Don Demeter
Don Demeter | |
---|---|
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, U.S. | |
Died: November 29, 2021 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, U.S. | (aged 86)|
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
MLB debut | |
September 18, 1956, for the Brooklyn Dodgers | |
Last MLB appearance | |
August 28, 1967, for the Cleveland Indians | |
MLB statistics | |
Batting average | .265 |
Home runs | 163 |
Runs batted in | 563 |
Teams | |
| |
Career highlights and awards | |
|
Donald Lee Demeter
Born and raised in
Before the 1964 season, Demeter was traded to the Tigers as part of a deal that sent future Hall of Famer Jim Bunning to Philadelphia. He batted .256 with 22 home runs his first year with the Tigers, then hit 16 home runs his next year, batting .278. In 1966, he lost playing time to Mickey Stanley and Jim Northrup, appearing in only 32 games before getting traded to the Boston Red Sox on June 14. He played center field regularly for Boston the rest of the year but lost the role to Reggie Smith in 1967 spring training. Demeter was traded midseason to the Cleveland Indians, where he batted .207. The Tigers almost reacquired him in late August, but the discovery of heart issues led to a void in his trade, and Demeter retired before the 1968 season.
Following his career, Demeter lived in Oklahoma City, where he started a swimming pool business, served as president of the
Early life
Demeter was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on June 25, 1935.[2] He was the third of four children of Lewis and Aileen Demeter.[3] His father was a painting contractor. The family lived in Oklahoma City until Demeter was about 10, when they moved to Denver. His parents divorced about a year after the move, and Demeter returned to Oklahoma City to live with his grandparents. After his mother remarried, he lived briefly in Keene, New Hampshire, before returning to Oklahoma City to live with a foster family.[2] His foster father, George Stevens, was a Sunday school superintendent at the Exchange Avenue Baptist Church in Oklahoma City.[4]
In fifth grade, Demeter became interested in baseball, as this was the first time his school had organized baseball teams.
Demeter attended Capitol Hill High School, where, as a
After graduation, the
Minor league career
After signing with the Dodgers, Demeter was assigned to the
In December 1954, Demeter decided to put in some extra playing time and experience by going to Venezuela and playing for Cabimas of the Venezuelan Occidental League.[12] Over 33 games, he hit .306 with 15 RBI, more than half of which came from two grand slams.[13][14]
He began the 1955 season with the
Rejoining Cabimas for winter league play in 1955–56,[15] Demeter batted .433 with seven home runs and 12 RBI in his first 60 at bats.[16] On January 21, 1956, he tied the Venezuelan record of 16 home runs in a season, hitting two in the game.[17] He finished the winter-ball season second in the league in batting average with a .369 mark and tied for first in home runs with 17, compiling 73 hits and 38 runs scored in 52 games.[18]
Back in the United States, Demeter was assigned to Texas League's Fort Worth Cats for the 1956 season. He hit home runs on four consecutive days from April 24 to 27, and six in his last seven games, a new league record.[19] On May 20, he had a five-hit day that included his 10th home run of the season in a 17–4 victory over San Antonio.[20] Demeter finished the year with 41 home runs and 128 RBI, both second only to minor league journeyman Ken Guettler, who had 143 RBI and shattered the Texas League record for home runs with 62.[21] Demeter also was very busy in center field for the Cats, leading the league in putouts with 442.[10] He was selected to the Texas League All-Star Team, receiving a scroll and a $100 check.[22] Fort Worth General Manager Spencer Harris said, "He's ahead of Duke Snider at a similar stage in Duke's development."[23]
After the minor league season, Demeter was a
Left off the Dodgers' 1956 World Series roster, Demeter did join the team for an exhibition tour in Japan following the season.[25] In the 18 game series, the Dodgers went 14–4 as he batted over .300 with five home runs, one behind Snider and Gil Hodges for the team lead.[26] During the tour, Dodgers Vice President Buzzie Bavasi claimed that the prospect looked ready for the majors.[27] National League (NL) president Warren Giles gave him very high praise, saying that he "should make the grade as a regular with the Dodgers next season. He played outstanding ball in Japan."[28] On November 2, Bavasi announced that he would be one of the prospects invited to an early tryout training camp at Vero Beach, Florida the next February.[29] Brooklyn President Walter O'Malley announced during the Japan tour his plans to move Snider over to left field to make room for Demeter in center.[30]
Before the 1957 season, Demeter was rated as one of the top eight rookie prospects in February in a poll of 12 major league organizations.
