Joe DeMaestri – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Joe DeMaestri played eleven seasons in Major League Baseball as a shortstop, moving through five different teams before finally hanging up his cleats after the 1961 season. Folks called him “Froggy” and “Oats,” and honestly, DeMaestri fit the mold of that classic defensive specialist—he made his mark with a steady glove, not with eye-popping offensive numbers.

From 1951 to 1961, DeMaestri suited up for the Chicago White Sox, St. Louis Browns, Philadelphia/Kansas City Athletics, and New York Yankees, finishing his career with a World Series championship in pinstripes. His journey took him from struggling teams in the early ’50s to the top of the baseball world, giving him a front-row seat to the game’s evolution during that decade.

Let’s take a look at DeMaestri’s path as a player, his connections with legendary teammates and managers, and the impact he left on the clubs he played for. He had some standout moments, like that wild six-hit game in 1955 and his role on championship squads. DeMaestri’s story really reflects the kind of dedication and grit that defined baseball’s golden age.

Career Overview and Teams

Joe DeMaestri spent 11 seasons in Major League Baseball from 1951 to 1961, making stops with four different organizations as a skilled defensive shortstop. He broke in with the Chicago White Sox, slogged through tough years with the St. Louis Browns, hit his stride with the Philadelphia/Kansas City Athletics, and wrapped things up with some championship runs on the New York Yankees.

Chicago White Sox Debut and Early Years

DeMaestri got his shot in pro baseball when the Chicago White Sox picked him in the Rule 5 draft on November 16, 1950, after the Boston Red Sox left him unprotected. Manager Paul Richards liked DeMaestri’s versatility and said, “DeMaestri definitely has ended our worries about a reserve shortstop behind Chico Carrasquel.”

During his 1951 rookie season, DeMaestri worked as a utility infielder. He filled in at second, third, and shortstop, hitting .266 in limited action that September.

He cracked his first career home run on the last day of the 1951 season, a two-run shot off St. Louis pitcher Ned Garver in the fourth inning.

Even though he filled his role well, DeMaestri’s stint in Chicago lasted just one year. The White Sox shipped him to the St. Louis Browns in an eight-player deal after the season.

St. Louis Browns Experience

The St. Louis Browns brought in DeMaestri to back up veteran Marty Marion, who had landed with the team after the Cardinals let him go. The 1952 season turned out rough for DeMaestri under manager Rogers Hornsby.

DeMaestri didn’t mince words about Hornsby, calling him “the worst manager and worst person I ever played for.” That rocky relationship definitely hurt his performance.

When Marion took over for Hornsby mid-season, he said he believed in DeMaestri’s potential and would work to develop him as his replacement at shortstop.

1952 Season Statistics:

• Games: 53 starts
• Batting Average: .226
• At-Bats: 186

DeMaestri struggled to find any rhythm, getting bounced around the lineup. The Browns traded him back to the White Sox for shortstop Willie Miranda on October 16, 1952.

Philadelphia and Kansas City Athletics Transition

Things finally started looking up when the White Sox dealt DeMaestri to the Philadelphia Athletics with Eddie Robinson and Ed McGhee on January 27, 1953. He reunited with Robinson and Gus Zernial under manager Jimmy Dykes.

The Athletics handed DeMaestri his first real shot as a starting shortstop. After Eddie Joost went down with a nasty ankle and knee injury on June 19, 1953, DeMaestri took over for the rest of the year.

He really stepped up in Philadelphia, putting up career highs with a .255 average and 17 doubles in 1953. DeMaestri enjoyed playing for Dykes, especially after his awful experience with Hornsby.

Kansas City Years (1955-1959):

When the Athletics moved to Kansas City in 1955, DeMaestri welcomed the change. He once said, “the fans who watched us in Municipal Stadium were polite, win or lose,” and he genuinely respected their baseball smarts.

Manager Lou Boudreau helped DeMaestri become one of the American League’s best defensive shortstops. Boudreau, a Hall of Fame shortstop himself, taught DeMaestri a lot.

DeMaestri credited Boudreau for showing him advanced positioning and defensive tricks. He said, “Boudreau helped me more than anybody. He taught me how to play shortstop.”

