Sherry Robertson – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Sherry Robertson wrapped up his Major League Baseball career in 1952. He played as a utility player for the Washington Senators and Philadelphia Athletics.

Born in Montreal, Quebec, on January 1, 1919, Robertson tried his hand at several positions during his decade in the majors. He played both outfield and infield, which, honestly, not every player can manage.

Robertson finished with a .230 batting average, 26 home runs, and 151 RBIs in 597 games from 1940 to 1952.

Robertson’s baseball story was tightly woven with one of the sport’s most influential families. He was the nephew of Hall of Fame pitcher and club owner Clark Griffith, which meant he belonged to the family that ran the Washington Senators for over seventy years.

World War II interrupted Robertson’s playing career. He served in the United States Navy Reserve, but he still played baseball on military teams during that time.

The Canadian-born player’s last season came in 1952. The Washington Senators sold his contract to the Philadelphia Athletics in May.

Robertson retired as a player and moved into front office work. He became director of the team’s farm system and helped shape the careers of future Hall of Famers.

His story really shows the challenges of being a utility player and the quirks of working within a family-run franchise during baseball’s so-called golden era.

Sherry Robertson’s Baseball Career Overview

Sherry Robertson spent ten seasons in Major League Baseball from 1940 to 1952. He made his name as a utility player who could cover a lot of ground.

He played for two American League teams. His career paused for military service during World War II.

Early Major League Years

Robertson’s professional baseball journey began in 1940. He debuted in the majors on September 8 with the Washington Senators at age 21.

Born in Montreal, Quebec, on January 1, 1919, he brought a Canadian-American flair and a lot of versatility to the field.

Early on, he impressed with his ability to play several positions. Robertson covered three outfield and three infield spots, which made him valuable even if his batting average was never eye-popping.

World War II interrupted his career. Robertson joined the United States Navy Reserve in 1944 and reported to Naval Air Station Kaneohe Bay in Hawaii as a Physical Training Instructor.

He kept playing baseball during his military service. Robertson suited up for the NAS Kaneohe Bay Klippers and the Navy All-Stars in 1945, which probably helped him stay sharp.

Teams Played For

Robertson spent most of his career with the Washington Senators. He played for them in 1940-1941, 1943, and then again from 1946 to 1952.

His connection to the team went beyond just being a player. As Clark Griffith’s nephew, he was practically family to the franchise.

Career Statistics:

• Batting Average: .230
• Home Runs: 26
• RBIs: 151
• Games Played: 597
• Hits: 346

On May 13, 1952, the Senators sold Robertson’s contract to the Philadelphia Athletics. He finished out his playing days with the Athletics, making his last MLB appearance on September 21, 1952.

Robertson’s greatest strength was his versatility. He played 109 games at second base, 104 in right field, and 98 at third base.

Transition to Retirement

Robertson’s final season in 1952 closed out a 13-year pro baseball journey that started in the minors in 1939.

After he retired as a player, Robertson moved into a front office role. In 1958, he became the farm system director for the Washington Senators, taking over from Ossie Bluege.

He found success in his post-playing career. When the Senators moved to Minnesota and became the Twins in 1961, Robertson stayed on as farm director until he passed away in 1970.

During his time as farm director, the organization produced four future Hall of Famers: Rod Carew, Tony Oliva, Jim Kaat, and Bert Blyleven. That’s proof enough of Robertson’s keen eye for talent and his knack for player development.

1952 Season and Retirement

Sherry Robertson’s final season in Major League Baseball capped a 13-year run from 1940 to 1952. The 1952 season saw him split time between two teams and struggle at the plate before he called it a career.

Final MLB Appearances

Robertson played in 44 games during the 1952 regular season. That year marked his last in professional baseball.

He started the season with the Washington Senators, the team he’d spent most of his career with.

Later that year, Robertson moved to the Philadelphia Athletics. For a guy so closely tied to Washington, the change must’ve felt pretty strange.

His numbers for the season showed the difficulties of an aging player. Robertson managed just 12 hits in 59 at-bats, ending up with a .203 batting average in his final year.

His home and road splits were interesting. At home, he hit just .125 with 2 hits in 16 at-bats, but on the road, he bumped that up to a .232 average with 10 hits in 43 at-bats.

