Virgil Stallcup – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Thomas Virgil Stallcup, known as “Red,” spent seven seasons in Major League Baseball before he decided to hang up his cleats in 1953. The 6-foot-3 shortstop from North Carolina mainly played for the Cincinnati Reds and wrapped up his career with the St. Louis Cardinals, finishing with a .241 batting average, 22 home runs, and 214 RBIs over 587 games.

Stallcup started out as a small-town player and worked his way up to MLB shortstop, retiring from professional baseball in 1953 at just 31. His career began with a lot of promise, but people mostly remember him for his solid defensive play rather than his offense.

His story really shows the challenges players faced during baseball’s golden era. Back then, opportunities were limited and careers rarely lasted as long as they do today.

Let’s take a look at Stallcup’s life, from his rise through the minor leagues to his years as Cincinnati’s starting shortstop. We’ll also touch on his life after baseball.

From his early days at Clemson University to his tragic death in 1989, Stallcup’s journey reflects both the opportunities and struggles of mid-20th century professional baseball players. There’s also plenty here for collectors and fans interested in memorabilia from that era.

Virgil Stallcup’s Baseball Career

Stallcup played in the Majors from 1947 to 1953, spending most of his time as the Cincinnati Reds everyday shortstop. He wrapped up his big league run with the St. Louis Cardinals.

When you count his minor league stints, Stallcup’s professional baseball journey lasted 12 seasons.

Cincinnati Reds Years

Stallcup made his MLB debut with the Cincinnati Reds on April 18, 1947, when he was 25. He only appeared in eight games that first season and spent most of the year in the minors.

From 1948 to 1951, Stallcup held down the shortstop job for Cincinnati. In 1949, he had his best season, leading all National League shortstops with a .963 fielding percentage and batting .254.

Key Cincinnati Statistics:

• Career batting average: .241
• Home runs per season: 8 (in both 1950 and 1951)
• Notable achievement: Fewest walks in NL history for 500+ at-bats (9 walks in 1949)

Stallcup swung aggressively at the plate throughout his career. He only drew 51 walks in 2,059 major league plate appearances.

That free-swinging style became his trademark during his Cincinnati years.

St. Louis Cardinals Tenure

In early 1952, the Reds traded Stallcup and Dick Sisler to the Cardinals for Eddie Kazak and Wally Westlake. That deal kicked off the last part of his major league career.

Stallcup’s time with the Cardinals was short and limited. He played just 30 games total in 1952 and 1953.

He made his final MLB appearance on April 25, 1953, with St. Louis. Moving from an everyday player to a bench role was a big shift from his days in Cincinnati.

The Cardinals chapter really signaled the end of his major league run. His playing time dropped off as he got older, which just happens in pro baseball.

Minor League Highlights

After leaving the majors, Stallcup kept playing in the minors through 1955. He suited up for four different teams: Columbus Red Birds, Tulsa Oilers, Anderson Rebels, and Sunbury Redlegs.

Stallcup’s minor league career was long and pretty successful. He played 652 minor league games over 12 professional seasons from 1941 to 1955.

Minor League Career Numbers:

• Games played: 652
• At-bats: 2,412
• Hits: 676
• Home runs: 36
• Batting average: .280

Before reaching the majors, Stallcup had a big season in 1947 with the AAA Jersey City Giants. He hit .338 with 15 home runs and made the All-Star team as a shortstop.

His 1946 performance with the Roanoke Red Sox (.304 average, 10 home runs) convinced Cincinnati to select him in the Rule V Draft.

Retirement and Post-Playing Life

Virgil Stallcup’s professional baseball career wrapped up after the 1953 season with the St. Louis Cardinals. When he retired, he left behind a seven-year major league career that ran from 1947 to 1953.

Final Season and Retirement in 1953

Stallcup’s last major league season was a quiet one with the St. Louis Cardinals. He played only 15 games in 1953, which closed out his professional baseball career.

Between 1952 and 1953, Stallcup appeared in just 30 games for St. Louis. That was a big drop from his earlier years as Cincinnati’s regular shortstop.

His career stats show a .241 batting average over seven seasons. He was at his most productive with Cincinnati from 1948 to 1951.

Stallcup’s best power years were 1950 and 1951, when he hit 8 home runs each season. By 1953, at 31, his playing time had really dwindled.