Defensive Excellence:

• Led AL shortstops in fielding percentage (.980) in both 1957 and 1958
• Selected as an All-Star in 1957
• Ranked among the league’s top shortstops with Tony Kubek and Luis Aparicio

By 1959, DeMaestri was the last player left from the Philadelphia Athletics era still wearing a Kansas City uniform.

Final Seasons with New York Yankees

The Kansas City Athletics traded DeMaestri to the New York Yankees on December 11, 1959, along with Roger Maris and Kent Hadley. In return, Norm Siebern, Marv Throneberry, Hank Bauer, and Don Larsen headed to Kansas City.

With the Yankees, DeMaestri’s job changed a lot—he backed up Tony Kubek. The veteran Yankees made it clear what they expected, and DeMaestri understood the winning culture right away.

His playing time dropped to just 35 at-bats in 1960, the lowest of his career. Still, DeMaestri reached his first World Series in his tenth big league season.

1960 World Series Performance:

• Played in Game One against the Pittsburgh Pirates
• Picked up a hit and scored a run in the Yankees’ 16-3 blowout
• Used mostly as a defensive sub

The Yankees captured the 1961 American League pennant and took down the Cincinnati Reds in the World Series. DeMaestri didn’t get into the 1961 Series and played only 30 games that regular season.

Final Season Statistics (1961):

• Games: 30
• Batting Average: .146
• At-Bats: 41

After the 1961 season, DeMaestri called it a career. He finished with a .236 batting average, 49 home runs, and 281 RBIs over 1,121 games.

Major Career Highlights and Achievements

Joe DeMaestri’s 11 years in the majors included a 1957 All-Star selection and a spot on the Yankees’ 1961 World Series champion team. His most unforgettable game came in 1955 when he pulled off the rare feat of six hits in one game.

1957 All-Star Selection and Recognition

DeMaestri made his only All-Star team in 1957 while playing for Kansas City. He was at his defensive best then, leading AL shortstops in fielding percentage.

His defensive skills really shined in 1957 and 1958. He posted matching .980 fielding percentages both years, putting himself among the league’s most reliable shortstops with Tony Kubek and Luis Aparicio.

Defensive Leadership:

• Led AL shortstops in fielding percentage (.980) in 1957 and 1958
• Considered one of the top three shortstops in the American League
• Teammate Vic Raschi called him “the most under-rated player on the team”

DeMaestri didn’t play in the 1957 All-Star Game, but getting picked was the highlight of his individual achievements.

World Series Appearances and Impact

DeMaestri played in two World Series with the Yankees, in 1960 and 1961. He mostly backed up Tony Kubek, so he didn’t see much time, but he still contributed to the 1961 championship run.

In the 1960 World Series against Pittsburgh, DeMaestri picked up a hit and scored a run in Game One’s 16-3 win. That series ended in wild fashion when Bill Mazeroski hit his famous walk-off homer to give Pittsburgh the crown in Game Seven.

World Series Statistics:

• 1960: 2 at-bats, 1 hit, 1 run scored
• 1961: World Series champion with the Yankees

After the 1961 title, DeMaestri decided to retire at age 33. He walked away with a ring, even though he probably could’ve kept playing and was still earning a decent paycheck.

Defining Games and Historic Moments

DeMaestri’s biggest day came on July 8, 1955, when he joined the six-hit club. Playing for Kansas City against Detroit at Briggs Stadium, he went six-for-six—all singles.

“You don’t forget the kind of nights like that,” DeMaestri said. “The reason that night sticks in my mind so much is my first time up I remember hitting a line drive to right field.”

He led off four different innings with hits that game. DeMaestri became the 34th player in major league history to rack up six hits in a single game.

Notable Career Moments:

• Six hits in six at-bats (July 8, 1955)
• Game-winning single in a three-run ninth inning comeback vs. Detroit (July 2, 1960)
• Final career stats: .236 average, 813 hits, 49 home runs

Even if the bat didn’t always cooperate, DeMaestri’s steady glove and a few unforgettable moments shaped his MLB legacy.

Statistical Performance and Playing Style

Joe DeMaestri’s stats show a guy who put defense first, ending with a .236 batting average over 1,121 games from 1951 to 1961. His standout defensive skills earned him a reputation as one of the AL’s best shortstops in the late ’50s.

Runs, Hits, and Home Runs

DeMaestri piled up 813 hits in his 11-year career, averaging about 74 a season. His offense stayed steady but never flashy, no matter which team he played for.

