Jim Delsing – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Jim Delsing spent a decade in Major League Baseball, quietly making a name for himself as a reliable outfielder during the 1940s and 1950s.

He was born in the small town of Rudolph, Wisconsin, back in 1925. At just 16, Delsing signed his first pro contract with Green Bay of the Wisconsin State League.

His journey through the minors hit a pause when he served in World War II. But he came back determined to reach the top of professional baseball.

Delsing retired from Major League Baseball in 1960 after his last season with the Kansas City Athletics, wrapping up a career that spanned five teams and included some pretty memorable moments with pennant-winning squads. His .255 career batting average doesn’t exactly leap off the page, but there’s more to his story than stats. From his breakthrough with the Chicago White Sox in 1948 to his standout offensive year with the Detroit Tigers in 1953—when he hit .288 with 11 home runs and 62 RBIs—Delsing really experienced the full range of pro baseball.

During his career, Delsing played with some of baseball’s biggest legends and saw pivotal moments in the sport’s history. He spent time with the New York Yankees during their 1949 pennant race, had years as a regular starter with the St. Louis Browns, and built relationships with teammates and opponents that paint a vivid picture of baseball in one of its most exciting eras.

Even after he hung up his cleats, Delsing stayed connected to the game and its fans for years.

Early Life and Path to Professional Baseball

Jim Delsing’s journey from a Wisconsin dairy farm to Major League Baseball started in the small town of Rudolph. There, he honed athletic skills that eventually led to a professional contract at age 16.

Military service during World War II interrupted his path to the majors, but it added maturity and strength to his athletic foundation.

Childhood and High School in Rudolph, Wisconsin

James Henry Delsing was born November 13, 1925, in Rudolph, Wisconsin, to Ben and Barbara Delsing.

He grew up on a dairy farm with his sister Clairbel in that small rural community.

At Rudolph High School, Delsing starred as a guard on the basketball team. The school only had about 100 students in grades nine through twelve, which didn’t leave many options for sports.

“All we had was one main room, a few classrooms, and a gymnasium,” Delsing recalled in a 1994 interview. “So basketball was our big sport. We did not have enough guys for baseball. We didn’t even have football.”

Even though the high school didn’t offer baseball, Delsing still found ways to play. At 16, in 1942, he joined the Moland Truckers of the Wisconsin Valley League, a semipro team in nearby Stevens Point. Players got meal money for trips, and that was about it.

Signing with Green Bay Bluejays

Delsing’s play with the Stevens Point team got the attention of scout Eddie Kotel.

He played against other teenagers who would eventually go pro, including future NFL star Elroy “Crazylegs” Hirsch, which really showed off his athletic potential.

Kotel offered Delsing a contract with Green Bay of the Class D Wisconsin State League in 1942. After his junior year of high school, the 16-year-old joined Green Bay for the second half of the season.

He played shortstop and struggled defensively, but at the plate, he showed some promise. Delsing hit .249 with 43 hits in 173 at-bats, including 12 doubles, four triples, and three home runs, driving in 30 runs.

His fielding was rough—he made 28 errors for a .867 fielding percentage.

“I made a lot of errors,” Delsing remembered. “I either kicked the ball away, or I threw it away. I think I made more errors throwing than I did any other way.”

Impact of World War II Military Service

After graduating from Rudolph High School in June 1943, Delsing headed to Lockport, New York, in the Class D Pony League.

He improved a lot, batting .312 with 69 RBIs and moving from the infield to the outfield.

Milwaukee bought his contract, and he made the Brewers’ roster at spring training in 1944. But his baseball career got interrupted when he received his draft notice and joined the Army in April 1944.

The Army assigned Delsing to the 95th Evacuation Hospital of the Army Medical Corps. He served for over a year in the European Theater during World War II, coming home in late 1945.

The military service actually helped his baseball development. He gained strength, speed, and maturity, adding to his 5-foot-10, 175-pound frame.

That foundation would help him when he returned to pro baseball in 1946.

