Births on January 22

Bobby Young, American baseball player (d. 1985)

Robert George Young (January 22, 1925 – February 4, 1985) was a notable American professional baseball player whose career spanned eight seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). Primarily recognized for his adept play as a second baseman, Young spent the majority of his professional tenure with the St. Louis Browns and their successor franchise, the Baltimore Orioles, making him a significant figure in the history of both teams.

Early Career and Defensive Excellence with the St. Louis Browns

Born in Granite, Maryland, Robert Young’s professional baseball journey began when he was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals before the 1946 season, a period when professional sports were fully resuming after World War II. After appearing in three games for the Cardinals in 1948, he was traded in June 1949 to the crosstown rivals, the St. Louis Browns. This move marked a significant shift in his career trajectory, as he quickly established himself as a key defensive asset for the Browns, particularly known for his agility and strong arm.

From 1951 to 1953, Young served as the Browns' regular starting second baseman, showcasing remarkable defensive skills that often overshadowed his offensive output. He demonstrated exceptional talent in turning double plays, a critical aspect of infield defense that requires precise coordination and quick reflexes. As a rookie in 1951, he tied for the American League lead in double plays with an impressive 118, a testament to his immediate impact. He further solidified his defensive reputation by leading the American League in double plays again in 1952, recording 127. These statistics underscore his importance to the Browns' defense during his tenure in St. Louis.

Pivotal Role in Baltimore Orioles' Inaugural Season and Later Career

Robert Young played a unique and historically significant role in baseball history when the St. Louis Browns relocated to Baltimore, Maryland, before the 1954 season, officially becoming the Baltimore Orioles. This move was a momentous occasion for the city, marking the return of Major League Baseball to Baltimore after more than 50 years. Young was notably the very first player signed to a contract for the newly formed Baltimore Orioles franchise that year, making him a foundational and symbolic member of the team's inaugural season.

Despite the team's new location, which brought him closer to his hometown, Young's offensive performance saw a decline. His batting average, which had consistently hovered around the .250 mark during his time with the Browns, slipped to .245 in 1954 and further to .199 in early 1955. This decline in offensive production led to his trade to the Cleveland Indians in June 1955. His time with the Indians was brief, appearing in only 18 games for the remainder of the 1955 season, and he did not play in Major League games for them thereafter.

His Major League Baseball career concluded after his contract was sold to the Philadelphia Phillies in June 1957. He played 32 games for the Phillies in 1958, primarily as a utility infielder, marking his final appearances in the big leagues before retiring from professional baseball.

Robert Young's Career Batting and Fielding Statistics

Across 687 career Major League Baseball games, Robert Young compiled a batting average of .249, hitting 15 home runs and driving in 137 runs batted in (RBI). While his offensive numbers were modest for a starting player, his true value often lay in his exceptional defensive capabilities. As a second baseman, a position demanding consistent fundamental play, he maintained a commendable .980 fielding percentage throughout his MLB career. This high fielding percentage reflects his reliability, accuracy, and skill in handling ground balls and turning double plays, making him a valuable asset on the field.

A Pioneering Role in Baseball Integration: The Jackie Robinson Barnstorming Tour of 1953

One of the most significant and historically impactful aspects of Robert Young's career was his participation in Jackie Robinson's fall barnstorming tour in 1953. These post-season exhibition tours were common at the time, allowing players to earn extra income and engage with fans in various cities. However, Robinson's tours held particular significance, especially given his monumental role in breaking Major League Baseball's color barrier in 1947, a pivotal moment in the American Civil Rights Movement.

Historically, Robinson's barnstorming tours had primarily featured African American major leaguers competing against stars from the Negro Leagues, showcasing black baseball talent. However, the 1953 tour was groundbreaking because it intentionally included white players, making it an unprecedented interracial venture. Robert Young, alongside fellow prominent white major leaguers Gil Hodges (Brooklyn Dodgers), Ralph Branca (Brooklyn Dodgers), and Al Rosen (Cleveland Indians), bravely joined this tour. This pioneering group of players consciously faced the challenges of racial segregation prevalent in the American South during that era, aiming to promote integration and demonstrate unity across racial lines.

The tour commenced in Baltimore and concluded in Houston, navigating various cities across the segregated South. While Al Rosen sustained an injury early in the tour and returned home, Young, Hodges, and Branca continued, demonstrating their commitment to the tour's message of unity. Their journey highlighted the stark realities of segregation: in Birmingham, Alabama, for instance, a local ordinance strictly forbade racial mixing in athletic events. This forced the interracial group of players to sit in the stands as spectators, rather than play, under the risk of arrest if they attempted to defy the discriminatory laws. Their participation, despite these challenges, underscored the ongoing struggle for civil rights and baseball's unique, if sometimes difficult, role in fostering social change.

Demonstrating Defensive Prowess in the Minor Leagues

Even in the latter part of his career, Robert Young continued to display his defensive strengths and leadership capabilities. In 1957, he spent part of the season with the Miami Marlins, a prominent team in the International League, which was then considered one of the highest levels of minor league baseball. There, he formed part of an acclaimed infield alongside Woody Smith, Mickey Micelotta, and Pancho Herrera. This quartet was widely considered one of the best infield units in the International League due to their exceptional defensive synergy and skill. One contemporary writer notably remarked that "they make plays the Phillies couldn't make," a high compliment that highlighted the defensive excellence and collective talent of the Marlins' infield, particularly Young's continued contribution at second base.

Robert George Young passed away on February 4, 1985, at the age of 60, due to a heart attack in Baltimore, Maryland, the city where his Major League Baseball journey concluded. Young's career is remembered not only for his consistent defensive play at second base but also for his courageous participation in one of baseball's most significant interracial barnstorming tours, contributing to the broader narrative of civil rights in America and demonstrating sportsmanship beyond the game.

Frequently Asked Questions About Robert Young

What position did Robert Young primarily play in Major League Baseball?

Robert Young primarily played as a second baseman throughout his eight-year Major League Baseball career, excelling in defensive aspects of the position.

Which MLB teams did Robert Young play for during his career?

He played for the St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Browns, Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland Indians, and Philadelphia Phillies.

Was Robert Young known for his defensive skills or offensive capabilities?

Robert Young was highly regarded for his defensive skills, particularly his ability to turn double plays. He led the American League in double plays in both 1951 and 1952, showcasing his defensive excellence.

What was Robert Young's unique connection to the Baltimore Orioles?

He holds the distinction of being the first player signed to a contract for the Baltimore Orioles when the St. Louis Browns relocated to Baltimore before the 1954 season, making him a foundational member of the new franchise.

What was the historical significance of Robert Young's participation in Jackie Robinson's 1953 barnstorming tour?

His participation was highly significant because it was a groundbreaking interracial tour. Unlike previous tours that only featured African American players, the 1953 tour included white players like Young, Gil Hodges, and Ralph Branca. This helped to challenge racial segregation in baseball and society, particularly in the American South, and was a subtle yet powerful statement in the context of the Civil Rights Movement.