Life After Baseball

There’s not a ton of information about Stallcup’s life after baseball. He lived for several decades after retiring from the game.

During his playing days, Stallcup got involved in charitable activities. After the 1949 season, he played in a special game organized by pitcher Bill Voiselle to help a teenage girl who lost her arm to cancer.

Stallcup died on May 2, 1989 in Greenville, South Carolina. He was 67 when he passed away.

He grew up in Ravensford, North Carolina, born on January 3, 1922. Since he died in South Carolina, it’s likely he settled in that area after his baseball days were over.

Personal Background and Early Life

Virgil Stallcup’s early years had a Southern flavor and were shaped by his natural athleticism. His size and look made him stand out on the baseball field.

Birthplace and Education

Thomas Virgil Stallcup was born on January 3, 1922, in Swain County, North Carolina. He grew up in Honea Path, South Carolina, which he called home.

He attended Clemson University and developed his baseball skills there. The Boston Red Sox signed him in 1941, but World War II interrupted his career.

His college years at Clemson gave him important training. The university played a big part in his athletic growth during the early 1940s.

Military service pulled him away from baseball from 1943 to 1945. That three-year break delayed his pro career, which happened to a lot of players back then.

After the war, Stallcup jumped back into baseball. He played in the Class B Piedmont League in 1946, batting .304 and catching the eye of major league scouts.

Nickname and Personal Traits

People called Stallcup “Red” during his playing days. The nickname probably came from his hair color or complexion.

He was a big guy for his time. Stallcup stood 6 feet 3 inches and weighed 185 pounds, which was large for a shortstop back in the ’40s and ’50s.

He threw and batted right-handed. His size gave him good range at shortstop, but maybe it worked against his batting average.

At the plate, Stallcup was known as a free swinger. That aggressive style led to his modest .241 career average but also helped him hit 22 home runs in seven seasons.

Baseball Legacy and Impact

Virgil Stallcup earned a reputation as a reliable defensive shortstop during his seven-year Major League career from 1947 to 1953. His defensive skills and steady fielding made him valuable to both the Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals.

Position and Playing Style

Stallcup played shortstop throughout his major league career, standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 185 pounds. That kind of height was unusual for shortstops in the ’40s and ’50s.

He served as the Cincinnati Reds’ regular shortstop from 1948 through 1951. His defensive game peaked in 1951 when he led all National League shortstops in fielding percentage.

Offensively, Stallcup took a more conservative approach. He finished with a career average of .241, 22 home runs, and 214 RBI in 587 games.

His best power numbers came in 1950 and 1951, with 8 home runs each year. Stallcup’s plate discipline, though, wasn’t great—he drew only nine walks in 575 at-bats in 1949.

Impact on Teams

The Cincinnati Reds counted on Stallcup’s steady glove during his four years as their starting shortstop. His leadership in the field helped anchor their infield defense, especially in 1951.

When the Cardinals picked up Stallcup in early 1952, they already had Solly Hemus at shortstop. That trade ended up limiting Stallcup’s playing time and sped up the end of his career.

He played just 30 games total in his last two seasons with St. Louis, 1952 and 1953. The Cardinals mostly used him as a backup, not a regular starter.

Collecting Virgil Stallcup Memorabilia

Virgil Stallcup memorabilia mostly centers on his 1953 Topps baseball card and some autographed items. If you’re looking for authentic pieces from the former Cardinals shortstop, eBay is the main spot.

1953 Topps Baseball Card Overview

The 1953 Topps Virgil Stallcup card is the main collectible from his career. It shows Stallcup as a St. Louis Cardinals shortstop and is card number 180 in the set.

Card Details:

• Year: 1953 Topps
• Card Number: #180
• Team: St. Louis Cardinals
• Position: Shortstop

This card marks Stallcup’s last season in the Majors. Graded copies in EXMT condition turn up regularly in the collectibles market.

Signed versions with Beckett Authentication Services (BAS) certification fetch higher prices than unsigned ones. They’re rare, and authentication really matters to collectors.

Archive reprints are out there, but they’re not worth much compared to the original 1953 cards. If you’re buying, make sure you’re getting the real thing.

eBay Buying Guide for Stallcup Cards

eBay has the widest selection of Virgil Stallcup memorabilia. You’ll find multiple listings for his 1953 Topps card in all sorts of conditions and price ranges.

