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

Jim Hearn’s story feels like one of those wild baseball fairy tales that actually happened. The tall Georgian started out as a third baseman, but then he pulled off one of the sport’s most surprising pitching transformations.

Hearn retired from professional baseball in 1959, wrapping up a 13-season career with 109 wins, a World Series championship, and one of the most dramatic mid-career revivals the game’s ever seen.

What’s so fascinating about Hearn’s journey? He went from being nearly forgotten to star pitcher in what felt like a blink. After struggling with the St. Louis Cardinals and landing on waivers in 1950, the New York Giants picked him up for just $10,000. That move turned out to be a steal, since Hearn soon became the ace of their staff and helped lead them to the 1951 World Series title.

His unexpected switch to pitching in the minors, all the way to his last game in May 1959, spanned some of baseball’s most competitive years. Hearn’s path from college basketball player to big league pitcher gives us a look into how teams developed players back then.

His best years with the Giants really highlight how the right coaching and a good environment can unlock hidden potential in pro athletes.

Early Life and Background

James Tolbert Hearn was born into a middle-class family in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1921, right after World War I. He started out as a college basketball player at Georgia Tech, where he excelled in sports before signing with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1942.

Birth and Family in Atlanta

Jim Hearn was born on April 11, 1921, in Atlanta, Georgia. He was the youngest of six kids, the last child of Raymond and Pearl (Adams) Hearn.

His dad worked as a credit manager, while his mom took care of the kids. The Hearn family had six kids over 13 years, so there were some big age gaps.

They grew up during the Great Depression and lived pretty modestly, but the family stayed close. Despite tough times, the Hearns managed to provide a stable home for their children.

People described the family as tight-knit and of average means. Growing up in those conditions probably helped shape Hearn’s work ethic and determination, traits that served him well in professional baseball.

Education and Georgia Tech Baseball

Hearn went to North Fulton High School in Atlanta, where he played several sports. On the baseball team, he mostly played outfield and third base, but he never pitched in high school.

Basketball was his real love back then. At 6-foot-3, he played center and was good enough to earn a scholarship.

He accepted a basketball scholarship to Georgia Tech, which let him stay near home and pursue both school and sports.

During summers, Hearn played baseball for various semipro teams in central Georgia. That kept his baseball skills sharp, even while he focused on basketball during the school year.

Path to Major League Baseball

Hearn’s pro baseball career started almost by accident at a tournament. After his sophomore year at Georgia Tech, his semipro team went to the National Baseball Congress championships in Wichita, Kansas, in 1941.

St. Louis Cardinals scout Jack Ryan noticed Hearn’s size, agility, and strong arm from third base. Ryan liked what he saw and invited Hearn to St. Louis for a workout at Sportsman’s Park.

The Cardinals let Hearn travel with the team and get a taste of MLB life. “I went out on a road trip with them,” Hearn remembered. “I roomed with the manager, Billy Southworth. Each day I took infield with Johnny Mize, Walker Cooper, and those guys.”

That experience convinced Hearn to sign with the Cardinals in late summer 1941. He went back to Georgia Tech for one more basketball season, then left school in early 1942 to start his pro baseball career.

Major League Debut and Early Career

Jim Hearn’s path to the majors really got rolling in 1947 when he debuted with the St. Louis Cardinals at age 26. His early years included some impressive rookie success, but also some tough stretches that eventually led to his move to the New York Giants in 1950.

Debuting with St. Louis Cardinals

Hearn made his big league debut on April 17, 1947, against the Cincinnati Reds. He pitched three innings in relief during a 9-4 loss, giving up two hits and an unearned run.

Manager Eddie Dyer put Hearn in the bullpen as a spot starter and reliever. The Cardinals’ coaches liked his speed and curveball in spring training, which earned him the nickname “Big Jim.”

With only 301 innings of minor league experience, Hearn surprised everyone by making the opening day roster. His teammates saw his potential, but some wondered if he had the stamina to finish games.

