Ron Samford – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Ron Samford stands out as one of those baseball journeymen who managed to carve out a respectable career in the 1950s. He was born in Dallas, Texas, in 1930, and spent six seasons moving through the major leagues as a utility infielder for three different teams.

His time in professional baseball reflects the era’s tough competition. Roster spots were precious, and players often bounced between organizations, hoping for a shot.

Samford played his final major league game on September 23, 1959, wrapping up a career that spanned parts of four seasons with the New York Giants, Detroit Tigers, and Washington Senators. His offensive numbers were modest—he finished with a .219 career batting average—but he stuck around thanks to persistence and adaptability, qualities that defined a lot of players from that generation.

He started as a Giants farmhand in 1948 and worked his way up to become a veteran infielder. That journey really shows the kind of dedication it took to keep a big league career going.

Samford’s baseball story opens a window into the challenges faced by utility players when teams needed roster flexibility. He debuted as a pinch runner in 1954 and finished his career with a home run in his last at-bat in 1959.

You can see both the opportunities and obstacles that shaped 1950s pro baseball in his experiences. His stats, playing style, and personal journey give us a look at a different era of America’s pastime.

Early Life and Education

Ronald Edward Samford was born on February 28, 1930, in Dallas, Texas. He spent his early years in Dallas, where he started developing his baseball skills.

His path from Dallas kid to professional ballplayer began at W. H. Adamson High School. There, he sharpened his athletic talents before moving on to the pros.

Childhood in Dallas, Texas

Ron Samford grew up in Dallas during the 1930s and early 1940s. The city’s strong baseball culture definitely shaped his early interest in the sport.

Dallas had several minor league teams when Samford was a kid. He got exposed to organized baseball early on, and the Texas weather meant he could play almost year-round.

Samford played youth baseball in Dallas neighborhoods and quickly showed natural ability as an infielder. Even at 5’11” and 156 pounds, he found ways to excel.

He spent his entire childhood in Dallas, which gave him consistent coaching and development opportunities. Local programs in Dallas had a reputation for turning out good players.

High School Career at Adamson High School

Samford attended W. H. Adamson High School in Dallas and played varsity baseball there. The school was known for producing athletic talent across different sports.

He showed off his defensive skills as an infielder during high school. Samford’s versatility let him play multiple positions, and he demonstrated the basics that would later draw pro scouts.

Adamson High School gave him solid coaching and tough competition. The baseball program played against other strong Dallas-area teams, helping him prepare for tougher baseball ahead.

During high school, scouts started to notice his batting and fielding. His performance at Adamson really set the stage for his professional career.

Transition to Professional Baseball

The New York Giants signed Samford in 1948, just after he finished high school. That signing kicked off his professional journey at just 18 years old.

Samford spent six years in the minors before making it to the majors. He moved through the Giants’ farm system, working on his game at every stop. The organization liked his defensive skills and baseball smarts.

Moving from high school to pro ball was a big leap. The competition and travel were on a whole different level. Samford adjusted to these new challenges, staying focused on his goal to reach the majors.

He finally made his Major League Baseball debut on April 15, 1954, at age 24. That moment capped off years of hard work since leaving Dallas.

Major League Baseball Career

Ron Samford played six seasons in the majors from 1954 to 1959, moving between three teams as a versatile infielder. He started with the New York Giants’ World Series team and finished with the Washington Senators.

Debut with the New York Giants

Samford debuted in the majors on April 15, 1954, with the New York Giants. The Giants had signed him in 1948, so he’d spent six years in their minor league system before getting the call.

He made his first appearance as a pinch runner for Ebba St. Claire. Early on, Samford served mainly as a defensive replacement and pinch runner. He didn’t get his first at-bat until his fourth game.

The 1954 season was tough for the rookie. He played in 12 games but didn’t get a hit in five at-bats, striking out once. Still, he was part of the Giants’ World Series-winning squad that year.

He wore number 17 while with the Giants. His role stayed limited as he tried to adjust to big league pitching and competition.

Seasons with the Detroit Tigers

The Detroit Tigers picked up Samford off waivers from the Giants in 1955. That first season in Detroit was short—he appeared in only one game and struck out in his only at-bat.

He missed the entire 1956 major league season. Samford came back to the Tigers in 1957 and finally got his first big league hit on April 30 against the New York Yankees.

That hit, a single to center field off pitcher Duke Maas, was a breakthrough. The Tigers lost 2-1 in 10 innings, though, with Maas going the distance.

The 1957 season was Samford’s best with Detroit. He played in 54 games and hit .220, wearing number 27. That year gave him the most playing time he’d see in the majors up to that point.

Tenure with the Washington Senators

The Washington Senators acquired Samford on December 6, 1958, in a trade. The Tigers sent him, Reno Bertoia, and Jim Delsing to Washington for Eddie Yost, Rocky Bridges, and Neil Chrisley.

