Don Blasingame, American baseball player, coach, and manager (b. 1932)
Donald Lee Blasingame, affectionately known as "Blazer" throughout his career, was a quintessential American professional baseball second baseman whose journey spanned two continents. Born on March 16, 1932, in Corinth, Mississippi, and passing away on April 13, 2005, Blasingame left an indelible mark on the sport, both on the diamond and in the dugout. A right-handed thrower who impressively batted left-handed, he stood 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m) tall and weighed 160 pounds (73 kg), embodying the agile, quick-thinking infielder of his era.

His Illustrious Major League Baseball Career

His professional baseball journey began in 1953 when he signed with the St. Louis Cardinals, a signing that came after he served a stint in the United States Army, a common path for many young men of his generation. Blasingame made his highly anticipated Major League Baseball (MLB) debut for the Cardinals in September 1955. The following year, 1956, marked a significant turning point as he successfully took over the challenging second base position from the legendary Red Schoendienst, a future Hall of Famer, showcasing Blasingame's immediate impact and talent. His prowess was further recognized in 1957, where he garnered considerable attention, finishing twelfth in the prestigious National League Most Valuable Player Award voting, a testament to his consistent performance. The peak of his early career arrived in 1958 when he earned his sole All-Star Game selection, solidifying his status as one of the league's top second basemen.

After playing one more season with the Cardinals in 1959, Blasingame was traded to the San Francisco Giants, marking a new chapter in his career. However, his tenure with the Giants proved to be a challenging one; his batting average saw a significant decline compared to his productive years in St. Louis. By 1961, the competitive nature of MLB led him to lose his starting second base job, and he was subsequently traded early in that season to the Cincinnati Reds. Despite this transition, Blasingame quickly found success, reaching the World Series with the Reds in his first year, a pinnacle for any major league player. He enjoyed a strong offensive season in 1962, batting an impressive .281 for Cincinnati. The ebb and flow of professional sports, however, meant that in 1963, he once again faced a challenge, losing his second base role to a burgeoning young talent named Pete Rose. This midseason shift saw him traded to the Washington Senators.

With the Senators, Blasingame continued to serve as a reliable second baseman, holding the position until 1966. During the first half of that final year, he found himself in a platoon situation with Chuck Cottier, a common strategic move where two players share a position, often based on pitcher handedness to optimize matchups. His major league career concluded shortly thereafter, following a move to the Kansas City Athletics where he spent a month primarily as a pinch hitter, a specialized role focused on batting in crucial situations, before retiring from MLB.

Career Beyond MLB: The Japan Years and Post-Playing Roles

Following his extensive major league career, Blasingame embarked on a remarkable journey to Japan, where he would continue to shape his legacy in baseball. He spent three memorable seasons playing with the Nankai Hawks, a prominent team in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), experiencing a different cultural approach to the game. His impact extended beyond playing, as he then transitioned into coaching the Hawks for several years, sharing his wealth of American baseball knowledge with Japanese players. His leadership qualities were further recognized when he took on managerial roles, first with the Hanshin Tigers from 1979 to 1980, and then returning to manage his former team, Nankai, from 1981 to 1982.

Upon his return to the United States, Blasingame continued his involvement in baseball, applying his extensive experience as a minor league coordinator for the Philadelphia Phillies. In this capacity, he played a crucial role in developing young talent and nurturing the next generation of baseball stars. In his later years, he settled in Scottsdale, Arizona, a popular locale for many retired athletes, where he lived until his passing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Donald Lee Blasingame?

Donald Lee Blasingame, known by his nickname "Blazer," was an American professional baseball second baseman who played for several MLB teams from 1955 to 1966, and later had a significant playing and managing career in Japan.

What MLB teams did Blasingame play for?

He played in Major League Baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals (1955–1959), San Francisco Giants (1960–1961), Cincinnati Reds (1961–1963), Washington Senators (1963–1966), and the Kansas City Athletics (1966).

What were some of Blasingame's career highlights?

Key highlights include finishing twelfth in the National League Most Valuable Player Award voting in 1957, being selected for his only All-Star Game in 1958, and making it to the World Series with the Cincinnati Reds in 1961.

Did Blasingame play or coach baseball internationally?

Yes, after his MLB career, he played for three seasons with the Nankai Hawks in Japan and subsequently coached the team. He later managed the Hanshin Tigers and returned to manage the Nankai Hawks.

What was Blasingame's role after his career in Japan?

Following his return to the U.S., Donald Blasingame served as a minor league coordinator for the Philadelphia Phillies, contributing to player development within the organization.