Vern Bickford – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Vernon Edgell Bickford’s major league baseball career ended quietly in 1954. He played just one game with the Baltimore Orioles, wrapping up a seven-year journey that had started with a lot more promise back in 1948.

The right-handed pitcher from Hellier, Kentucky, went from being a 27-year-old rookie with the Boston Braves in 1948 to a key contributor for their pennant-winning team. Injuries and declining performance eventually cut his career short, which is just how things go sometimes.

Bickford put together a 66-57 record with a 3.71 ERA across 182 games. He spent most of his career with the Boston and Milwaukee Braves, then finished with that short Baltimore stint.

His path to the majors wasn’t typical. World War II service delayed his debut and cost him some crucial years for development. Even with those setbacks, he managed a solid career, especially in 1950 when he won 19 games and threw over 300 innings.

Bickford’s baseball journey shows the challenges players faced back then, from wartime interruptions to the grind of pitching before modern sports medicine. He played with legendary teammates, climbed through the minors, and eventually retired under circumstances that really capture what professional baseball looked like in the late ‘40s and early ‘50s.

Early Life and Amateur Baseball

Vernon Edgell Bickford started his journey to Major League Baseball in the coal mining regions of Kentucky and West Virginia. He played multiple sports and sharpened his athletic skills there.

His early baseball days in semipro leagues and the minors shaped him into the pitcher who’d later anchor the Boston Braves’ rotation.

Family Background and Childhood

Bickford was born on August 17, 1920, in Hellier, Kentucky, a small town tucked in the Cumberland Mountains near Virginia and West Virginia. The area was all about coal mining and had grown a lot in the early 1900s.

He grew up in a big family with six siblings: Estil, Raymond, Robert, James, Inez, and Irma. His dad worked as a coal miner in Kentucky and once tried running a general store in a mining district, but a miners’ strike forced the family out of that business.

When Vern was still a kid, the Bickfords moved to New Canton, Virginia, about 60 miles northwest of Richmond. That move turned out to be pretty important for his athletic growth during high school.

High School and Semipro Experience

At his local high school in New Canton, Bickford showed off his athleticism in multiple sports. He captained the baseball, football, and basketball teams, showing leadership and versatility.

After high school, he kept playing baseball at the semipro level. He joined a team sponsored by a briquette plant in Berwind, West Virginia, where his pitching talents started to catch the eye of professional scouts.

“Sad Sam” Gray, a former major league pitcher who’d won 20 games in 1928, noticed Bickford’s potential. Gray managed the Welch Miners then and thought the young right-hander had something special.

Welch Miners in the Mountain State League

In 1939, Bickford signed his first pro contract with the Welch Miners of the Mountain State League. That league was Class D, the lowest rung of pro baseball at the time.

During his first season with the Miners, Bickford pitched in 10 games and picked up five wins, striking out 47 batters in 62 innings. Even with those numbers, he admitted he had a lot to learn.

“I still didn’t know anything about pitching. I was a thrower, strictly,” Bickford said later. “I could throw them by the Class D boys pretty well, but that was all I was good for.”

He struggled with control issues during his four years with the Welch Miners before the Army drafted him. Those Mountain State League years gave him his first taste of pro baseball, but he hadn’t really refined his skills yet.

World War II Service and Its Impact

The U.S. Army drafted Vern Bickford in 1942 after he spent four years struggling with control in the minors. His military service from 1943 to 1945 changed him from a wild thrower to a much smarter pitcher, thanks to advice from major league players stationed in the Pacific.

Military Service and Assignments

Bickford started out in the Air Corps and then got transferred to the infantry. He served in the Pacific from 1943 through 1945.

He didn’t play much baseball early in the war. His service took him far from West Virginia’s ballfields to military bases all over the Pacific.

Later on, the Army stationed Bickford in the Philippines. That assignment ended up being a turning point for his baseball growth. The Philippines, oddly enough, became a training ground where he met seasoned major leaguers.

