Buddy Myer

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Charles Solomon "Buddy" Myer (March 16, 1904 - October 31, 1974) was an American 2-time All-Star second baseman in Major League Baseball from 1925 to 1941.

He was born in Ellisville, Mississippi. An excellent hitter, he batted .300 or better in eight full seasons, and retired with a career average of .303. He walked more than twice as many times as he struck out. Myer played 17 years in the major leagues, longer than any other Jewish ballplayer.

Apart from a brief period with the Boston Red Sox in 1927-28, he spent his entire career with the Washington Senators.

[edit] Career

Myer decided to go to college at Mississippi A&M (now Mississippi State University). In 1923, he attracted many baseball scouts to watch him play. That same year, the Cleveland Indians offered him a contract. Buddy accepted the contract with the one condition, that he finish his college education. Myer graduated from Mississippi A&M in 1925.

He was discovered by legendary baseball promoter, Joe Engel, who managed the Chattanooga Lookouts at Engel Stadium.

He broke in in 1925 with the Senators at the age of 21.

In 1928 he stole 30 bases for the Red Sox, leading the league.

After the season, the Senators got him back, but had to give up five ballplayers in trade. In December the Red Sox traded him to the Senators for Milt Gaston, Hod Lisenbee, Bobby Reeves, Grant Gillis, and Elliot Bigelow.

In 1935 he won the American League batting title with a .349 mark. He had 215 hits (second in the league), a .400 on base percentage and 96 walks (4th), played in 151 games (5th), scored 115 runs (7th), and 100 RBI. He was voted to the All Star team He came in 4th in MVP voting that year.

In 1938 he batted .336 (4th in the league), and was second in the league (to Jimmy Foxx) with a .454 obp.

He died at age 70 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.