The 1959 season turned out to be the highlight of Samford’s career. He hit his first career home run on April 28 off Ray Herbert. That year, he posted a batting average of .224, his career best.

He had a dramatic moment on June 2 against the Cleveland Indians. With the game tied in the 10th, Samford hit a solo home run off Bud Podbielan to win it for Washington.

His final major league home run came in his last at-bat on September 7 against the Baltimore Orioles. He hit a three-run shot off Ernie Johnson, capping a seven-run rally in the 10th inning. He wore number 32 that season.

Role as an Infielder

Samford spent most of his big league career at shortstop. At 5’11” and 156 pounds, he was on the smaller side for his era, but his versatility let him fill in at several infield spots.

He put up a .954 fielding percentage over his career. In 158 major league games, he helped turn 62 double plays, showing he could handle the pressure when needed.

Samford batted right-handed and struggled at the plate. He finished with a .219 average, 5 home runs, and 27 RBIs in 334 at-bats. He walked 11 times and struck out 46 times.

Teams mainly used him as a backup infielder and defensive sub. He had to be ready to fill in at second base or shortstop, depending on what the team needed that day.

Statistical Highlights and Performance

Ron Samford’s four-year MLB career produced modest but steady numbers across several infield positions. His .219 career batting average and defensive versatility at shortstop and second base defined his role as a utility player in the mid-1950s.

Batting Average Overview

Samford kept a .219 career batting average over 158 games from 1954 to 1959. His best season was 1959 with the Senators, when he hit .224 in 91 games.

He didn’t get many chances at the plate early on. Samford went hitless in both 1954 with the Giants and 1955 with the Tigers, totaling just six plate appearances.

His breakout year came in 1957 with Detroit. He played in 54 games and hit .220 in 99 plate appearances, establishing himself as a reliable backup.

Career Batting Statistics:

• Total Games: 158
• Career Average: .219
• Total Hits: 73
• Best Season: 1959 (.224 average)

Notable Home Runs

Samford hit five home runs in his MLB career, all coming during his final season in 1959. The Washington Senators gave him the chance to show a bit of power.

Those five homers were his biggest offensive contribution. They came in 91 games, which isn’t bad for a utility infielder from that era.

The 1959 season was his high point in several offensive categories. His five home runs pushed his slugging percentage to .342, his best at the major league level.

He didn’t hit any home runs in previous seasons. Even in 1957 with Detroit, he played 54 games but didn’t go deep once in 99 plate appearances.

Runs Batted In (RBI) Milestones

Samford finished with 27 RBIs over his four-year career, with 22 of those coming in 1959. His RBI numbers were limited, mostly because he played as a backup and wasn’t a big hitter.

The 1959 season with Washington was his most productive at the plate. He drove in 22 runs in 237 at-bats, showing a noticeable jump from earlier years.

In 1957 with Detroit, he managed just five RBIs in 54 games. That low total reflected his limited chances and some struggles with runners on base.

RBI Breakdown by Season:

• 1954 (NYG): 0 RBIs
• 1955 (DET): 0 RBIs
• 1957 (DET): 5 RBIs
• 1959 (WSH): 22 RBIs

Fielding and Defensive Contributions

Samford’s defensive versatility made him valuable, as he played shortstop, second base, and third base. His fielding percentage was .954 over four seasons, showing he could be trusted with the glove.

He played 100 games at shortstop, posting a .952 fielding percentage. His range factor at the position was 4.90, which was decent for the time.

At second base, he played 34 games and put up a .968 fielding percentage. The slightly better numbers there probably reflect the lighter defensive load compared to shortstop.

Samford helped turn 62 double plays in his career, with 51 coming at shortstop. His defense filled gaps when regular starters needed a break or got hurt.

Playing Style and Positions

Ron Samford made his mark as a versatile infielder who could handle several spots with steady defense. He didn’t hit much, but his fielding skills made him a valuable backup.

Defensive Versatility

Samford’s biggest strength? He could handle multiple infield spots without much fuss. He played shortstop more than anything else, showing up in 100 games at that position across four seasons.

His .952 fielding percentage at shortstop wasn’t flashy, but it proved he could get the job done.

Standing 5’11” and weighing 156 pounds, this infielder also spent plenty of time at second base. Over his career, he logged 37 games there and posted a .967 fielding percentage.

That higher number at second base? It kind of hints he just felt more at home there.

Samford even tried his hand at third base now and then. He only played 4 games at third, and his .800 fielding percentage suggests, well, it wasn’t his best spot.

Managers liked having him around because he could fill in wherever they needed. If a starter needed a break or got hurt, Samford could step in without creating panic.

Approach at the Plate

Samford didn’t exactly light it up offensively. He finished with a .219 batting average, which, honestly, is tough to sugarcoat.

He managed just 5 home runs in 334 career at-bats, so power wasn’t really part of his game. His on-base percentage sat at .261, definitely below what you’d hope for.