Significance of the 1952 Season

The 1952 season really marked the end of Robertson’s connection to the Washington organization. As Clark Griffith’s nephew, he held a unique spot in the Senators’ family setup.

His career totals at retirement included 346 hits and 26 home runs over 10 MLB seasons. Robertson finished with a lifetime .230 batting average and 151 RBIs in 597 games.

The trade to Philadelphia was the first time he played for a team other than Washington. That move probably signaled the end of the line for his playing days.

At 33, Robertson was past his athletic prime. His best season was back in 1949, when he posted a .329 on-base percentage, scored 59 runs, and drove in 42 RBIs.

Key Games and Highlights

Robertson’s 1952 season didn’t feature much playing time. Most of his appearances came on the road, where he played better than at home.

He hit 3 doubles that year but didn’t manage any triples or home runs. That was a big drop from his more productive seasons.

Robertson drew 21 walks and struck out 15 times, which suggests he still had a good eye at the plate. His 0.35 on-base percentage showed he could still get on base even when the hits weren’t coming.

His final games came with the Philadelphia Athletics. That wrapped up a career mostly spent with Washington.

Robertson’s last appearance in professional baseball happened in 1952, closing the book on his MLB story.

Career Statistics and Performance

Sherry Robertson played 10 years in the majors, from 1940-1952. He finished with a .230 batting average and 26 home runs in 597 games.

His ability to play both infield and outfield gave the Washington Senators and Philadelphia Athletics a lot of flexibility.

Career Batting Average

Robertson held a .230 batting average over his career. That’s a bit below league average for his era, but considering he wasn’t an everyday starter, it’s not too surprising.

His best season was in 1949. He hit .251 that year, collecting 94 hits in 374 at-bats over 110 games. He also posted a .329 on-base percentage, which was his highest single-season mark.

Robertson’s batting numbers bounced around from year to year. In 1951, he had his worst season, hitting just .189 in 111 at-bats.

Military service in 1944 and 1945 interrupted his career during what could have been his prime.

Over his career, Robertson totaled 346 hits in 1,507 at-bats. He drew 202 walks, so his career on-base percentage ended up at .323.

Home Runs Total

Robertson hit 26 home runs in his big league career, averaging about 2.6 homers per season.

His power numbers were pretty modest, which fits the offensive style of the 1940s and early 1950s.

His best power year was 1949. He hit 11 home runs in 420 plate appearances, which was almost half his career total in just one season. He also drove in 42 runs, his highest RBI mark.

Robertson’s power stayed steady but never really took off. He hit six home runs in 1946 and three in 1943. Most other seasons, he managed fewer than three homers.

All his home runs came as a Washington Senator. He didn’t hit any during his short time with Philadelphia in 1952.

Fielding and Versatility

Robertson’s defensive versatility was his calling card. He played all over the field, making him a go-to utility guy for both teams.

He primarily played third base and shortstop but also spent plenty of time in the outfield.

In 1940, Robertson played shortstop in 10 games and posted a .940 fielding percentage. His range factor of 4.70 per game was solid for a young player.

His defensive stats show he handled 515 total chances with 16 errors over his career. His career fielding percentage varied by position, but he did his best work at third base and in the outfield.

Managers valued his ability to play almost anywhere. Robertson appeared at just about every position except pitcher and catcher during his 10 years in the majors.

Playing Style and On-Field Contributions

Sherry Robertson’s baseball career was all about defensive versatility and steady, if unspectacular, offense.

He could play several positions, which made him a valuable utility man. His hitting, while not flashy, helped his teams during the 1940s and early 1950s.

Defensive Abilities

Robertson’s top skill was his defensive flexibility. He played six different positions in the majors.

His most common roles included 109 games at second base, 104 in right field, and 98 at third base.

He also filled in at shortstop and left field when needed. Managers really leaned on his versatility, especially during the 1940s when rosters were tight.

The stats back up his defensive chops. Robertson’s fielding percentage changed depending on the position, but he provided steady defense across the board.

This adaptability kept him in the majors for over a decade, even though he was mostly a bench player.

Offensive Impact

Robertson finished with a .230 career batting average in 597 games. While not a standout hitter, he was steady for a utility player.