While at March Field in Riverside, California, Bickford met Jean Margaret Froyne, who would become his wife. They got married on November 4, 1944, during his service.

Baseball Experience During the War

In the Philippines, Bickford started playing baseball again after barely touching a ball for a while. He joined two military teams, the Leyte All-Stars and the Manila Dodgers.

The Manila Dodgers had some serious talent. Bickford pitched alongside Brooklyn Dodger Kirby Higbe and Jim Hearn. The team had so much pitching that future Hall of Famer Early Wynn actually played shortstop.

These military teams gave Bickford his first real experience with major league-caliber players. That exposure was huge for a guy who’d struggled in Class D before the war.

Skills Development and Notable Influences

Kirby Higbe ended up being Bickford’s biggest mentor during the war. Higbe saw potential and gave him some crucial advice.

“Fifty percent of them don’t have any more stuff than you have,” Higbe told him. “But what you need is another pitch, a pitch you can throw for strikes.”

Bickford spent the end of the war learning a slider and improving his changeup control. He also got coaching from Roy Partee, Max Macon, and Al Milnar.

Playing with major leaguers changed how Bickford saw the game. “While I was in the low minors, we always put big-leaguers on a pedestal,” he told the Boston Globe in 1950. “But when I played with them in the service, I learned a lot, and I said to myself, ‘If those guys can play in the major leagues, so can I.’”

That confidence boost was just as valuable as the pitching tips he picked up.

Ascent Through the Minor Leagues

Bickford’s road to the majors ran through several minor league teams. He went from a raw thrower to a skilled pitcher, with stops in the Southeastern League with Jackson, a quick stop in the Eastern League, and some key development time with the Milwaukee Brewers and Indianapolis Indians.

Jackson Senators and the Southeastern League

After the war, in 1946, Bickford joined the Jackson team in the Southeastern League. That season changed everything for him. He won 10 games and ranked third in strikeouts in the league.

He tied for first with four shutouts. That performance was a big improvement over his pre-war struggles. Bickford later said it was during the middle of 1946 that he finally learned to control his pitches.

His time in Jackson showed he could handle a higher level of competition. The experience built his confidence after learning from major leaguers during the war. Bickford’s success in the Southeastern League got him promoted up the ladder.

Eastern League and International League Stints

Bickford had a brief stint with Hartford in the Eastern League before settling in with Jackson. He threw just one game for Hartford. That quick stop was just a stepping stone between his return from the service and his bigger role with Jackson.

The Eastern League experience didn’t last long, but it gave Bickford a taste of tougher competition. His fast move to Jackson showed the organization liked what they saw in him.

Milwaukee Brewers and Indianapolis Indians

In 1947, Bickford landed with Indianapolis before joining the Milwaukee Brewers organization. A coin flip between owners Lou Perini and Frank McKinney decided where Bickford would go. Perini won and picked Bickford, partly because Branch Rickey had tried to get him earlier.

Bickford struggled in relief during his first two months with Milwaukee. A string of doubleheaders forced the team to use him as a starter, and he responded by shutting out St. Paul on two hits in his first start.

Over the next two weeks, Bickford threw four complete games and gave up just one run. Brewers catcher Norm Schlueter praised his control, saying, “All I have to do is put my glove where I want him to pitch the ball and he hits the bull’s-eye.”

On September 5, 1947, Bickford pitched eight hitless innings against Minneapolis before surrendering a single in the ninth. That performance impressed team officials, and they called him up to Boston just five days later.

Major League Career Overview

Vern Bickford’s MLB career ran from 1948 to 1954. He put up a 66-57 record, mostly with the Boston Braves. He helped a pennant-winning team, threw a no-hitter, and moved with the franchise to Milwaukee before finishing up in Baltimore.

Boston Braves Debut and Early Success

Vernon Edgell Bickford made his MLB debut on April 24, 1948, at age 27 with the Boston Braves. He faced the New York Giants and pitched one inning.

