Real Work - Offseason Jobs of Vintage Ballplayers

[frankbmd]

This thread could have several names, but baseball was formerly a low paying seasonal job for most professional ballplayers. Spring training actually involved physical training to get back into shape after a winter of alternative and frequently non-athletic employment. You don't have to look at too many Topps cards of the 50s before finding a line like

"Art sells used cars in the offseason."

Many of our vintage friends have nicknames such as "Doc" that usual mean they were either a trained doctor or dentist outside of baseball.

We all recognize that careers were interrupted by military service as well, but that is not what I'm looking for here either.

Careers after baseball are also not what I am looking for, such as Joe D selling coffee pots for Mr. Coffee. So no celebrity endorsements please.

Moe Berg's early career with Brooklyn was impacted by his desire to finish law school in the spring each year. Ultimately this led to his career in espionage after his playing days. This is more in line with my concept.

I could start a list, but will not do so now. Just name a vintage player or two and what their real jobs were during their career, when not playing baseball.

The more unusual the job the better. The guidelines above will not be strictly enforced. A list in this post may be forthcoming, but I doubt it. Lets just let this one go where it wants to go. I'll bet everyone will be surprised by some of the posts, if there are any.

[birdman42]

I don't remember the player's name (if I ever knew it) but I've seen a pic of a guy working in a radiator factory during the offseason. I'd imagine he was already in pretty good shape come February.

Bill

[Econteachert205]

Gotta love Denny McClain at the organ!

[wolf441]

Richie Hebner, the grave digger!

Joe Morgan (not the HOFer!) - cup of coffee in the majors as a player and former Red Sox Manager - Nicknamed Walpole Joe and Turnpike Joe for his off-season job driving a snowplow on the Massachusetts Turnpike.

[Paul S]

Originally Posted by birdman42

I don't remember the player's name (if I ever knew it) but I've seen a pic of a guy working in a radiator factory during the offseason.

Cool Papa Bell?

[Peter_Spaeth]

Al Kaline worked at a sporting goods store in Baltimore.

Mark Fidrych pumped gas after his rookie year.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

Al Kaline worked at a sporting goods store in Baltimore.

Mark Fidrych pumped gas after his rookie year.

I believe Christy Mathewson might have worked at a (gas) service station too on the off season.

[Bocabirdman]

Jim Palmer sold men's suits in downtown Baltimore in 65/66

[arc2q]

Frank "Piano Mover" Smith

[I Only Smoke 4 the Cards]

John Ward - Lawyer