He hit 49 career home runs, which wasn’t much, but that’s just how the game was back then—contact over power. His first homer came on the last day of the 1951 season, a two-run shot off Ned Garver.

That six-for-six day against Detroit on July 8, 1955, stands out as his best offensive showing. All six hits were singles, and he became just the thirty-fourth player in big league history to do it.

DeMaestri drove in 281 RBIs and scored runs at a steady clip. His 114 doubles showed he could find the gaps and move runners along when needed.

OPS, WAR, and Advanced Metrics

DeMaestri finished with a career OPS of .599, pretty much what you’d expect from a defense-first shortstop in his era. His on-base and slugging numbers fit right in with other middle infielders of the 1950s.

They didn’t track WAR back then, but DeMaestri’s defense clearly added value beyond what the numbers say. He handled tough plays and brought consistency to the shortstop spot.

If you look at advanced stats, DeMaestri’s defensive reliability and durability would’ve scored well. He played all over the infield early on, then settled in as a regular shortstop.

His numbers really fit the old “good field, no hit” label that stuck to so many defensive specialists in those days.

Defensive Skills as a Shortstop

DeMaestri built his career around defensive excellence. He led American League shortstops in fielding percentage during both 1957 and 1958 with identical .980 marks.

His career fielding percentage of .967 at shortstop even beat the league averages for the position.

Cleveland Hall of Fame shortstop Lou Boudreau mentored DeMaestri during his Kansas City years. “Boudreau helped me more than anybody,” DeMaestri said.

“He taught me how to play shortstop, how to shorten up and cut off ground balls and how to play the hitters.” That kind of guidance really stuck.

DeMaestri’s defensive reputation got him selected for the 1957 All-Star Game as the Athletics’ representative. He didn’t get into the game, but teammate Vic Raschi still pointed him out, saying, “There is the most under-rated player on the team.”

DeMaestri threw with a strong, accurate arm, letting him play deeper than a lot of shortstops. He handled routine plays easily and made tough defensive plays look like no big deal—teams valued that a lot.

Personal Life and Legacy After Retirement

After baseball, DeMaestri moved into the family business, working with his dad at their beverage distribution company. He stayed close to his Bay Area roots.

He spent his post-baseball years focused on his family. One thing he regretted: missing the 1962 World Series at Candlestick Park as a fan.

Transition to Business and Family Life

DeMaestri retired from baseball in 1961 and joined his father Silvio at DeMaestri Distributing Company in 1962. The beverage business provided a steady paycheck, which was a big change from his old baseball salary of $15,000 per year.

He had actually started preparing for that move back in 1959 when his dad launched the company. During the off-seasons, he’d come back to Marin County and work other jobs to make ends meet.

The family eventually sold the business in 1991 after running it for almost thirty years. That success helped DeMaestri support his wife Margot and their three kids, including Joe DeMaestri Jr. and Donna Pelpz.

He really leaned into the suburban American dream of the ’60s. Golf became a passion—he played at Marin Country Club on weekends.

He also loved poker games with friends and family barbecues.

Connection to Marin County and San Rafael

After retiring, DeMaestri moved his family to Marin Country Club in Ignacio, really cementing his status as a lifelong Marin resident. He was born in San Francisco in 1928, but his family moved to San Anselmo when he was young.

He attended Tamalpais High School, where he first stood out on the baseball team. His father Silvio knew a lot of local baseball folks, including the DiMaggio family from North Beach.

DeMaestri spent his last years at Drake Terrace retirement community in Terra Linda. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 26, 2016, at age 87 in San Rafael.

The memorial service took place at Keaton’s Mortuary on E Street in San Rafael. Afterward, friends and family gathered at San Rafael Joe’s restaurant to celebrate his life.

Locals remembered him as both a baseball star and a devoted family man.

Personal Reflections and Regrets

One thing that always nagged at DeMaestri: missing the 1962 World Series at Candlestick Park between his old team, the Yankees, and the Giants. He had retired just a year before, after an eleven-year career.

Not getting to see a Series in his hometown really stung. Still, DeMaestri did have a World Series ring from the Yankees’ 1961 championship over the Reds.

He made a gesture that says a lot about him—he chose to get a women’s World Series ring for his wife Margot instead of a second ring for himself. “He got the women’s ring for my mom,” remembered Joe DeMaestri Jr.

