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

Jerry Priddy wrapped up his Major League Baseball career in 1953 after 11 seasons as a second baseman, playing his last game on September 27 for the Detroit Tigers. Born Gerald Edward Priddy on November 9, 1919, in Los Angeles, he grew into one of the game’s most skilled defensive players at his position. Still, his career had both impressive highlights and moments where he just didn’t quite reach his potential.

Priddy’s path through professional baseball took him from the powerhouse New York Yankees organization to the Washington Senators, St. Louis Browns, and finally the Detroit Tigers. He built his playing career around exceptional fielding, leading all second basemen in several statistical categories in different seasons.

In 1950, he set a major league record by participating in 150 double plays, breaking a 15-year-old record for his position.

Jerry Priddy’s story goes way beyond his retirement in 1953. He grew up alongside future Hall of Famer Phil Rizzuto, served in the military during World War II, and later tried his hand in Hollywood and professional golf. His career shows both the heights of defensive excellence and the complex personality that shaped his relationships with teammates and managers throughout his time in the majors.

Early Life and Amateur Beginnings

Gerald Edward Priddy arrived in Los Angeles on November 9, 1919, born into a working-class family. Money was tight, and those early struggles would shape a lot of his choices later on.

He actually preferred tennis at first, not baseball, but he became a standout athlete at Washington High School and eventually caught the eye of professional scouts.

Family Background and Education

Jerry’s parents, Gerald Howard Priddy and Beatrice Briggs, raised him in Los Angeles. His dad worked as a shipping clerk for a hardware company until someone wrongly accused him of theft, and he lost his job.

The family really struggled during that time. “After a year and a half, after we’d been living on beans and rice, the company discovered the real culprit and asked my father to come back to work,” Jerry later remembered.

The company tried to make it right by offering his father a raise. That experience with false accusations stuck with Jerry, especially when he faced his own legal issues decades later.

Financial stress weighed heavily on the family. When the chance to play professional baseball came up, Jerry left school at 17 because his family needed the money.

High School and Junior American Legion Achievements

Jerry didn’t care much for baseball at first. He liked tennis better because he hated how the ball stung his hand. Eventually, though, he switched to baseball—and he was a natural.

At Washington High School, Jerry starred at two positions. He pitched and played second base, and scouts from all over started to notice.

He didn’t just shine in high school. In Junior American Legion ball, Jerry’s play in amateur leagues showed off his versatility and raw talent.

Key Amateur Achievements:

• Star second baseman and pitcher at Washington High School
• Standout performer in Junior American Legion baseball
• Attracted attention from multiple professional scouts
• Left school at 17 to pursue professional opportunities

Signing with the New York Yankees

New York Yankees scout Bill Essick saw Jerry’s potential and offered him a contract in 1937. The decision to sign wasn’t really about baseball dreams—it was about helping his family.

Jerry took the contract and left high school, joining the Yankees organization. His first stop was with the Class-D Rogers team in Arkansas in 1937, and that’s where his pro journey began.

For a 17-year-old, it was a huge opportunity. The Yankees had one of the best farm systems in baseball, so it was a great place for a young player to develop.

Jerry made an immediate impact in his first professional season. He batted .336 with 25 doubles, 10 triples, and 10 home runs, then went home to finish high school.

Minor League Journey and Partnership with Phil Rizzuto

Jerry Priddy’s minor league career became legendary because of his partnership with Phil Rizzuto. Together, they formed one of baseball’s most celebrated double-play combos. Their journey took them from the Norfolk Tars to the powerhouse Kansas City Blues, where they set records and wowed fans with their defensive skills.

Norfolk Tars Championship Season

Priddy met Phil Rizzuto in 1938 when both joined the Norfolk Tars in the Class-B Piedmont League. Their chemistry clicked immediately.

Rizzuto, just 20, led the team with a .336 batting average. Priddy wasn’t far behind, hitting .323 and proving he belonged at that level.

The two became roommates on the road and were nearly inseparable. One writer even joked that Priddy’s girlfriend would only marry him if Rizzuto didn’t tag along on the honeymoon.

Priddy looked out for Rizzuto, who was a bit timid and from Brooklyn. The confident, 6-foot Priddy helped protect him from the usual rookie pranks and hazing.

Kansas City Blues and the American Association

Their partnership peaked with the Kansas City Blues in 1939 and 1940. Those teams were among the strongest in minor league history.

In 1939, the Blues won 107 games, a record for any American Association team in a 154-game season. Priddy led the team with a .333 batting average and topped the league in total bases.