He quickly became a reliable starter. On May 19, 1948, Bickford picked up his first major league win against the Pittsburgh Pirates, beating Rip Sewell 4-1.

That rookie season was memorable for both him and the team. Bickford finished 1948 with an 11-5 record and a 3.27 ERA, leading the team with a .688 winning percentage.

The big moment came on September 26, 1948, when Bickford clinched the Boston Braves’ first pennant since 1914. He beat the New York Giants 3-2 in front of over 31,000 fans at Braves Field.

World Series Appearance
Bickford started Game Three of the 1948 World Series against the Cleveland Indians. He pitched two scoreless innings, then gave up an unearned run in the third and got replaced in the fourth during the Indians’ 2-0 win.

Peak Years: Achievements and Recognition

Bickford peaked in 1949 and 1950. In 1949, he went 16-11 and made his first All-Star Game even though his ERA climbed to 4.25.

The 1950 season was his best. On August 11, 1950, he threw a no-hitter against the Brooklyn Dodgers in front of 29,000 fans, despite worrying about an elbow injury from batting practice.

That Dodgers lineup was stacked: Jackie Robinson, Duke Snider, Roy Campanella, and Pee Wee Reese. Bickford faced 30 batters and didn’t let anyone reach second base until the ninth inning.

1950 Season Stats

• Record: 19-14
• ERA: 3.47
• Complete Games: 27 (led National League)
• Innings Pitched: 311⅔ (led National League)
• Starts: 39 (led National League)

He finished just one win shy of 20, but still got MVP consideration and four points in the voting.

Transition to Milwaukee Braves and Final MLB Appearance

Bickford stuck with the franchise when owner Lou Perini moved the team to Milwaukee in 1953. He kept his spot as the Braves’ third starter behind Warren Spahn and Johnny Sain that season.

His last season with Milwaukee ended up being the final effective year of his career. In 1954, Bickford’s performance dropped off, so the Braves released him.

The Baltimore Orioles picked up Bickford for what turned out to be his final MLB appearance. On April 24, 1954, exactly six years after his debut, he pitched his last game against the Chicago White Sox.

In that game, Bickford gave up 4 earned runs on 5 hits over 4 innings and took the loss. He was 33 when his major league career wrapped up.

Career Totals

• Games: 182
• Wins: 66
• Losses: 57
• ERA: 3.71
• Teams: Boston/Milwaukee Braves (1948-1953), Baltimore Orioles (1954)

Notable Achievements and Memorable Games

Vern Bickford carved out a reputation as one of the National League’s top pitchers during his best years. He made the 1949 All-Star team and led the league in several categories in 1950.

His career peaked with a no-hitter against the Brooklyn Dodgers, and he helped the Boston Braves win the 1948 pennant.

All-Star Selection and League Leaderships

Bickford earned his only All-Star selection in 1949, which showed just how far he’d come as a pitcher. That year set up his dominant run in 1950.

In 1950, Bickford led the National League in innings pitched with 312 and complete games with 27. Those numbers show just how durable and effective he was as a starter.

Nobody in the league threw more innings than Bickford that year. He became a workhorse for the Boston Braves, shouldering a heavy load for the rotation.

He also piled up impressive strikeout totals over his career. Back in 1940, while still in the minors, he led the Mountain States League with 163 strikeouts.

The 1950 No-Hitter Against Brooklyn Dodgers

Bickford tossed a no-hitter against the Brooklyn Dodgers on August 11, 1950, winning 7-0. That game really stands out as the highlight of his big league career.

For the last out, he faced Duke Snider, one of Brooklyn’s best hitters. Bickford struck him out with what he called “the prettiest curve ball I ever threw.”

That no-hitter came during his best season, when he won 19 games and came close to hitting 20. He faced 27 batters and retired every single one through nine innings.

That performance against the Dodgers cemented Bickford’s reputation as a clutch pitcher who could shut down even the toughest lineups.

