Ken O'Dea
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James Kenneth O'Dea (March 16, 1913 - December 17, 1985) was a catcher in Major League Baseball. From 1935 through 1946, O'Dea played for the Chicago Cubs (1935-38), New York Giants (1940-41), St. Louis Cardinals (1943-46) and Boston Braves (1946). A native of Lima, New York, he batted left handed and threw right handed. He debuted on April 21, 1935, and played his final game on August 6, 1946.
In a 12-season career, O'Dea posted a .255 batting average with 40 home runs and 323 RBI in 832 games played.
A good defensive player and valuable pinch-hitter, O'Dea served as a reserve catcher for Gabby Hartnett (Cubs), Harry Danning (Giants) and Walker Cooper (Cardinals). His most productive season came in 1945, when he posted career-highs in games (100), hits (78), runs (36), RBI (43), extra bases (24), and made the National League All-Star team. He also appeared in five World Series (1935, '38, '42, '43, '44), batting .462 (6-for-13) with one home run, including a since-tied record three pinch hits.
O'Dea died in his hometown of Lima at the age of 72.