Initial Seasons and Performance

Hearn’s rookie season in 1947 went really well. He won 12 games and posted a 3.22 ERA, which was third-best on the team. His first big league win came on May 11 against the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he pitched four innings of one-hit ball.

Between June 28 and July 26, Hearn pulled off five straight wins. That run included his first career shutout, a three-hitter against Pittsburgh at Forbes Field.

Still, Hearn finished only four of his 21 starts, which was low for that era. Manager Dyer worried about his tendency to tire early in games.

The 1948 and 1949 seasons were rough. Hearn put up a 4.22 ERA in 1948 and got sent down to the Rochester Red Wings in 1949 after control problems and a 5.14 ERA.

Transition to New York Giants

The Cardinals put Hearn on waivers in July 1950 after a rough outing against the Cubs. He gave up ten hits and ten runs in four innings, which basically ended his time in St. Louis.

The New York Giants picked up Hearn for a $10,000 waiver fee on July 10, 1950. Not many people noticed the move, and some wondered if he cared more about golf than baseball.

Manager Leo Durocher didn’t beat around the bush with Hearn, asking, “Jim, they tell me you want to be a golf pro. If you are interested more in golf than pitching, let’s have it right now.”

Hearn’s first start with the Giants on July 17 against Cincinnati turned into a complete-game win, 10-3. That was his longest outing in over two years and marked the start of his career turnaround.

Peak Years with the New York Giants

Jim Hearn’s career really took off after the Giants claimed him in July 1950. Those years with New York, from 1950 to 1956, were packed with World Series games, All-Star honors, and some pretty impressive stats that made him one of the NL’s top pitchers.

World Series Appearances

Hearn played a key role in the Giants’ unforgettable 1951 World Series run. He started and won Game One of the three-game playoff against the Brooklyn Dodgers, which decided the NL pennant.

The Giants had made a wild comeback from 13 games behind to force that playoff. Hearn’s win in the first game helped set up Bobby Thomson’s legendary “Shot Heard ‘Round the World” in Game Three.

In the 1951 World Series against the New York Yankees, Hearn started Game Three. He put together another strong performance to keep the Giants in the fight.

The Giants made it to the 1954 World Series too, while Hearn was still on the team. He wasn’t as central during that run, but he helped the team get there before they swept the Cleveland Indians.

All-Star Selection and Notable Seasons

Hearn’s best year came in 1951, when he went 17-9 with a 3.04 ERA. His 17 wins tied for the team lead and cemented his spot as one of the NL’s top pitchers.

The 1950 season was his breakout after joining the Giants. Even though he started 0-1 with the Cardinals, he went 11-3 with New York and led the NL with a 2.49 ERA.

He dominated in the second half of 1950, throwing 11 complete games in 16 starts. Hearn tossed five shutouts and posted a 1.94 ERA in 125 innings with the Giants.

In 1951, he pitched 211 innings, showing off his durability as a starter. He finished 14 of his 32 starts that year and stayed consistent all season.

Key Contributions to Team Success

Hearn showed up just as the Giants were turning into contenders in the early 1950s. His reliable pitching steadied a rotation that already had Sal Maglie and Larry Jansen.

The Giants finished third in 1950, a big improvement from earlier years. Hearn’s 2.49 ERA led the NL and gave the team a dependable starter.

He picked up 109 career wins, including a bunch of crucial victories for the Giants during their best years. Hearn’s knack for pitching deep into games helped save the bullpen during tight pennant races.

“When I came over from St. Louis I was basically a straight overhand pitcher,” Hearn said. The Giants’ coaches worked with him to develop a three-quarters delivery, which made his fastball tougher to hit.

National League Rankings and Achievements

Hearn’s 2.49 ERA in 1950 put him among the NL’s best pitchers. He did that even after struggling earlier that year with the Cardinals.

He led the National League with five shutouts in 1950, showing he could completely shut down opposing lineups. One of those was a one-hitter against the Pittsburgh Pirates on August 5.