Demeter started the season with St. Paul very strong, hitting .350 with 35 RBI and a league-leading 12 home runs through June 5.[35] On July 4, he helped his team overcome an 8–1 deficit by hitting three home runs to help the Saints beat the Minneapolis Millers 9–8.[36] Two days later, he was selected to the American Association All-Star team on July 6, 1957.[37] He was one of only four unanimous picks by the league's broadcasters and writers.[38]
On July 14, Demeter had to leave a game after severely pulling a tendon in his left hand.[39] He returned on August 2 to pinch hit a game-winning double in the 10th inning to beat Louisville 3–2.[40] However, the injury severely limited his play all the way to September.[41]
Demeter finished the season among the league leaders in several categories. He was third in the league with 28 home runs, fifth in
Los Angeles Dodgers
1958 season
At the start of the 1958 season,
Demeter was recalled by the Dodgers on July 30, when
1959 season
On February 16, 1959, Demeter signed a new contract with the Dodgers for $8,500.[50][51] By that year, he was the only one of the Capitol Hill alumni signed after his senior year who was still in professional organized baseball in any capacity.[52] At the Dodgers camp in Vero Beach, Florida, he took the time to try to reinvent himself as a hitter. Previously, he had always tried for home runs, which resulted in 32 strikeouts in 106 at bats in 1958. Manager Walter Alston and new coach Pee Wee Reese worked with him on his swing. Believing Demeter was upper-cutting at the ball, Reese had him cut down on his swing. Alston had Demeter stand outside the batting cage and hit ground balls to the infielders while waiting for his turn in the cage. Demeter and Alston agreed that the simple exercise helped level off Demeter's swing.[3] While adapting his new batting style, Demeter pulled a muscle in his right leg on February 27.[53] It was not serious, and he returned to spring training play in less than a week. On March 12, he had a game-winning single with the bases loaded against the Cincinnati Reds in the 9th inning to give the Dodgers the 7–6 win.[54]
The Dodgers finally carried out their plan to make Demeter their center fielder, though they shifted Snider over to right field instead of left.[30] He did not play on Opening Day, as Snider played center and the left-handed hitting Ron Fairly got the start in right field against the right-handed pitching Bob Anderson of the Chicago Cubs.[55] The next day, Demeter was given his first start of the season with the temperature around 40 degrees Fahrenheit. He made the best early impression he could, hitting a home run and a single while driving in two runs as the Dodgers prevailed by a score of 5–3.[3] After pinch-hitting in the third game of the year, he hit back-to-back home runs in games four and five.[3] Snider's lingering knee problems helped cement Demeter's place as the team's starting center fielder.[3][56]
On April 21 against the San Francisco Giants, Demeter hit three home runs and had six RBI. In the third inning off Giants pitcher Dom Zanni, he hit the first ever inside-the-park home run at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The next inning saw another home run, this time to deep left off of Mike McCormick. He capped off the performance by hitting a game winning walk-off two-run home run in the bottom of the 11th inning off Al Worthington to win the game 9–7.[3] As of July 2009, only 22 players in the history of the majors since 1900 had three home runs in a single game during their rookie season. Demeter was the first Dodger and ninth overall to accomplish the feat, sharing the accomplishment with Hall of Famers Eddie Mathews and Mickey Cochrane.[57] The next morning, a photographer got Demeter out of bed at five o'clock in the morning to take photos for an afternoon Los Angeles newspaper.[3][52] In his first 15 games, he hit .345 with six home runs and 21 RBI.[56] Phillies manager Eddie Sawyer remarked, "Seldom have I seen a player come so far so fast. When I saw him for the first time late last season, he was just another journeyman. Now he's a real good-looking ball player."[3]
Demeter had another multiple home run game in an 11–0 win over the Phillies on June 11.
