Les Moss – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Les Moss wrapped up his 13-year Major League Baseball career in 1958, taking just two plate appearances for the Chicago White Sox. That quiet finish closed a journey he’d started back in 1946 with the St. Louis Browns.

Born John Lester Moss in Tulsa, Oklahoma, he built a steady career as a backup catcher. People often pointed to his weak offensive stats and his slow speed, but he still found ways to stick around.

Moss played 824 games across his MLB career, compiling a .247 batting average with 63 home runs and 276 RBIs while catching for four different teams. His glove work behind the plate kept teams interested, even when he struggled at bat, especially in the early days when he hit just .157 in his first full season with the Browns.

Les Moss’s story stretches well beyond his playing days. He built a remarkable second act in coaching, managing, and scouting, working in baseball for decades after he hung up his spikes.

He started out as a teenage signee who hitchhiked to Los Angeles with just $5.25. Later, he managed championship teams in the minors. Moss’s legacy shows how determination and baseball smarts can make a real mark on America’s pastime.

Early Life and Entry Into Baseball

John Lester Moss was born into a working-class family in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on May 14, 1925. He started playing baseball in local sandlot games.

A chance meeting with a Browns scout ended up changing his life.

Youth and Family Background

Les Moss grew up in Tulsa with his parents, William Perry Moss and Lola Lee Copeland. His dad worked as a molder in a foundry, and his mom took on odd jobs during the Depression to help the family get by.

The Moss family had a strong athletic streak from the beginning. William Moss played baseball for the Oklahoma Iron Works team, which sparked both sons’ interest in sports.

Les had a younger brother, Perry, who was just 16 months his junior, and a sister named Elaine.

The brothers played baseball together on sandlot teams all over Tulsa. Perry once said Les “was just a great hitter,” admitting his own struggles at the plate, which nudged him toward football instead.

Les went to Longfellow School for nine years, then attended Tulsa Central High School for three years. Oddly enough, he never played organized sports in high school.

Both Les and Perry worked as batboys for the Tulsa Oilers, giving them a close-up look at professional baseball.

Initial Signing with St. Louis Browns

Les Moss got his break in 1941 thanks to a string of lucky events. St. Louis Browns scout Jack Fournier spotted the 16-year-old catching for his American Legion team from Tulsa during the Western finals in Miles City, Montana.

Fournier told Moss to “come see me sometime.” That fall, Les and his buddy Jack Fette scraped together $5.25 and hitchhiked to Los Angeles to find the scout.

They didn’t tell anyone. Perry later said, “They run off, really. We didn’t know where he was for a while and then we found out later that he had signed with the Browns.”

Fournier used $200 of Browns money to sign Lester Moss in October 1941. He also arranged for Les to play winter ball with a semipro team in the Los Angeles City League.

The Browns sent Moss to the Americus Pioneers in the Class D Georgia-Florida League for the 1942 season.

Merchant Marine Service During World War II

Like so many young Americans, Les Moss had to put baseball on hold for World War II. He served in the Merchant Marine during 1944 and 1945, missing two full seasons.

During his service, Moss worked as an oiler aboard merchant ships. His assignments took him to both the Pacific and European theaters, including some dangerous Atlantic crossings during the D-Day operations.

The Merchant Marine played a vital role in the war, moving supplies and personnel through risky waters. Moss’s time at sea toughened him up mentally, a trait that helped him as a professional catcher.

After the war, Moss came back to baseball in 1946. The Browns placed him with the Toledo Mud Hens, their Triple-A affiliate in the American Association, and he started his climb back into pro ball.

Major League Playing Career

Les Moss played 13 seasons in Major League Baseball from 1946 to 1958, mostly as a backup catcher. He spent most of his career with the St. Louis Browns, then moved with the team to Baltimore, and finished up with the Chicago White Sox.

St. Louis Browns Years

Moss broke into the majors on September 10, 1946, with the St. Louis Browns at age 21. He’d been playing for the Toledo Mud Hens when he got called up.

He started at catcher against the Philadelphia Athletics. He went 0-for-3 but still drove in a run after getting hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.