During his Giants years, Hearn regularly ranked near the top for team wins and innings pitched. His durability made him a key part of the rotation from 1950 to 1956.

With the Giants, Hearn’s stats helped boost their team ERA rankings. The Giants kept strong pitching staffs while he was there, often ranking among the NL’s best.

Playing Style and Pitching Statistics

Jim Hearn finished his career with 109 wins and 89 losses over 13 seasons, a 3.81 ERA, and 669 strikeouts. His ability to pitch effectively in crucial games made him a valuable piece for three teams.

Pitching Techniques and Strengths

Hearn became a steady right-handed pitcher after switching from third base early in the minors. He focused on control and consistency, not just blowing batters away with speed.

The big right-hander was especially good at throwing shutouts, leading the National League with five in 1950. That same year, he posted a league-best 2.49 ERA after joining the Giants mid-season.

Hearn’s real strength was pitching well under pressure. He won 17 games during the Giants’ 1951 pennant race, including a key 3-1 win over the Dodgers in the playoff opener.

In the World Series, Hearn showed he could handle the big stage. He beat the Yankees 6-2 in Game Three of the 1951 Series, proving he could come through when it mattered most.

Innings Pitched and Durability

Across his 13-year career from 1947 to 1959, Hearn appeared in 403 games. His durability stood out as one of his best qualities.

Hearn’s workload shifted quite a bit over the years. During his peak with the Giants, he handled big innings totals that kept their rotation steady.

By his final season in 1959 with the Phillies, his stamina had faded. Hearn pitched only 6 games, throwing 11 innings with a 5.73 ERA.

Still, his ability to pitch consistently for more than a decade says a lot about his conditioning and mechanics. He played in an era when teams expected starters to finish games.

Wins and Impactful Games

Hearn’s 109 career wins came from steady, reliable pitching, not just a few dominant seasons. As a rookie with the Cardinals in 1947, he went 12-7 and quickly proved he belonged.

His transformation happened after the Giants claimed him in July 1950. Hearn went 11-3 the rest of that year and earned the nickname “bargain basement beauty” for his value.

The 1951 season was his peak, with 17 wins. His win in the playoff game against the Dodgers helped send the Giants to the World Series.

Key Career Wins:

• 12 wins as a rookie (1947)
• 17 wins during 1951 pennant race
• 109 total career victories

Home Runs and Hits Allowed

Hearn usually did a good job keeping hitters in check during his career. That 3.81 ERA over 13 seasons says a lot about his ability to prevent runs.

In his last season in 1959, Hearn allowed 15 hits across just 11 innings. He gave up 2 home runs in limited action, which really showed how much his effectiveness had faded by then.

Back in his Giants days, he suppressed hits much better. The 1950 season really stands out—he just had excellent control and kept batters off balance, helping him lead the league in ERA.

As Hearn got older, stopping home runs got tougher. His velocity dropped, and power hitters started to take advantage, which honestly nudged him toward retirement after 1959.

Final Playing Years and Retirement in 1959

Jim Hearn finished his Major League career with the Philadelphia Phillies, the organization where it all started for him. Those last years didn’t offer many chances, and he struggled to find his old form before the Phillies released him in May 1959, ending his 13-year run in MLB.

Last Teams and Roles

Hearn wrapped up his MLB time with the Phillies after earlier stints with the St. Louis Cardinals and New York Giants. By then, he’d shifted from regular starter to a more minor role.

The Phillies mostly used him as a veteran presence on the pitching staff. Compared to his Giants years in the early ’50s, his role was much smaller.

At 38, Hearn just wasn’t the same pitcher who led the league in ERA back in 1950. His experience still mattered to the team, but his physical skills had slipped.

The Phillies kept him around partly for his leadership in the clubhouse. Still, he saw less and less action as younger pitchers stepped up.

Final MLB Appearances

Hearn’s 1959 season ended before he could really contribute. The Phillies released him on May 22, 1959, which closed the book on his active playing career.

His stats for that short 1959 season showed the toll of a long career. The guy who once dominated the National League just wasn’t that same force anymore.