He packed some power, too: 44 doubles, 15 triples, and 24 home runs. Rizzuto, meanwhile, hit .316 and stole 33 bases, leaning more on speed.

The 1940 season got even better. Priddy hit .306 with 38 doubles, 10 triples, and 16 home runs. Rizzuto was even hotter, batting .347 and winning American Association MVP honors.

Defensive Excellence and Double Play Records

The Priddy-Rizzuto duo set the bar for defensive excellence at Double-A. Their fielding became a talking point all over the league.

Both players led their positions in double plays in 1939. Priddy also led all second basemen in putouts and assists, showing off his range and reliability.

The Kansas City Blues set a team record for double plays in 1940. Priddy and Rizzuto’s partnership was the heart of that achievement.

Yankees management and scouts noticed their defensive skills. Their sparkling defense convinced the organization both players were ready for the big leagues.

Major League Career Overview

Jerry Priddy played 11 seasons in Major League Baseball from 1941 to 1953, making a name for himself as a skilled defensive second baseman. He started with high hopes as a New York Yankees prospect, spent productive years in Washington and St. Louis, and finished with his best numbers in Detroit.

Debut with the New York Yankees

Priddy made his MLB debut on April 17, 1941, at age 21 with the New York Yankees. He showed up alongside shortstop Phil Rizzuto as one of the top prospects in the organization.

Manager Joe McCarthy tried moving All-Star second baseman Joe Gordon to first base to make room for Priddy. The move didn’t pan out—both rookies struggled early.

Priddy hit just .204 in his first 27 games and lost his spot by mid-May. Rizzuto eventually grabbed the shortstop job, but Priddy spent most of 1941 on the bench.

He played only 56 games as a rookie, batting .213. In 1942, he appeared in 59 games and hit .280.

From the start, Priddy had trouble getting along with teammates. He once told Joe Gordon to his face that he was “a better second baseman than him,” which didn’t help team chemistry.

Washington Senators Years

The Yankees traded Priddy to the Washington Senators in January 1943. Manager Ossie Bluege gave him the regular second base job he’d wanted in New York.

Priddy responded with his first solid MLB season, batting .271 with better offensive numbers. The Senators climbed to second place in 1943, and his steady play helped.

His career got interrupted by military service in 1944 and 1945. He served in the Army Air Force and played baseball at Hickam Field in Hawaii.

When he came back in 1946, Priddy put up average offensive numbers but continued to excel defensively. He led all second basemen in assists that year.

The 1947 season was rough—his batting average dropped to .214. Priddy also clashed with teammates and manager Bluege, even refusing to sign a statement supporting the manager.

St. Louis Browns Tenure

The Browns bought Priddy for $35,000 in 1948, which was a big deal for a cash-strapped team. The change of scenery did wonders for him.

He had surgery for a sinus condition that had affected his eyesight during the 1947-48 offseason. He also got hitting tips from home run champ Ralph Kiner.

In 1948, Priddy turned things around. He hit .296 with 40 doubles, 9 triples, and 8 home runs, plus a .391 on-base percentage.

Defensively, he led all major league second basemen in putouts, assists, and double plays. His 1949 season was almost as strong.

The Browns made him their highest-paid player at $24,000 a year. After 1949, they sold him to Detroit for pitcher Lou Kretlow and about $100,000.

Detroit Tigers and Final Seasons

Jerry Priddy joined the Detroit Tigers in 1950 after strong years with the St. Louis Browns. He spent his last four big league seasons in Detroit. His time there was marked by steady play at second base, but a leg injury in 1952 pretty much ended his career. He retired after the 1953 season.

Arrival in Detroit

Priddy landed with the Detroit Tigers in 1950 after two productive seasons in St. Louis. The Tigers brought him in to shore up their middle infield and boost their chances in the American League.

His first season in Detroit looked promising. Priddy became the regular second baseman and contributed on both sides of the ball.

The move to Detroit felt like a fresh start for him. He’d finally found his groove with the Browns after a tough stint in Washington, and the Tigers hoped he’d keep trending upward.

Statistical Highlights and Performance

During his Detroit years, Priddy kept a solid batting average and contributed in several offensive categories. His on-base percentage stayed respectable as he drew walks and put the ball in play.

Priddy’s total bases stayed steady in his early Detroit seasons. His 1950 campaign stood out—he scored 91 runs and drove in 75.

His OPS (on-base plus slugging) showed he was more of a steady contributor than a power threat. He got on base and played reliable defense up the middle.