In 139 games, Demeter hit 18 home runs and 70 RBI in 139 games.[1] He was hit by six pitches, tied with Richie Ashburn and Tony Taylor for the fourth-highest total in the NL. However, he finished seventh in the NL with 87 strikeouts.[63] Defensively, he had the fifth-highest fielding percentage among NL center fielders with a mark of .983.[64]
Demeter played in all six games of the 1959 World Series for the Dodgers. He replaced Snider late in the first two games, started the next three, and came off the bench once more in the decisive game six. In 12 at bats, he hit .250, scoring two runs as the Dodgers defeated the Chicago White Sox in six games for their first World Series championship in Los Angeles.[2][1] Following the example Dark had impressed him with five years earlier, Demeter tithed his World Series earnings to his church.[65]
Early in the offseason, there were talks of trading Demeter. Near the end of November, there was a six-player deal proposed between Los Angeles and the
1960 and early 1961 seasons
Demeter signed a $14,000 one-year contract with Los Angeles on February 11, 1960.[51][69] Coming into training camp, team management was pleased that he had gained 12 pounds in the offseason, raising his total weight to 185 pounds.[70] In an intrasquad game on March 11 at Vero Beach, he hit a home run off eventual Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax.[71]
On April 12, Demeter had his first Opening Day start in the Major Leagues.[72] He started the majority of the team's games in center field until July 3, where he fractured his wrist on the road against the Pittsburgh Pirates after colliding with Los Angeles shortstop Maury Wills. The injury prematurely ended his season.[73] In 64 games, he hit .274 with nine home runs and 29 RBI.[1]
In a November interview, Bavasi expressed his belief that the ballplayer would help the 1961 Dodgers hit more home runs. "If Don can show us the Demeter of early 1959, we won't have to look for added power. We'll have all we need."[74] It was announced on February 14, 1961, that Demeter had signed his new contract with the Dodgers for around $16,000.[75][76] However, the ballplayer would have stiff competition to regain his starting role in center field. Newcomer Willie Davis, coming off a huge season in the Pacific Coast League and last season's number one player of the year as named by The Sporting News, was considered a serious threat to take his job.[77] Davis won the role in spring training, and Demeter began the year as a reserve player.[78]
Philadelphia Phillies
1961 season
Before Opening Day in 1961, talks had already started between the Dodgers and the Phillies about a potential trade, in which the Phillies would send
After batting .219 for the Phillies in May, Demeter hit .337 in June, with four home runs and 21 RBI.
On September 12, Demeter faced his old team. With the Phillies at 50 games under .500 and the Dodgers trying to stay in contention for the NL Pennant, Demeter hit three home runs and drove in seven runs en route to a 19–10 win, hurting Los Angeles's pennant chances.[84] He finished the season with a .257 average to go along with 68 RBI and a 20 home runs.[1] Adding his totals from Los Angeles, he batted .251 with 21 home runs and 70 RBI.[1]
1962 season
At the end of 1961, the Phillies had expected Demeter to be their Opening Day first baseman in 1962.[83] Plans changed in March when Andy Carey, who the team had traded for with the expectation that he would play third base, announced his retirement. This caused the Phillies to become interested in making Demeter the third baseman.[85] Mauch had high expectations, predicting that Demeter and Roy Sievers would be the two catalysts to help the team successfully improve upon its 47–107 record from 1961.[86] This marked the first season where Demeter knew he would have regular playing time for the Phillies no matter what, whether it be at third base or in the outfield. "We have to have Don's bat in the lineup somewhere", said his manager.[87]
On Opening Day, against the Reds, Demeter hit a home run and had three RBI to contribute to a 12–4 win.