He was supposed to pitch again on July 21, 1959, when the Phillies faced the Pirates. But after his May release, he never got that chance.

Hearn finished up with 109 wins and 89 losses in 403 games. His career ERA still stands as proof of years of solid pitching.

Circumstances of Retirement

The Phillies’ decision to release Hearn on May 22, 1959, led directly to his retirement. At 38, he decided not to chase opportunities with other teams.

His release came at a time when MLB teams wanted younger players. The Phillies felt Hearn’s reduced effectiveness just didn’t justify keeping him on the roster.

Hearn didn’t try to make a comeback or head to the minors. He accepted his release as the natural end of his career.

Baseball was changing, and older players like Hearn found it harder to stick around.

Legacy, Recognition, and Net Worth

Jim Hearn’s legacy is really about his remarkable comeback with the New York Giants and his move from baseball into business. His peers respected his grit and competitive edge, and his second act in golf showed he had more than one talent.

Reputation Among Peers

Teammates and opponents respected Hearn for his turnaround with the Giants. After some rough patches with the Cardinals, he became a dominant pitcher, which surprised a lot of people in the baseball world.

Giants manager Leo Durocher once questioned Hearn’s commitment to baseball over golf. But Hearn’s performance quickly changed that view. His 11-14 record with a 2.49 ERA in 1950 after joining the Giants earned him the “Miracle Man” nickname from New York World Telegram sportswriter Dan Daniel.

Teammates called him “Big Jim” because of his 6-foot-3 frame. He came through in big moments, pitching Game One of the 1951 playoff against the Dodgers and Game Three of the World Series against the Yankees, which really cemented his reputation as a clutch pitcher.

Kirby Higbe, the Dodgers’ star pitcher, watched Hearn pitch in the Philippines during military service and called him “ready for the big leagues.”

Career Impact and Influence

Hearn’s career showed the value of perseverance in pro sports. His transformation from a struggling Cardinal to a key Giants pitcher remains one of MLB’s better comeback stories.

His best year was probably 1951, when he won crucial games during the Giants’ famous late-season run. The team won 38 of their last games to force a playoff with the Dodgers. Hearn’s performance in that playoff helped the Giants snag the NL pennant.

He racked up 109 wins over 13 seasons, pitching for the Cardinals, Giants, and Phillies. Reinventing his delivery with the Giants’ coaches really paid off—sometimes, the right instruction makes all the difference.

Hearn’s success with the Giants made the Cardinals’ decision to let him go look pretty questionable. Manager Eddie Dyer later admitted, “We must have run out of patience too soon” after seeing Hearn shine in New York.

Post-Baseball Life

After leaving baseball in 1959, Hearn jumped right into business. He opened the Jim Hearn Golf Center in 1961, combining his love for golf with a bit of entrepreneurial spirit.

The golf center became his main focus for almost thirty years. He ran the place until he retired in 1988, showing the same dedication he’d brought to baseball. That 27-year business career proved he could succeed beyond the diamond.

Funny enough, the golf background that once seemed like a distraction from baseball became the foundation for his next chapter. Hearn’s business skills let him build a steady life after his playing days ended.

His move from pro athlete to business owner went smoother than it does for most. The golf center gave him both steady income and a sense of satisfaction for nearly three decades.

Net Worth and Later Years

We don’t really know the exact details about Hearn’s net worth, but it’s safe to say his golf center business probably gave him a solid financial footing. Back in 1951, he earned around $16,000 playing baseball, which was a big jump from the $8,500 he got the year before.

He ran the Jim Hearn Golf Center for 27 years. That kind of longevity hints the business did pretty well.

Golf lessons and managing the facility brought him steady money while he was retired. Hearn lived until June 10, 1998, and passed away at 77.

He got to enjoy almost forty years of retirement after he wrapped up his baseball career in 1959. His money came from both his baseball days and his ventures off the field.

Between his MLB pension and the income from the golf center, he probably had a pretty comfortable retirement.