Early Success and Struggles

Moss picked up his first hits on September 12, notching a single and a double and driving in another run. He wrapped up his rookie month batting .371 in 12 games.

The next season, 1947, was rough. His average dipped to .157, though he did manage six home runs and 27 RBIs backing up Jake Early.

Best Statistical Years

Moss broke out in 1948. He hit .257 with a career-high 14 home runs and 46 RBIs, even hitting six of the team’s first 20 homers that year.

He put together his best offensive season in 1949, batting .291 with a .399 on-base percentage. He walked 49 times and only struck out 32 times in 97 games.

Baltimore Orioles Transition

When the Browns moved to Baltimore in 1954, Moss went with them and became part of the new Orioles club. He kept backing up Clint Courtney.

Health Challenges

Moss ran into health issues during spring training in 1954. He blamed a stomach disorder on something he’d picked up playing winter ball in Mexico.

He lost weight and doctors diagnosed him with a type of diabetes. These problems hurt his performance, and he batted .246 for the Orioles that first year.

Personal Tragedy

The 1954 season took a tragic turn. On September 24, Moss’s wife Yvonne died in a car accident in Toledo. A truck hit her at an unmarked intersection, leaving Les to raise their six-year-old daughter Sandra alone.

Chicago White Sox and Final Seasons

The Chicago White Sox picked up Moss from the Orioles on June 6, 1955, trading pitcher Harry Dorish for him. The Sox needed a third catcher to back up Sherm Lollar.

Limited Playing Time

Moss mostly rode the bench in Chicago from 1955 to 1958. He got into games as a pinch hitter or late-inning defensive sub.

His last season in 1958 was especially quiet. Moss played in just two games, getting one at-bat and drawing one walk.

Career End

Moss signed with the White Sox again for 1959, but they sent him to the Indianapolis Indians, their Triple-A affiliate. He hit .223 in limited action before officially calling it a career.

Notable Moments and Stats

Career Statistics

Stat	Total
Games	824
Batting Average	.247
Home Runs	63
RBIs	276
Hits	552
Runs	210

Memorable Performances

On September 15, 1946, Moss delivered one of his most exciting moments. With the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the ninth, he singled down the first-base line to drive in the winning run against the Yankees.

In 1948, coach Fred Hofmann dreamed Moss would beat Bob Feller with a single to left field. That day, Moss did beat Feller with a hit to left, but it turned out to be a home run, not a single.

Professional Role

Moss really defined what it meant to be a backup catcher. He gave teams steady defense, chipped in with the bat when he could, and mentored younger players.

Retirement in 1958 and Immediate Aftermath

Les Moss finished his 13-year Major League career in 1958 with the Chicago White Sox, appearing in just two games before deciding to retire. He’d started with the St. Louis Browns in 1946 and later played for the Baltimore Orioles.

Circumstances of Retirement

By 1958, Moss had reached a natural stopping point. He was 33 years old and had spent most of his career as a backup, tallying 824 games over 13 seasons.

His spot with the White Sox had shrunk to third-string catcher behind more established players. It was a common story for older backup catchers as younger guys came up.

Moss signed again with the White Sox for 1959, and the Chicago Tribune ran a headline: “SOX BREATHE EASIER; MOSS SIGNS FOR ’59.” But the team sent him to the Indianapolis Indians, not the big league club.

He played briefly in the minors in 1959 and 1960. A back injury in 1960 with the San Diego Padres made it impossible for him to run or throw, so he finally stepped away from playing.

Final MLB Appearances

Moss’s last two big league games in 1958 were quiet endings. On June 22, he came up for a single at-bat and popped up to first base, ending the game.

His final plate appearance came on September 1, 1958. He walked to load the bases but was immediately replaced by a pinch runner who ended up scoring. The White Sox lost both games where Moss played.

He only got two plate appearances the whole season, a sign of his reduced role as third-string catcher.

His final career stats showed a .247 batting average across 1,196 professional games. Bill James later looked at player running speeds and said Moss was the slowest player of the 1950s.

Anecdotes From 1958

Early in 1958, Moss and his family survived a scary incident off the field. He, his wife Carol Jean, and daughter Sandra got stranded in their 14-foot fiberglass boat after the outboard motor failed.