His best year at the plate came in 1959 with Washington. That season, he hit .224 with 5 home runs and 22 RBIs over 91 games.

All five of his career home runs came during that final season, which is kind of wild.

He struck out 46 times and only walked 17 times in his career. That ratio tells you he had a hard time waiting for his pitch.

Samford attacked the ball more than he waited for it, and pitchers seemed to take advantage.

Role Beyond Pitching

Samford never took the mound in the majors. The records make it clear—he “Did Not Pitch” during any of his four seasons.

He stuck to being a position player, always an infielder and never a pitcher.

Teams valued him for his glove and his ability to play different spots. They used him as a backup at shortstop and second base when they needed someone dependable.

Nobody really expected him to be a big bat in the lineup.

Samford’s career stretched across five seasons, from 1954 to 1959. He played for three teams, which says a lot about how much managers appreciated his defensive skills, even if his hitting lagged behind.

Legacy and Recognition

Ron Samford’s legacy lives in his role as a utility guy and his steady presence during the 1950s. Teammates respected his reliability, and his post-retirement reflections gave a glimpse into what baseball was like back then.

Reputation Among Teammates

Ronald Edward Samford built a reputation as a dependable utility infielder. His teammates liked knowing he’d cover any spot when they needed him.

He played shortstop, second base, and third base for three different teams—no small feat.

His flexibility made him a valuable bench player. He came in as a pinch-runner or as a defensive sub pretty often.

That .952 fielding percentage at shortstop? It was solid, proving he could be trusted with the glove.

He showed some grit under pressure, too. In the 1947 Texas Division championship game, he made three errors, but then he came up big with a go-ahead double.

That bounce-back attitude stuck with him as a pro.

Other players noticed his work ethic during his four years in the majors. He didn’t complain about playing time, and his professional attitude helped him land spots with three organizations.

Post-Retirement Reflections

After 1959, Samford kept close to baseball through the Ex-Pro Baseball Players Association of Texas. He even served as president for a while.

That role helped him keep in touch with old teammates and rivals.

He didn’t talk much about his playing days, at least not in public. After hitting a home run for Washington, he once said, “Every time I hit a home run it surprises me.”

Honestly, that’s a pretty humble take, and it fits the way he saw himself.

He found business success after baseball, running Texas Automatic Transmission Parts Inc. with his brother-in-law. They kept the company going until he retired in the 1990s.

Samford also stayed active in his Dallas church. He showed up for local baseball events and kept those connections alive.

Lasting Impact on Baseball

Samford’s impact on baseball might seem small, but it mattered in his era. He stood for the utility player’s role in the 1950s.

His career numbers—.219 batting average and 5 home runs—were about what you’d expect from a bench player back then.

He joined the 1954 New York Giants organization during their World Series championship season. He only got into 12 games, but he was part of their depth.

His winter league experience in Puerto Rico connected him with legends like Willie Mays and Roberto Clemente. That 1954-55 Santuce Crabbers team? Some people call it one of the greatest winter league squads ever.

Samford’s four-season career from 1954 to 1959 really captures what it was like for a lot of fringe major leaguers. His story shows just how tough it was to carve out a place in pro baseball in those days.

Personal Life and Later Years

Ron Samford came back to his hometown of Dallas after his playing days. He built up a business and stayed active in the community.

He kept strong ties with his family and stayed close to baseball through veterans’ groups.

Life After Baseball

Once he retired in 1959, Samford switched gears to business. He co-founded Texas Automatic Transmission Parts Inc. with his brother-in-law in Dallas.

That company became his main focus for years.

He ran the business successfully until he retired in the 1990s. That gave him some real stability after baseball.

Samford stayed involved with the Ex-Pro Baseball Players Association of Texas, even serving as president at one point. That role helped him keep up with other former players and support baseball veterans.

He also got involved with his church. Faith played a big part in his life after baseball.

Family and Personal Details

Ronald Edward Samford grew up in Dallas, Texas. He moved back after his career and lived there for the rest of his life.

He married Mary, and they were together for 52 years until she passed away. They raised three children, who survived him.

His family stayed close. When he died in 2021, his kids were there with him in Dallas.

Samford had a younger brother, Jim, who also played baseball. Jim spent four years in the minors but never made it to the majors.

Passing and Tributes

Ron Samford died on January 14, 2021, in Dallas at 90. His children were there with him, and he passed away peacefully.

Baseball historians and fans took note of his death. They remembered what he gave to the sport.

The RIP Baseball website put together a detailed obituary that honored his life and career. I found it touching how they captured his journey.

The Dallas Morning News covered his passing, too. They focused on his ties to the community and his later business success.

His obituary mentioned both his baseball days and what he accomplished after retiring from the game.

Samford’s death closed the chapter on a life that started in baseball’s golden age and stretched all the way into the present.