Major League Baseball Debut and Early Years

Jim Delsing’s big league career kicked off with the Chicago White Sox in 1948, after five seasons in the minors.

His early years saw him traded between struggling teams, but he eventually found success with the New York Yankees.

Chicago White Sox Debut in 1948

Delsing made his major league debut on April 21, 1948, at age 22 with the Chicago White Sox.

The team had a rough season, finishing last in the American League with a 51-101 record.

His first appearance came in a 4-3 loss to the Detroit Tigers. Delsing went up to pinch-hit for pitcher Orval Grove in the seventh inning, but when Detroit brought in lefty Stubby Overmire, manager Ted Lyons pulled Delsing for right-handed batter Ralph Weigel.

Delsing’s first major league start happened on April 25 in left field against St. Louis. He picked up two singles and drove in three runs in four at-bats, though Chicago lost 7-6.

The rookie struggled to adjust to major league pitching. He played in just 20 games and hit .190 with 12 hits in 63 at-bats, none for extra bases.

Within a month, the White Sox sent him back to Hollywood of the Pacific Coast League. There, he bounced back with a .333 average in 122 games.

Trade to New York Yankees

The White Sox traded Delsing to the New York Yankees on December 14, 1948, for outfielder Steve Souchock.

This move ended up being a good thing for Delsing’s career.

The Yankees sent him to Kansas City in the Triple-A American Association for the 1949 season. He became the regular center fielder and led the team’s regulars with a .317 batting average.

New York called him up in September 1949 as the team battled Boston for the pennant. Joe DiMaggio was sick with a virus, opening a spot for Delsing.

He played nine games for the Yankees and hit .350 with seven hits in 20 at-bats. Delsing hit his first major league home run on September 28 against Philadelphia’s Joe Coleman.

That home run helped the Yankees win a crucial 7-5 victory. New York trailed Boston by one game with three games left in the regular season.

Notable Teammates and Trades

Delsing found himself on a Yankees roster full of talent. The outfield included Johnny Lindell, Hank Bauer, Cliff Mapes, Gene Woodling, Tommy Henrich, Jackie Jensen, and, of course, DiMaggio.

Even after his September success, Delsing couldn’t play in the World Series because he joined the team too late. The Yankees still voted him a partial World Series share, which he used for his wedding expenses.

Spring training in 1950 showed there weren’t many chances with all those outfielders. On June 15, 1950, the Yankees traded Delsing to the St. Louis Browns in a big deal.

The trade sent Snuffy Stirnweiss, Don Johnson, and Duane Pillette to St. Louis. The Browns gave up relief pitchers Tom Ferrick and Sid Schacht, starter Joe Ostrowski, and infielder Leo Thomas to New York.

Delsing welcomed the trade. He became a regular in St. Louis and hit .269 in his first year. The move gave him the playing time he needed to grow in the majors.

Career Highlights and Key Moments

Jim Delsing’s decade in the majors included some truly memorable moments that secured his spot in baseball history.

His 1953 season with Detroit was his best, and his defense in the outfield got noticed throughout his career.

Pinch-Running for Eddie Gaedel and Baseball History

Delsing became part of baseball folklore on August 19, 1951, when he pinch-ran for Eddie Gaedel—the 3-foot-7 midget who famously walked in his only major league at-bat.

Playing for the St. Louis Browns, Delsing entered the game after Gaedel drew a walk from Detroit Tigers pitcher Bob Cain.

Browns owner Bill Veeck orchestrated the stunt as a publicity move. After Gaedel walked on four straight pitches, Delsing immediately replaced him as a pinch-runner.

This moment stands out as one of the most unusual plays in baseball history.

The game took place during a doubleheader at Sportsman’s Park in St. Louis. Delsing later scored during the inning, making him the player who directly benefited from baseball’s most famous promotional stunt.

American League president Will Harridge quickly banned Gaedel from further participation, but the moment stayed a highlight of Delsing’s career with the Browns.