They drifted for 22 hours in the Gulf Stream, covering 30 to 40 miles before someone spotted and rescued them. This all happened during the baseball season, adding a wild twist to his final year as a player.

Even after that ordeal, Moss stayed with the White Sox all season. He brought veteran leadership and served as insurance behind the plate, even if he rarely played.

Moss’s move from player to retirement happened gradually. He worked as a bullpen catcher for the White Sox in 1960, but a broken bone in his left wrist in June ended that job early.

Coaching and Managerial Achievements

After he stopped playing in 1958, Les Moss jumped right into coaching and managing. He spent more than thirty years in baseball after his playing days, earning respect as a manager of the year and leading teams to championships.

Transition From Player to Coach

Moss started his post-playing career right after retiring in 1958. He worked as a batting practice catcher for the White Sox during the rest of the 1960 season.

In 1961, he took his first official coaching job as a scout for the White Sox. That role let him find and develop new talent while staying close to the game.

His time as a scout set him up for future managing gigs. He learned to evaluate players and got a feel for different skill levels throughout the organization.

Roles With the Chicago White Sox

Moss jumped back into managing in the minor leagues from 1962 to 1964. He took charge of teams in the South Atlantic League, starting with the Savannah White Sox in 1962.

The franchise moved mid-season to Lynchburg, Virginia, and Moss still led his team to the pennant. That really showed how well he kept everyone focused even when things got tough.

In 1963, Lynchburg came up just two games short of first place. Moss picked up Sally League Manager of the Year honors for his leadership.

He joined the White Sox as a coach from 1967 to 1970. During that stretch, he served as interim manager for 36 games, stepping in when regular managers were out and working with Al Lopez.

Detroit Tigers Management

The Detroit Tigers brought Moss on in 1975 to manage their Montgomery Rebels farm team. He took over for Jim Leyland and made an immediate impact.

Montgomery captured the Southern League championship in both 1975 and 1976 with Moss at the helm. Both times, they beat Orlando, proving they could handle tough opponents.

Moss’s run with Montgomery opened more doors for him in the Tigers organization. The team appreciated how he developed young players while keeping a winning record.

Manager of the Year and Minor League Success

Moss’s time as a minor league manager brought some standout moments. In seven seasons, his teams never finished below third place.

He managed to win two pennants during his career in organized baseball. That track record made him a sought-after manager for several organizations.

He also managed winter league teams in Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic for 12 years. Eight of those teams won championships with Moss in charge.

The California Angels organization put Moss in charge of their Shreveport Captains in the Double-A Dixie Association. Later, he managed the Salt Lake City Angels in the Pacific Coast League.

After working with the San Francisco Giants, Moss retired for good in 1995. That wrapped up a remarkable 54-year run in professional baseball.

Scouting, Instructing, and Later Contributions

After he retired as a player in 1958, Les Moss shifted into roles that would shape the rest of his baseball life. He worked as a scout, pitching instructor, and mentor, helping countless players across multiple organizations.

Scouting Roles With Major League Teams

Moss started his post-playing days as a scout for the Chicago White Sox in 1960 and 1961. He had a good eye for talent and really knew the game, which made him valuable for spotting prospects.

The White Sox trusted Moss’s judgment, since he’d spent years watching players at every level. His scouting continued off and on through the ‘60s.

In 1965, he came back to scouting while juggling other baseball roles. Later on, Moss scouted for the California Angels in 1974. All those years catching and managing gave him a unique perspective on evaluating players.

Pitching Instructor Positions

Moss really found his groove as a pitching instructor, working with several major league organizations. His background as a catcher gave him a special knack for pitcher development.

The Chicago Cubs hired Moss as a pitching instructor. He focused on helping young pitchers sharpen their skills and understand game situations.

He also took on pitching instruction for the Houston Astros. Moss mostly worked with minor league players, guiding them up through the system.

The California Angels brought him in as a pitching instructor too. Moss’s ability to talk mechanics and strategy with pitchers made a real difference.

His last pitching instructor gig came with the San Francisco Giants. In 1991, he became their pitching coordinator, overseeing development throughout their farm system.

Influence on Future Generations

Moss’s influence reached far beyond just the players he coached. He helped shape coaching philosophies that changed how organizations developed players.