World Series Appearance and Team Success

Bickford played a big part in the Boston Braves’ 1948 National League pennant run, going 11-5 as a rookie. His strong season helped the Braves win their first pennant since 1914.

The phrase “Spahn, Sain and two days of rain” really didn’t do justice to Bickford’s value. Those 11 wins gave the team a boost beyond just Warren Spahn and Johnny Sain.

In the World Series against the Cleveland Indians, Bickford made one appearance and took the loss. Even with the defeat, reaching the Series as a rookie was a big deal.

His role in the 1948 pennant chase made him a reliable third starter for the Braves and set up his most productive years in the majors.

Relationships With Teammates, Managers, and Baseball Figures

Vern Bickford built strong professional relationships throughout his MLB career, especially with fellow Braves pitchers Warren Spahn and Johnny Sain. Together, they made up one of baseball’s most memorable pitching trios.

Team owners Lou Perini and Branch Rickey influenced his career path, and Bickford’s run-ins with notable players around the league shaped how others saw him on the field.

Pitching Trio: Warren Spahn, Johnny Sain, and Bickford

The Boston Braves’ pitching staff in the late 1940s and early 1950s earned a reputation for its depth and skill. Bickford joined Warren Spahn and Johnny Sain to form a tough trio that kept National League hitters guessing.

In 1950, writers thought all three might reach 20 wins. Spahn got 21, Sain hit 20, and Bickford finished with 19, just missing the mark after six tries.

Each pitcher brought something different to the mound. Spahn worked his magic with a left-handed curve, Sain relied on his fastball-slider, and Bickford mixed in curves, sliders, fastballs, and changeups.

Together, they helped make the Braves a regular contender. In 1951, the three combined for 60 wins, though only Spahn kept up that level in later years.

Working With Lou Perini and Branch Rickey

Lou Perini’s decision to acquire Bickford made a huge difference in the pitcher’s career. At a player draft in Miami Beach, Perini won Bickford in a coin flip with Indianapolis owner Frank McKinney.

Perini picked Bickford first, even though he didn’t know much about minor leaguers. What swayed him was hearing that Branch Rickey had tried to get Bickford during the war.

Bickford and Braves management got along well during his time with the team. The owners showed their faith in him by raising his salary after both the 1948 and 1949 seasons.

Perini’s gamble paid off when Bickford became a key part of the 1948 pennant run. Trusting his gut on talent, Perini helped turn Bickford from a struggling minor leaguer into a big league contributor.

Encounters With Notable Players and Managers

Bickford’s military service led to relationships that shaped his growth as a player. While stationed in the Philippines, he played with Brooklyn Dodger Kirby Higbe and Jim Hearn for the Manila Dodgers.

Higbe gave Bickford advice he never forgot: “Fifty percent of them don’t have any more stuff than you have, but what you need is another pitch, a pitch you can throw for strikes.”

During those years, Bickford also learned from big leaguers Roy Partee, Max Macon, and Al Milnar. They helped him add a slider and improve his changeup.

Manager Billy Southworth admired Bickford’s work ethic. “Bickford thrives on work,” Southworth said. “He’s the type that retains his good stuff even when he gets a little tired.”

After his 1950 no-hitter, people wondered if the effort would affect Bickford going forward. He mentioned pitchers Ed Head and Rex Barney, who had struggled after their own no-hitters, but stayed confident in his ability to bounce back.

Injuries, Decline, and Retirement

Bickford’s career took a tough turn in the early 1950s as arm problems and nerve issues started to limit him. His last big league game came with the Baltimore Orioles in 1954, closing the door on a career that had looked so bright just a few years before.

Arm and Nerve Issues

After his great 1950 season, Bickford started having serious arm trouble that never really went away. He developed a pinched nerve in his pitching arm, and it wrecked his control and velocity.

His performance fell off fast from 1951 on. The pitcher who once led the league in innings and complete games couldn’t find the strike zone like he used to.

The nerve problems made it hard for Bickford to hit his target. Before, he’d been known for his pinpoint accuracy, but the injury took that away.