Retirement in 1953

Priddy’s career took a sharp turn in 1952 when he broke his leg sliding into second base. That injury really started the decline of his major league days.

The broken leg limited how well he could move and play. He played only 91 games in 1952, a big drop from the 141 games he played the year before.

The 1953 season ended up being his last in professional baseball. He managed to appear in just 80 games, struggling with the aftereffects of his injury.

After 11 seasons in Major League Baseball, Priddy decided to retire following the 1953 season. He finished with a batting average of .265, along with 61 home runs and 541 RBIs in 1,296 games.

He spent time with four teams and even served in the military during World War II. Those last years with Detroit really showed his resilience, but also how fast injuries can end a player’s career.

Career Statistics and Playing Style

Jerry Priddy put up impressive defensive numbers and pretty steady offense over his 11-season major league career, from 1941 to 1953. His 18.8 Wins Above Replacement highlight just how much value he brought as a second baseman for four different teams.

Fielding Metrics and Total Zone Rating

Priddy built a reputation as a reliable defensive second baseman. His fielding stats show he handled a tough position with quick reflexes and solid fundamentals.

He racked up a lot of putouts and assists during his time in the majors. Teams like the Detroit Tigers, Washington Senators, St. Louis Browns, and New York Yankees counted on his defense.

Priddy turned double plays and covered ground at second, making him a valuable asset. His steady glove helped him keep starting jobs with several teams over those 11 years.

Offensive Contributions and WAR

Priddy wrapped up his career with a .265 batting average, 1,252 hits, and 61 home runs in 1,296 games. His 18.8 WAR shows he contributed on both sides of the game.

He drove in 541 runs and crossed the plate 612 times. His on-base percentage and total bases prove he could help out offensively, even if he wasn’t a power hitter.

Over his career, Priddy stepped up to the plate 5,428 times, showing he could stay healthy and consistent. For a middle infielder in that era, those offensive numbers were pretty typical.

Notable Season Performances

Priddy played his best ball in the late 1940s and early 1950s. He really shined with the Washington Senators and Detroit Tigers.

His batting average stayed fairly steady through his career. He had a knack for drawing walks and providing reliable offense, which made him valuable to his teams.

He played his final season in 1953 with the Detroit Tigers. Priddy’s steady work at second base helped build his reputation as a dependable big leaguer.

Military Service and Life after Baseball

World War II military service interrupted Jerry Priddy’s baseball career. After baseball, he found both professional success and some personal struggles. His military service took him to the Pacific Theater, and after baseball, he tried new careers in golf and public relations, though things got rocky with legal troubles later on.

World War II Military Commitment

On December 15, 1943, Priddy got called into military service while playing for the Washington Senators. He processed at Fort MacArthur, California, and then the Army Air Force assigned him to McClellan Field on January 14, 1944.

The Army Air Force sent Priddy to Hawaii later that year. He played baseball for the 7th Army Air Force Flyers with Joe DiMaggio, helping keep morale up among the troops in the Pacific.

Priddy played in the Army-Navy Service World Series in October 1944. Those games brought together top pro players serving in different branches, giving the troops some much-needed entertainment.

He left the service on January 15, 1946. While away from the majors, Priddy played winter ball with the semi-pro Rosabell Plumbers in South Pasadena, California, to stay sharp before rejoining the Senators.

Transition from Baseball

After baseball in 1953, Priddy tried a few different things. He kept playing and managing in the Pacific Coast League for a couple more years, staying close to the game as he adjusted to civilian life.

Priddy then became a golf professional on the PGA tour. His experience as an athlete definitely gave him an edge in this new sport.

He also worked as a public relations man. That probably drew on his background as a pro athlete and his people skills. Back then, a lot of former athletes went into PR.

Golf and PR gave Priddy some stability after baseball. He found ways to use his sports reputation and his knack with people in new careers.

Personal Life and Legacy

Priddy spent his later years juggling both success and controversy. He settled down in North Hollywood, California after finishing his baseball and military service.

That neighborhood sat not far from where he was born in Los Angeles. It probably felt a little full circle for him.

In 1973, Priddy landed in serious legal trouble. Authorities accused him of trying to extort $250,000 from a steamship company by threatening to plant a bomb on one of its ships.

A judge convicted him, and the court handed down a nine-month prison sentence. He got out after serving about half that time.

This whole ordeal really cast a shadow over his athletic achievements and whatever he did after baseball. It’s a bit sad, honestly.

On March 3, 1980, Jerry Priddy died of a heart attack at his home in North Hollywood. He was only 60.

He spent his last days in the same general area where his life began, right there in Los Angeles.