Key Buying Tips:

• Go for Beckett BAS authentication on signed items
• Check seller feedback before you bid
• Compare prices across listings
• Make sure card condition matches the description

Signed 1953 Topps cards usually sell for premium prices on eBay. Many sellers offer free shipping, which is a nice bonus.

Archive reprints go for about $1.25, while authentic graded cards cost a lot more. Plan your budget based on what kind of collector you are.

A lot of eBay sellers have “Buy It Now” options along with regular auctions. That gives you some flexibility if you want to buy right away instead of waiting for an auction to end.

Tips for Safe and Confident Purchases

Buying Virgil Stallcup baseball cards means you need to pay attention to seller ratings and return policies. Most reputable sellers offer 30-day return windows and free return shipping, so buyers have some protection.

Shop With Confidence Guidelines

Seller reputation is huge when you’re buying vintage baseball cards. Look for sellers with at least 98% positive feedback over the past year.

Always check the seller’s return policy before you bid. Good sellers usually give detailed descriptions and lots of clear photos.

Payment protection through sites like eBay adds another layer of security. Use secure payment methods, especially for purchases over $50.

Check the listing photos closely to verify authenticity. Look for clear shots of corners, edges, and the card’s surface.

Communication with sellers can clear up any questions about condition or shipping. The pros will get back to you quickly.

Free Returns and 30 Days Returns Policies

Most top sellers offer 30-day return policies for vintage cards. That gives you time to inspect your purchase and make sure it’s legit.

Free returns are common with established sellers. They’ll pay for return shipping if the item doesn’t match the description.

Read the return policy details carefully. Some sellers want items back in their original packaging and within a set time.

Return eligibility usually covers stuff that’s way off from the description. Minor condition issues might not qualify.

If you spot any problems, snap photos right away. That’ll help if you need to start a return.

Return Shipping Guidance

Sellers who offer free returns usually provide prepaid return labels. If you need to start a return, just message the seller through the platform.

Pack your items securely—bubble wrap or card sleeves work well. If your item is worth over $20, definitely use tracking.

Return timeframes are usually between 14 and 30 days from the delivery date. Try to ship things back quickly so you don’t miss the deadline.

Hang on to all original packaging until you know you’re happy with your purchase. Trust me, returns get a lot easier that way.

After sellers receive your returned items, they usually process refunds in 3-5 business days. Your payment method affects when you actually see the money.

Net Worth and Financial Overview

Virgil Stallcup’s financial legacy really shows the modest earnings of baseball players from the 1940s and 1950s. By today’s standards, people estimate his net worth at about $2 million.

His baseball memorabilia still attracts collectors, which is pretty cool.

Career Earnings Overview

Salaries for pro baseball players in Stallcup’s era were much lower than what we see now. Most players in the late 1940s and early 1950s made somewhere between $5,000 and $15,000 each season.

Stallcup played seven Major League seasons from 1947 through 1953. He spent time with both the Cincinnati Reds and the St. Louis Cardinals.

He earned what you’d expect for a shortstop of his level back then. Players often picked up off-season jobs just to make ends meet.

Estimated Career Earnings:

• Annual salary range: $7,000 – $12,000
• Total career earnings: about $60,000 – $80,000
• Adjusted for inflation: around $600,000 – $800,000 today

His military service from 1943 to 1945 put his early baseball career on pause. That probably made a dent in his earning potential during those key years.

Value of Baseball Memorabilia

Stallcup’s baseball cards and memorabilia still catch the eye of some collectors. People usually go after his rookie cards from the 1947 and 1948 sets—they’re definitely the most popular pieces.

Current Market Values:

• 1947 rookie cards: $25 – $75 if they’re in good shape
• Game-used equipment: $100 – $300
• Signed baseballs: $50 – $150

You can spot Stallcup memorabilia on eBay every so often, though there aren’t a ton of listings out there. Sometimes you’ll see his nickname, “Red,” on old items, which honestly makes them feel a bit more legit.

Collectors like that his seven-year MLB career ties him to teams like the Cincinnati Reds. Stuff from his stronger seasons in 1950 or 1951 seems to get extra attention.

If you’re looking to get into vintage baseball collecting without spending a fortune, his memorabilia is actually a pretty solid place to start. It’s way more affordable than gear from the big-name stars of that era.