The 1962 season was a breakout season for Demeter. He led his team in all
Defensively, his errors were way up from last season. In 1961, Demeter had only four errors.[1] Playing a new position in 1962, his 18 errors were fifth-worst in the NL, and his .937 fielding percentage in 105 games at third base was the worst in the NL for all players that played 60 or more games at the position.[98] Regular centerfielder Tony González suffered a back injury in mid-August that left him hospitalized for three weeks, forcing Demeter back into his old position in the outfield for the remainder of the season.[99][100] On September 1, he committed an error in a 7–6 loss to the Pirates; it would be a few years before he made another as an outfielder.[2][101] After season's end, Demeter played in an October 21 exhibition game for an NL squad managed by Cardinals manager Johnny Keane in an All-Star game sponsored by the Houston Professional Baseball Players Association against a team of American League (AL) All-Stars.[102]
1963 season
In a move to potentially get Demeter playing left field on a regular basis, the Phillies acquired Hoak from Pittsburgh in November 1962.[103] However, Demeter began the season playing first base, as Sievers had a broken rib.[104][105] He started the season hitting .455 with four home runs and 12 RBI in an 11-game hit streak.[104] The Cardinals finally brought his streak to a close in the second game of a doubleheader on April 21, but he had two hits in his next game.[106]
On May 5, Demeter was involved in a dramatic play to end a game against the
In the last half of June, Demeter had six home runs over a period of nine games.[112] He had his second multi-homer outing of the year on June 19 at Cincinnati in a 6–5, 10-inning loss,[113] but had 10th-inning heroics of his own on June 25 at Pittsburgh when he launched a home run against Harvey Haddix.[112] Demeter suffered another minor injury on July 28 when Drysdale of the Dodgers hit him on his right forearm, resulting in several more missed games.[114]
Despite the injuries, Demeter finished the season as the team leader in RBI with 83, one ahead of Sievers. He was also second in home runs with 22, behind right fielder Johnny Callison's 26.[115] Demeter ranked sixth in the NL in at bats per home run with a mark of 23.4. His 10 intentional walks were tied with Ken Boyer for eighth in the league.[116] Despite committing seven errors at third base, Demeter was the only MLB outfielder to finish with a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage.[117] He tallied 63 runs scored, 20 doubles, and a .258 batting average, finishing 21st in the MVP balloting.[1]
After the 1963 season, the Phillies began entertaining trade offers on Demeter. Pittsburgh expressed interest, but Mauch said he'd only consider the offer if Bill Mazeroski or Roberto Clemente were involved in the deal.[118] On December 5, 1963, the Phillies traded Demeter and reliever Jack Hamilton to the Detroit Tigers for catcher Gus Triandos and eventual Hall of Famer Jim Bunning.[1]
In a 1965 interview, Demeter alleged that when the Phillies put him at third base, they would sometimes alter the dynamics of the infield. He said, "They used to let the grass grow for me whenever I played third base over in Philly. And whenever Cal McLish pitched, they'd be out there in the afternoon wetting down the grass in front of the plate." This was designed to make ground balls to the ballplayer roll slower.[119]
Detroit Tigers
1964 season
Tigers manager
Demeter injured his ankle in the first game of a doubleheader against the
On May 23, against the Indians, Demeter went back to catch a long fly ball from Leon Wagner. As he tried to catch the ball, he hit his head on a padded metal bar on top of the outfield fence. The ball bounced off his glove and over the fence, resulting in a three-run home run for the Indians. Dressen remarked that he had seen the same incident occur with Bruton on a three-run home run by Tommie Reynolds at Kansas City on April 30.[128]
For the first two months of the season, Demeter recorded two home runs and 14 RBI in 37 games to go along with a batting average of .238.[129] On June 8 and 9, he hit a combined two home runs and recorded nine RBI in two games against the Twins. He homered again on June 13 against the Angels, and he delivered a game-winning double on June 14 to complete a sweep of the three-game series.[130] On July 14, Demeter hit a home run and drove in two runs, also making what was described as a "spectacular" diving catch that denied the Angels an opportunity to score the tying run in the ninth inning. He commented that the game was his best since joining the Tigers.[131]