His daughter Donna Pelpz said he was “absolutely unconditionally loving of everyone.” Even though fan mail still showed up, his kids thought of him more as a family man than a baseball star.

Notable Teammates, Anecdotes, and Relationships

Joe DeMaestri spent eleven years in the majors, crossing paths with legends and earning the nickname “Froggy” as he moved between teams. He went from the Chicago White Sox to the Yankees, connecting with Hall of Famers and championship rosters.

Nickname Froggy and Personality

People called DeMaestri “Froggy” during his playing days, though no one seems to remember exactly why. Teammates and coaches always described him as a steady clubhouse presence who fit in wherever he landed.

As he moved from team to team, DeMaestri kept up strong relationships with fellow players. At Kansas City, he bonded with guys like Vic Power and Hector Lopez—manager Lou Boudreau thought they made an above-average infield.

Even years later, his personality came through in interviews. When he remembered his six-hit game in 1955, DeMaestri showed how much he valued those rare offensive highlights. “The reason that night sticks in my mind so much is my first time up I remember hitting a line drive to right field,” he said.

Trades and Franchise Moves

DeMaestri’s career involved a lot of moving around. He played for five different teams: the Chicago White Sox, St. Louis Browns, Kansas City Athletics, and finally the Yankees.

The biggest trade came in December 1959, when Kansas City sent him to New York along with Roger Maris and Kent Hadley. In return, the Athletics got Norm Siebern, Marv Throneberry, Hank Bauer, and Don Larsen.

That deal was one of 19 trades between Kansas City and New York while Arnold Johnson owned the Athletics. DeMaestri later admitted that the Athletics basically acted as a Yankees farm team. He said Kansas City fans “were so excited to get a major league team, and we had a lot of pride being that team.”

Association with Iconic Baseball Figures

Playing with the Yankees, DeMaestri found himself surrounded by legends like Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, and Whitey Ford. On his first day in pinstripes, veteran teammates told him, “Joe, when you walk out on that field, you are screwing around with our money.”

Manager Casey Stengel used DeMaestri as Tony Kubek’s backup during the 1960 World Series against Pittsburgh. In Game Seven, DeMaestri thought he’d go in as a defensive replacement but ended up on the bench while Bill Mazeroski hit his famous walk-off homer.

His relationship with Lou Boudreau back in Kansas City shaped him the most. “Boudreau helped me more than anybody,” DeMaestri said. “He taught me how to play shortstop.” With Boudreau’s help, DeMaestri led American League shortstops in fielding percentage in both 1957 and 1958.

Joe DeMaestri’s Enduring Influence and Recognition

Joe DeMaestri’s impact on baseball didn’t end when he stopped playing. People still recognize him as a skilled defensive shortstop and a World Series champ.

His story pops up in baseball circles now and then, through honors and the occasional media feature.

Honors and Lasting Impact

Getting picked as an All-Star in 1957 stands out as a top honor for DeMaestri. He represented the Kansas City Athletics during their early days in Missouri.

His defensive skills earned him American League fielding titles at shortstop in both 1957 and 1958.

Winning the 1961 World Series with the Yankees was probably his biggest team achievement. DeMaestri played on a legendary Yankees roster that included Mantle, Berra, and Ford.

He didn’t appear in the Series, but his regular season work helped get them there.

That six-hit game on July 8, 1955, put him in the record books as the 34th player in major league history to do it. All six hits were singles, and it happened during a game between the Athletics and the Tigers.

After he retired in 1961, DeMaestri settled in San Rafael, California. He worked with his dad at DeMaestri Distributing Company until they sold the business in 1991.

Mentions in Baseball Literature and Media

Writers and researchers have covered DeMaestri’s career in plenty of baseball publications. The Society for American Baseball Research even uses his story to show what a “good field, no hit” player looks like.

He earned respect for his defensive skills and steady play, making himself a valuable utility player over 11 seasons.

Baseball historians like to bring up his role as the last Philadelphia Athletics player left on the roster when the team moved to Kansas City. That detail connects him to a pretty significant moment in franchise history, doesn’t it?

You’ll find his memorable quotes about playing for the Yankees in various interviews and articles. DeMaestri once remembered teammates telling him, “When you walk out on that field, you are screwing around with our money,” which really says a lot about the Yankees’ championship mindset.