By 1952 and 1953, Bickford’s role with the Braves shrank a lot. The team that once counted on him as their number three starter behind Spahn and Sain just couldn’t rely on him anymore.

Baltimore Orioles and Final MLB Game

The Baltimore Orioles offered Bickford one last shot in 1954, but his major league comeback didn’t last long. He pitched in just one game for the Orioles on April 24, 1954, exactly six years after his MLB debut.

In that final appearance against the Chicago White Sox, Bickford pitched four innings. He gave up five hits and a walk and didn’t strike out anyone, which was a far cry from his earlier days.

That game closed the book on a major league career that lasted 182 games. Bickford finished with 66 wins, 57 losses, and a 3.71 career ERA.

His final stats included 1,076 career strikeouts and 39 complete games. The guy who once no-hit the Dodgers just couldn’t keep up at the top level anymore.

Minor League Comeback Attempts

After Baltimore let him go, Bickford tried to get his career going again in the minors. He signed with the Richmond Virginians, hoping being close to home in Virginia would help him get back on track.

Things didn’t work out in Richmond, though. His arm problems stuck around, and the pinched nerve kept him from being effective. He couldn’t get minor league hitters out the way he once did.

Bickford tried a few more comebacks over the next couple of years. Each time, his physical issues got in the way, and he just couldn’t make it back.

By the mid-1950s, Bickford called it a career and retired from pro baseball. The pitcher who once looked like a big part of the Braves’ future had to accept that his playing days were done at just 34.

Personal Life and Legacy

Vern Bickford’s life after baseball revolved around close family ties and some tough personal struggles that cut short his years after baseball. He died of stomach cancer at 39, leaving behind a legacy of perseverance and one unforgettable no-hitter.

Family and Off-Field Pursuits

Bickford met his future wife, Jean Margaret Froyne, while stationed at March Field in Riverside, California during World War II. They got married on November 4, 1944, and their relationship stayed central to his life throughout his baseball career.

They had children, and Bickford often talked about how important it was to provide for his family. “By that time, I was married and had a youngster to support,” he said about his 1947 season with Milwaukee. “I had come to the conclusion that if I didn’t make good with Milwaukee and show myself a pretty good chance of moving up, I’d have to quit baseball and try to find something else to do for a living.”

In the off-season, Bickford liked keeping things simple at home in Virginia. He spent winters hunting, fishing, and working around the house. Those times gave him a break from the pressures of pro ball.

Struggles With Illness and Passing

After he retired in 1954, Bickford’s life took a difficult turn. He developed stomach cancer, and the diagnosis proved to be fatal within a few years.

Bickford passed away on May 6, 1960, at just 39 years old in Richmond, Virginia. That was only six years after his last game in the big leagues with the Orioles.

The cancer ended what could have been a longer post-baseball career. A lot of players from his era went on to coaching, scouting, or other baseball jobs, but Bickford’s early death kept him from those chances.

He was buried at Mount Zion Baptist Church Cemetery in New Canton, Virginia, not far from where he grew up and went to high school.

Legacy in Baseball History

Bickford’s most lasting claim to fame has to be his no-hitter against the Brooklyn Dodgers on August 11, 1950. He pitched in front of more than 29,000 fans and shut down a lineup that included Jackie Robinson, Duke Snider, Roy Campanella, and Pee Wee Reese.

He won 19 games in 1950, which marked the high point of his career. He came close to that 20-win mark, missing it after six tries.

That same season, he led the National League with 27 complete games. He also threw 311⅔ innings, which feels kind of wild by today’s standards.

Bickford’s story always struck people as one about perseverance and finding success later than most. He often credited his military service for helping him transform from a struggling minor leaguer into a big league pitcher.

“If it wasn’t for the war, I’d still be pitching in Welch, West Virginia,” he told The Sporting News back in 1948.

Over six seasons, mostly with the Boston/Milwaukee Braves from 1948 to 1953, he racked up 66 wins in his baseball career.