His winter league work added another layer to his teaching. For 12 years, he managed teams in Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic, winning eight championships.

Those international experiences gave Moss a look at different playing styles and strategies. He brought that knowledge back to his work with American players.

Young coaches and managers often learned from Moss’s approach. His mix of playing experience and teaching skill made him a respected mentor.

Final Years in Baseball

After one last season with Houston as a minor league pitching instructor, Moss moved to the San Francisco Giants in 1991. That job really capped off his teaching career.

As pitching coordinator for the Giants, he oversaw development across their entire minor league system. The role fit his deep experience and baseball smarts.

Moss decided to retire in 1995, after spending half a century in professional baseball. He logged 37 years in coaching, managing, and instructing after his playing days ended.

That retirement closed out a long era. Not many people have given so much to baseball at so many levels for so long.

Legacy, Impact, and Personal Life

Les Moss made a lasting impact on professional baseball with his dedication as a player, coach, and scout for five decades. His personal life saw both heartbreak and grit, including losing his first wife and surviving a harrowing rescue at sea.

Reputation in Professional Baseball

Les Moss built a reputation as a reliable backup catcher during his 13 years in the majors. People respected his defensive skills, which made up for his .247 batting average.

Moss earned a lot of respect for his work ethic and baseball knowledge. He knew how to handle pitchers and call games, making him a real asset to the St. Louis Browns, Boston Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles, and Chicago White Sox.

After he finished playing in 1958, Moss stayed active in baseball for decades. He managed, coached, and scouted for teams like the White Sox, Angels, and Tigers. His minor league record was impressive—two pennants and never finishing lower than third in seven seasons.

He managed championship teams in winter leagues across Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic. Eight championships in 12 years of winter ball managing showed off his tactical skills and leadership.

Awards and Recognitions

Les Moss didn’t pick up major individual awards during his playing days, but he got recognition for his work in baseball development. In 1963, he was named South Atlantic League Manager of the Year while leading the Lynchburg White Sox.

His biggest recognition came from his minor league managing career. Moss led the Montgomery Rebels to back-to-back Southern League championships in 1975 and 1976, beating Orlando both times.

The baseball world respected his expertise in player development. Detroit Tigers farm director Hoot Evers noted Moss’s two pennants and strong finishes throughout his managerial career.

Teams often assigned him to the Florida Instructional League because he worked so well with rookies and developed catching talent.

Personal Life and Family

John Lester Moss was born May 14, 1925, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to William Perry Moss and Lola Lee Copeland. His family had Irish and Cherokee roots, and his dad worked as a molder at a local foundry.

Moss went through a tough loss in 1954 when his first wife, Yvonne Kelentic, died in a car accident in Toledo. A truck hit her at an unmarked intersection, leaving Les to raise their six-year-old daughter Sandra alone.

He remarried on February 4, 1956, to Carol Jean Gigandet, with his brother Perry as best man. In 1958, Moss, his wife, and daughter were stranded at sea for 22 hours after their boat’s motor failed. They drifted 30-40 miles in the Gulf Stream before rescuers found them.

His brother Perry Moss built his own sports legacy in football. Perry played in the Orange Bowl and Rose Bowl, then coached at big programs like Florida State and LSU.

Memorabilia and Historical Photos

Collectors still chase Les Moss memorabilia from his playing days, especially fans of the St. Louis Browns and Baltimore Orioles. His rookie cards and signed photos capture a unique slice of baseball history, and they really highlight the Browns’ last years before the move to Baltimore.

Most historical photos show Moss suited up in his catching gear. That fits, since he spent most of his career as a backup catcher. You won’t find as many images from his minor league managing days, but baseball historians appreciate those rare shots.

The Society for American Baseball Research keeps archives on Moss’s career. They’ve gathered photographs and statistical records, which helps keep the stories of players like Moss alive—guys who made a real impact on the game, even if they never grabbed the spotlight.

Collectors seem to love Moss’s baseball cards from the 1950s. Those cards mark the transition as the Browns became the Orioles. His time with the Chicago White Sox also turned out some collectible items, a quiet nod to his long run in the majors.