On July 31, Demeter set an MLB record with 206 consecutive errorless games in the outfield, passing former Phillies teammate Tony González's mark of 205.[132] The streak began two seasons prior on September 3, 1962.[133] The player deemphasized the record, citing it as "deceptive." He remarked, "With the Phillies, I started quite a few games at third base and went to the outfield in the late innings." He claimed that he thought he made two errors throughout the 1964 season. "I lost one ball in the sun. Another one I didn't play very well in the wind. They were scored as hits. In my mind, they are errors."[132] At season's end, he had extended his streak to 228 games.[65]
From August 25 to 27, against the Boston Red Sox, Demeter had game-winning hits in all three games of a Tiger sweep.[134] In the September 7, 1964 issue of Sports Illustrated, he was named the Player of the Week for his clutch performances.[135]
Demeter finished the 1964 season with similar numbers to the prior season with the Phillies. He had 22 home runs and 80 RBI, batting .256. The ballplayer led all MLB outfielders with a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage.[1] He finished second on the Tigers in RBI to Cash's 83;[136] eight of these tied games for the Tigers, and 28 gave the Tigers the go ahead run.[137]
1965 and early 1966 seasons
In January 1965, Demeter signed a new contract with the Tigers for the amount of $30,000.
In spring training, Demeter had a two homer outing against the
Demeter was the Opening Day starter in center field on April 12, 1965, in Kansas City. Though hit by a pitch from Moe Drabowsky in the first inning, he finished the game with hits in all three of his at bats, including a triple. He scored two runs as well.[144] Although he began the year in the outfield, he started playing first base in May due to struggles by Cash.[145] Later that month, Demeter sat out several games with a minor case of whiplash sustained from a head-first slide into third base.[146]
Demeter played at first for almost every game for two months before returning to the outfield full time in July to resume his record errorless streak,[147] only for it to abruptly come to an end at 266 games on July 15 in improbable fashion against Kansas City. Charlie Finley, the Athletics owner, had some trained dogs serving on the grounds crew at Municipal Stadium, and one of these ran onto the field as Demeter fielded a ball hit to him. The dog and the throw arrived at shortstop at about the same time, Dick McAuliffe was unable to handle the ball, and Demeter was charged with the error.[148]
On August 12 against the Athletics, Demeter hit a grand slam and had seven RBI, tying a career high.[149][150] Against the Angels the next evening, in the fifth inning, a pitch from Dean Chance struck Demeter in the head. Carried off the field in a stretcher, Demeter was hospitalized overnight, and he would miss two games.[150][151] He suffered another injury against the Angels on August 27, damaging his left wrist while trying to make a diving catch on a line drive hit by Jimmy Piersall. After 12 X-rays, it was finally determined to be a sprain and not a broken wrist as originally diagnosed. It was the same wrist he broke in 1961 during his tenure with the Dodgers. Several key players were injured at the time, leading Demeter to remark, "I really feel sick for Charlie (Dressen). The poor guy gets his team where it can make a move and then injuries hit him."[152]
Injuries limited Demeter to 122 games, in which he had 16 home runs and 58 RBI.[1] His batting average improved over last season, jumping from .256 to .278, second to Kaline's .281 on the Tigers.[1][153] He was hit by six pitches on the year, tied with Pete Ward and Willie Horton for sixth in the AL.[154] As a pinch hitter, he batted .400, furthering his reputation as the most clutch hitter for the Tigers.[155]
Demeter was one of the last players to sign his contract for the 1966 season, receiving a raise to $33,000 in March.[156] Unlike years past, Demeter's spot as everyday starter in center field was not guaranteed. By March, it was already being predicted that Demeter was going to lose his position to a young Mickey Stanley, who was described by Baseball Digest as a defensive ace.[157] Demeter had trouble with a sore right shoulder during spring training, requiring a cortisone shot. Eventually, it was officially announced that he had lost his slot in center field to Stanley.[158]
