Torrid Turtles squadron. From there, he flew raids from Green Island to the Solomon Islands.

Later, Coleman moved to the Philippines and flew bombing runs on Luzon and other Japanese-held areas. He completed 57 combat missions in World War II before heading back to San Francisco in July 1945.

Korean War Contributions

The Marines called Coleman back to active duty during the Korean War, since officers stayed on reserve after World War II. The military preferred recalling experienced pilots over training new ones.

During the Korean War, Coleman switched from dive bombers to fighter aircraft. He flew 63 combat missions in Korea and showed he could adapt quickly as a pilot.

His second tour interrupted his baseball career again. Coleman lost valuable playing time during his prime because of his military obligations.

Awards and Honors for Valor

Coleman’s service brought him some serious recognition:

• Two Distinguished Flying Crosses
• 13 Air Medals
• Three Navy Citations

These awards reflected everything he accomplished during 120 combat missions across two wars. The Distinguished Flying Cross goes to those who show heroism or extraordinary achievement in flight.

Coleman later said his military service meant more to him than anything he did in baseball. “To me the height of my life, the best thing I ever knew wasn’t the Yankees, wasn’t baseball or broadcasting, it was the Marine Corps,” he said.

Impact of Military Service on Baseball Career

Coleman’s military service changed the course of his baseball career. He missed three full seasons during World War II and didn’t return to professional baseball until 1946, at age 21.

His Korean War service interrupted his playing years again, right when he was at his best. That timing hurt his development as a player and kept his career stats lower than they might’ve been.

Still, Coleman stuck to his principles about service. “When your country calls, you go. That’s it,” he said about his military commitments.

The physical and mental demands of combat flying probably led to injuries that bothered him later in his career. Coleman stepped away from baseball in 1957 at age 33, younger than many players of his ability.

Major League Baseball Career

Jerry Coleman played his whole MLB career with the New York Yankees, handling second base from 1949 to 1957. He grabbed Associated Press Rookie of the Year in his debut season and then became World Series MVP in 1950.

Debut with the New York Yankees

Coleman made his major league debut on April 20, 1949, at age 24. He took over as the Yankees’ regular second baseman from Snuffy Stirnweiss.

Right from the start, Coleman made his presence felt. He played 128 games and batted .275, and his fielding led all second basemen in percentage.

The Associated Press named him their American League Rookie of the Year in 1949. He also finished third in the Baseball Writers’ Association of America voting for rookie honors.

Role as Second Baseman

Coleman carved out his role as a defensive specialist at second base for the Yankees. His glove work became his calling card.

He played the position with steady reliability every season. That defense helped anchor the Yankees’ infield during their title runs in the 1950s.

Over his career, Coleman batted .263. He hit 16 home runs and drove in 217 runs in nine seasons.

Key Seasons and Achievements

Coleman’s best year came in 1950 when he made the All-Star team. He avoided the dreaded sophomore slump that gets so many second-year players.

Career Highlights:

• All-Star selection (1950)
• World Series MVP (1950)
• Associated Press Rookie of the Year (1949)
• Career batting average: .263

After an injury following the 1950 season, his performance dropped. He spent more time on the bench in his later years.

The Yankees always valued his leadership and baseball smarts. He stayed with the team for his whole playing career, even with less time on the field.

World Series Performances

Coleman played in six World Series with the Yankees. The team won four championships while he was there (1949, 1950, 1951, 1956).

His best World Series came in 1950, when he took home MVP honors. Coleman’s defense at second base helped the Yankees sweep the Philadelphia Phillies.

He finished his career on a high in 1957, batting .364 in the seven-game World Series loss to the Milwaukee Braves.

Coleman retired after the 1957 season at age 33. His last MLB game was September 29, 1957, still wearing the only uniform he ever knew.

Career Highlights and Milestones

Jerry Coleman’s nine years with the New York Yankees brought him some pretty big moments. He snagged rookie honors in 1949, became World Series MVP in 1950, and ended his career after the 1957 Series batting .364.

Rookie of the Year and All-Star Selections

Coleman made an instant impact in his first major league season in 1949. He hit .275 and led all second basemen in fielding, showing off his hitting and his glove.

The Associated Press named him rookie of the year in 1949. He finished third in the Baseball Writers’ Association of America voting for the same award.

His strong rookie year helped the New York Yankees win the 1949 World Series. Coleman got to play in the World Series his very first season, which set the tone for his postseason career.

In 1950, Coleman earned his only All-Star selection. He managed to avoid the sophomore slump that trips up a lot of players.

1950 World Series Most Valuable Player

Coleman’s biggest moment came in the 1950 World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies. His defense throughout the series earned him the World Series Most Valuable Player award from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.

Back then, they called it the Babe Ruth Award. Coleman’s defense at second base helped the Yankees sweep the Phillies in four straight games.

That World Series MVP award was the highlight of his playing days. Not many players win it mostly for defense instead of hitting.

His 1950 World Series performance capped off his All-Star season. That year, with both the regular season honor and the postseason MVP, was his best as a player.

Retirement in 1957

After his MVP season, an injury slowed Coleman down. He moved to a bench role for most of his remaining years with the Yankees.