Best Year: 1953 Season

Delsing’s best season came in 1953 with the Detroit Tigers, where he posted career-high numbers across the board.

He batted .288 with 11 home runs and 62 RBIs in 138 games, showing he could be a reliable everyday player.

His .288 average was a big jump from previous years. The 11 home runs matched his career best, and the 62 RBIs were a personal high.

Delsing played mostly centerfield and appeared in nearly every Tigers game that year. His steady performance helped stabilize Detroit’s outfield during a solid season.

That 1953 performance came after his trade from the Browns to Detroit in late 1952. The new environment clearly helped his hitting and confidence at the plate.

Fielding Achievements and Stats

Delsing turned into an excellent defensive outfielder, even though he struggled as an infielder in the minors. His speed and instincts made him especially good in center field.

He actually asked to move from the infield to the outfield while still in the minors. Early on, he had trouble with errors at shortstop and third base.

The switch to the outfield let him use his speed and develop a better feel for defense.

As a centerfielder, Delsing covered a lot of ground and judged fly balls well. His arm was decent, if not amazing, but he rarely made mental mistakes and always seemed to know where to be.

Teams valued his defensive reliability. His ability to play all three outfield spots made him a useful utility player, especially later in his career when his offense declined.

Transitions Between Teams and Late Career

Delsing’s last decade in pro baseball included several team changes and a constant push to keep his big league spot.

His journey took him from the Yankees to the Browns, then to Detroit, and finally to Kansas City before he retired in 1960.

Trade to St. Louis Browns

On June 15, 1950, the Yankees traded Delsing to the St. Louis Browns in a multi-player deal.

The transaction included George Stirnweiss, Don Johnson, and Duane Pillette going to St. Louis, while the Browns sent Tom Ferrick, Sid Schacht, Joe Ostrowski, and Leo Thomas to New York.

The trade gave Delsing more playing time. He became a regular starter in St. Louis after struggling to find opportunities with the Yankees’ crowded outfield.

“I became a regular in St. Louis, and I ended up hitting .269 the first year,” Delsing recalled.

With the Browns, Delsing played alongside Ned Garver and other teammates. He appeared in 69 games that first season in St. Louis, batting .263 for the Browns’ portion of the 1950 season.

His performance included five doubles and two triples with 15 RBI.

Delsing stayed with St. Louis through August 1952. During that time, he built a reputation as a steady outfielder and contributed to the team’s daily lineup.

His most famous moment with the Browns came on August 19, 1951, when he pinch-ran for Eddie Gaedel in one of baseball’s most unforgettable publicity stunts.

Detroit Tigers Tenure

In late 1952, Delsing joined the Detroit Tigers and spent the next three seasons with them. Those years turned out to be some of the best of his major league career.

He played as a regular starter, usually in center field for Detroit.

Delsing’s best full season came in 1953 with the Tigers. He hit .288 with 11 home runs and 62 RBI, all career highs that really showed what he could do at the plate.

That season stands out as the peak of his time in the majors.

During his Detroit years, Delsing took the field with a rotating cast of teammates in both the outfield and infield. His steady play made him a reliable part of the Tigers’ lineup.

Detroit gave him the regular playing time he’d struggled to find with other teams.

On June 25, 1953, Delsing started in center field but then gave way to Al Kaline, who made his major league debut that day. Delsing’s career intersected with Kaline’s right at the start of the Hall of Famer’s journey.

He stayed with Detroit through the 1955 season, then moved on to his last shot in the majors.

Time with Kansas City Athletics and Retirement

After Detroit, Delsing landed in the minors from 1956 to 1959. He played for teams in the American Association—Indianapolis, Charleston, Houston, and Dallas-Fort Worth.

He kept grinding, hoping for another chance in the big leagues.

In 1960, the Kansas City Athletics finally called him up. Delsing got into 16 games, hit .250, and wrapped up his major league days.

That brief stint closed out his 10-year run in the majors.