He hit 26 home runs and drove in 151 RBIs over his career.

His best year at the plate came in 1949. Robertson played 110 games, hit .251, belted 11 home runs, and drove in 42 RBIs. He even swiped 10 bases that year.

Robertson was patient at the plate. He drew walks often, which helped him reach a .323 career on-base percentage.

That patience made him a useful player in certain hitting situations for both the Washington Senators and the Philadelphia Athletics.

Personal Life and Legacy

Sherry Robertson’s journey from Montreal to the majors shaped not just his career but left a mark on the sport.

His family ties to some of baseball’s most influential figures and his tragic early death created a complex legacy that still draws attention through awards and recognition.

Background and Early Life

Sherrard Alexander Robertson was born on January 1, 1919, in Montreal, Quebec. His father, Jimmy, played professional baseball but died when Sherry was just a year old.

After losing his dad, Sherry moved with his widowed mother and siblings to the Washington, D.C. area. That move ended up being pretty important for his future in baseball.

He went to the University of Maryland before chasing a pro baseball career. His family had deep roots in the sport—he was the nephew of Hall of Fame Washington Senators owner Clark Griffith.

His family’s reach didn’t stop there. Robertson’s brother, Calvin Griffith, later owned the Minnesota Twins.

Even marriage connected the Robertsons to baseball’s power circles. Sherry was brother-in-law to major leaguers Joe Haynes and Joe Cronin, so he really was part of one of baseball’s most influential families.

Influence on Baseball

Robertson made an impact on baseball that went way beyond his playing stats. His family connections put him right at the heart of some big decisions in pro baseball.

As Clark Griffith’s nephew, Sherry got a peek behind the curtain of baseball’s inner workings. That relationship taught him a lot about both the game and the business side.

He played all over the field—outfield, second base, third base, shortstop. That kind of versatility showed just how valuable utility players could be in the majors.

Robertson played 597 major league games, which is still the second-most by any player from Quebec. Honestly, that helped open the door for more Canadian players to follow.

Life After Baseball

After his playing days ended in 1952, Robertson moved into baseball management. In 1953, he became farm director of the Washington Senators and stuck with it for several years.

When the Senators moved to Minnesota and became the Twins in 1961, Robertson kept working in player development. The organization really benefited from his efforts.

In 1966, the Twins promoted him to vice-president and farm director. That gave him a lot of say over the team’s future talent.

Sadly, his executive career ended when he died in a car crash on October 23, 1970, in Houghton, South Dakota. He was only 51.

The Sherry Robertson Award now honors his legacy. The Twins give it each year to their top minor league position player, so his impact on player development keeps getting recognized.

Honors and Remembrance

Sherry Robertson made lasting contributions to baseball, not just as a player but as a leader in the sport. He earned spots in multiple halls of fame, and people still remember him through awards and tributes.

Tributes and Memorials

Robertson got his biggest honor when the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum inducted him on June 23, 2007. They elected him on March 1, 2007, recognizing how much he achieved as one of Quebec’s best major league players.

His 597 big league games still stand as the second-most by any player from Quebec. That record says a lot about his staying power in the majors during the 1940s and early 1950s.

The Minnesota Twins created a lasting tribute to his memory with the Sherry Robertson Award. Every year, it goes to the organization’s top minor league position player. The award really reflects his significant contributions as the team’s farm director and executive.

You can even visit Robertson’s grave, which serves as another memorial to his baseball legacy. After his death in 1970, it became the final resting place of someone who helped bridge the Washington Senators and Minnesota Twins organizations.

Lasting Impact

Robertson influenced baseball not just through his executive work, but also through his family connections. As Clark Griffith’s nephew, he helped shape one of the sport’s most influential families for years.

From 1958 to 1970, he worked as farm director and left a real mark on player development. He handled the tricky transition from the Washington Senators to the Minnesota Twins, keeping the organization steady during a pretty turbulent time.

The Twins noticed Robertson’s executive skills and made him vice-president and farm director in 1966. He played a big part in growing minor league talent, which definitely helped the franchise succeed in the long run.

Robertson’s Canadian heritage also opened up opportunities for future Quebec players in pro baseball. His achievements showed people that Canadian players could hold their own in top-level American sports.