He retired after the 1957 season because of those physical issues. Still, Coleman left baseball on a high note with a great World Series showing.

Coleman hit .364 in the seven-game 1957 World Series against the Milwaukee Braves. That average in his last series proved he still had it, even with less time on the field.

The Yankees lost the 1957 Series, but Coleman’s performance was a fitting way to end his career. He played in six World Series and won four championships with New York.

Transition to Baseball Broadcasting

When he retired from playing in 1957, Jerry Coleman didn’t step away from baseball for long. By 1960, he had moved into the broadcast booth.

He became the voice of the San Diego Padres for over forty years and earned national attention for his broadcasting style.

San Diego Padres Announcer

Coleman started his broadcasting career with the New York Yankees from 1963 to 1969. Eventually, he found his true home with the San Diego Padres.

He became the primary radio voice of the Padres for over 40 years. Fans began to associate his voice with the team itself.

During those decades, Coleman called thousands of games for San Diego. He witnessed and narrated multiple eras in baseball history.

As a former second baseman, he brought his playing experience and military background right into the booth. That deep understanding of the game really helped him connect with listeners who valued his inside take on baseball strategy and player development.

Broadcasting Style and Colemanisms

Coleman created a unique broadcasting style with his famous “Colemanisms.” These were memorable, often funny slips of the tongue that fans ended up loving.

His unintentional mistakes became part of his charm. People tuned in just to hear what he might say next.

He mixed professional baseball knowledge with a relaxed, conversational tone. That approach made the games feel accessible, even for casual listeners.

Coleman’s military precision, paired with his baseball background, gave him a voice that stood out in sports broadcasting. You couldn’t really mistake him for anyone else.

His real personality always came through, whether he described a routine grounder or a huge home run. Fans could tell he loved the game and respected the players, which made his broadcasts both informative and fun.

National Recognitions

In 2005, the Baseball Hall of Fame gave Coleman the Ford C. Frick Award for excellence in broadcasting. That honor recognized his impact on the sport, not just as a player but as a broadcaster.

The award highlighted his four decades behind the mic and his influence on the San Diego community. It showed just how well he made the leap from World Series MVP to beloved sports voice.

Coleman earned this recognition after years of dedication to Padres fans. The honor put him among the most respected broadcasters in baseball history.

Collaboration with Joe Garagiola

Coleman worked with many broadcasting partners over the years. He even teamed up with Joe Garagiola during national broadcasts.

These partnerships showed how well he could collaborate with other veteran broadcasters. Coleman’s experience and background blended nicely with different styles in the booth.

He brought his military discipline and playing knowledge to every broadcast team. Those qualities made him a reliable and knowledgeable presence in baseball media.

Fans remember his partnerships for creating memorable broadcasts. He entertained fans across different markets and platforms.

Personal Life, Legacy, and Memorials

Jerry Coleman’s impact stretched way beyond his playing days. He picked up prestigious broadcasting honors and lasting recognition.

His legacy as both a baseball player and decorated war veteran gave him a unique place in sports history. People still celebrate him today.

Honors and Hall of Fame Inductions

Coleman received the Ford C. Frick Award from the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005. That honor goes to broadcasters who make a big impact on the game.

The award cemented his place as one of baseball’s greatest voices. He spent over 40 years as the play-by-play announcer for the San Diego Padres.

Coleman became known for his distinctive style and sense of humor. His “Colemanisms”—those quirky misstatements—became part of his appeal.

The Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame also inducted him. That recognition honored both his Yankees playing career and his broadcasting excellence.

His broadcasting career spanned from 1972 to 1979 and then from 1981 until 2013.

Influence on the Baseball Community

Coleman’s influence reached far past stats or awards. He bridged baseball’s golden age and the modern era.

His stories and insights connected generations of fans. As a broadcaster, Coleman logged 71 years in baseball.

That kind of longevity made him a respected voice in the sport. Both players and fans valued his knowledge and perspective.

His military service set him apart. Coleman was the only Major League Baseball player to serve in combat duty during two wars.

That background gave him a unique credibility and respect throughout the baseball community.

Memorials and Final Resting Place

The Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial in La Jolla, California honors Coleman’s service. His plaque there stands as a tribute to both his military and baseball achievements.

The memorial recognizes veterans from all branches of the military. Coleman passed away on January 5, 2014, at age 89.

He died in a San Diego hospital after suffering head injuries from a fall at home. His passing really marked the end of an era in baseball broadcasting.

The memorial gives visitors a place to reflect on his dual legacy. It honors his baseball career and his service as a Marine Corps pilot.

Fans still visit the site to pay their respects to this remarkable figure.

Net Worth and Off-Field Life

Coleman kept things pretty simple, even after spending years in baseball. His broadcasting job with the Padres gave him steady income, but honestly, nobody really knows the exact numbers when it comes to his net worth.

He chose to live in San Diego during those broadcasting years. People often described Coleman as humble and easy to talk to.

He once remarked, “The heroes are the ones who didn’t come back.” That line really shows how he felt about his military service—he never liked to draw attention to himself.

Family and the local community played a big part in his life outside the field. Coleman usually steered clear of the spotlight that chases most sports celebrities. He seemed to care more about his work and helping others than chasing personal fame.