Career Statistics Summary:

• Batting Average: .255
• Home Runs: 40
• RBI: 286
• Games Played: 10 seasons (1948-1960)

Delsing retired from professional baseball in 1960 at age 35. He bounced around several teams, both in the majors and minors.

He walked away with a reputation as a dependable outfielder who squeezed every bit out of his talent.

Relationships with Legendary Players

Jim Delsing crossed paths with several baseball legends. He replaced Al Kaline in Detroit’s lineup and ended up in trades with big names like Snuffy Stirnweiss and Joe Ostrowski.

Replacing and Playing Alongside Al Kaline

Delsing’s most memorable connection with a Hall of Famer happened during his Detroit years. He often found himself sharing the outfield with a young Al Kaline, who’d become one of the game’s all-time greats.

The situation put the veteran Delsing and the up-and-coming Kaline in a sort of mentor-mentee dynamic. Kaline was still finding his way, while Delsing offered a steady veteran presence in Detroit’s outfield.

In 1953, Delsing delivered his best major league season, batting .288 with 11 home runs and 62 RBI. He did this while playing alongside—and sometimes instead of—Kaline, who was just getting started.

The two outfielders represented different points in their careers. Delsing’s experience balanced Kaline’s potential and raw talent.

Interactions with Other Notable Players

When Delsing landed in St. Louis after a 1950 trade, he met several notable players. The Yankees sent him over in a deal that included infielder Snuffy Stirnweiss and pitcher Joe Ostrowski.

In St. Louis, Delsing shared the field with sluggers like Vic Wertz and Don Lenhardt. Both were key offensive contributors for the Browns.

These relationships helped Delsing finally become a regular after bouncing around earlier in his career.

The Browns also had pitcher Marlin Stuart, another veteran who, like Delsing, made his way through several organizations. Playing with established guys like these gave Delsing valuable insights into staying in the game.

His brief stint with the Yankees included time with legends like Joe DiMaggio during the 1949 pennant race. Delsing filled in when DiMaggio was sidelined by illness, which must have been a wild experience.

Life After Major League Baseball

Jim Delsing kept playing in the minor leagues through 1960. Later, his family made their own mark in professional sports.

He spent his final years in Missouri and kept in touch with the baseball community.

Minor League Play and Involvement in the American Association

After his big league days ended in 1956, Delsing returned to the minors. From 1957 to 1960, he played in the American Association.

He suited up for Indianapolis, Charleston, Houston, and Dallas-Fort Worth during that stretch.

In 1960, his persistence finally paid off. The Kansas City Athletics called him back to the majors for one last shot.

He played 16 games and hit .250—his final big league run.

Making it back to the majors at age 34 wasn’t easy. Most players don’t get that second chance.

Delsing’s comeback, short as it was, showed just how much he still had to offer.

Family Sporting Legacy

Delsing’s athletic streak didn’t end with him. His son Jay Delsing became a professional golfer and played on the PGA Tour starting in the mid-1980s.

That shift from baseball to golf was a pretty big leap for the family.

The next generation kept it going too. Delsing’s grandson Taylor Twellman found big success in soccer.

Twellman earned the MVP award in Major League Soccer in 2005, playing for the New England Revolution.

Three generations, three different sports—now that’s a family with some serious athletic chops.

From Jim Delsing’s baseball journey to golf and soccer, the family managed to keep their name in the spotlight for decades.

Post-Retirement Life and Community Activities

After he retired from professional baseball in 1960, Delsing settled down in Missouri. He made his home in Chesterfield, where he spent his later years.

His wife, Roseanne, mentioned that fans sent them several letters every day. People really remembered his major league career and wanted to reach out.

Delsing took the time to answer fan mail and autograph requests himself. He liked signing what players from his era called “bubblegum cards” for collectors and admirers.

You could tell he stayed connected to baseball fans, even long after he finished playing. That sort of loyalty isn’t so common these days, is it?

He passed away on May 4, 2006, in Chesterfield at age 80. His life covered nearly two decades in professional baseball, and his sporting legacy still lives on through his family.