After Stanley batted .143 in his first six games, Demeter began getting most of the starts in center field on April 19.[159][160] However, from April 25 through May 3, Demeter had an 0-for-23 slump, the worst of his career. It got to the point where Dressen told him to "not pick up a bat," benching him for six games.[159][161] A broken finger suffered by Stanley helped ensure Demeter's return to the lineup.[159][162] On May 17 against the Yankees, he broke a 2–2 tie with a two-run homer off New York pitcher Fritz Peterson.[163] Demeter remarked that the day was his wedding anniversary. "I've hit home runs six of the last seven years for her."[164] Later, against the Baltimore Orioles on May 21, Demeter started a six-run rally in the fourth inning with a three-run home run off pitcher John Miller to tie the game 4–4.[165] He again lost the starting job on May 4, as Kaline was shifted to center and Jim Northrup began getting the starts in right field.[159][166][167] In 32 games through June 14, Demeter batted .212 with five home runs and 12 RBI.[159]
Boston Red Sox
On June 14, 1966, Demeter and Julio Navarro were traded by the Tigers to the Boston Red Sox for outfielder Joe Christopher and pitcher Earl Wilson. The Red Sox had been attempting anywhere from several weeks to several months to obtain Demeter, offering a combination of catcher Bob Tillman and an infielder, but the Tigers continually rejected the offers. Boston manager Billy Herman had known Demeter ever since he was a coach for the Dodgers several years prior, and he had wanted Demeter for the Red Sox since becoming Boston's manager in September 1964. "He is a good hitter with power. I know he will take good advantage of our left field wall." Herman went on to say, "One of the things I like best about Demeter is that I can use him at five positions. He can play anywhere in the outfield, and he can play both first and third base. Don will shake up a few people on this club." Though he planned to put Demeter in center field, he was also considering using the player at third base, where Joe Foy had been struggling offensively. Herman also said he could use Demeter at first base should rookie George Scott need any sort of rest.[168]
Demeter went from a benchwarmer in Detroit to being an everyday starter once again in Boston. In his first game for the Sox on June 17, he hit a home run off Orioles pitcher Steve Barber to tie the game at 2–2, though Boston would go on to lose 5–3.[169] From his opening performance through the end of the month, he raised his batting average over 40 points by batting .348 with three home runs and eight RBI.[159] However, various ailments would diminish his playing time. In July, a foul tip hit him on the knee, costing him a few games.[170] Later that month, he had back problems that forced him to sit out intermittently.[171]
On August 3 at Minnesota, the Metropolitan Stadium scoreboard flashed a message as Demeter walked to the plate saying, "Demeter a Dad." His first daughter had been born that night in Newton-Wellesley Hospital earlier in the day. After the message flashed, the ballplayer launched the first pitch from Twins pitcher Dave Boswell into the left field bleachers for a home run. While Demeter ran around the bases, the organist played the theme, "Rock-a-bye Baby."[172]
Demeter returned to Detroit for a four-game series in early August. On August 6, he hit a home run off former teammate Denny McLain.[173] In seven games against his old team, he recorded two home runs, seven RBI, a .381 batting average and a .762 slugging percentage.[174]
In 73 games with the Red Sox, Demeter batted .292, the highest batting average of players with more than 10 at bats. His .478 slugging percentage was second to Tony Conigliaro, and his .783 OPS ranked just behind Conigliaro (.817) and Carl Yastrzemski (.799).[175] In the 23 games in which he batted fifth in the lineup, he posted a .372 batting average with four home runs, 14 RBI, and a .991 OPS.[174] For the overall season, he hit .268 with 14 home runs and 41 RBI, playing in 105 games.[1]
Coming into the 1967 season, Demeter again found himself faced with competition in center field. Rookie
Cleveland Indians
With Cleveland, Demeter got several starts in centerfield, though he would play each outfield position as well as a game at first base.[178] Against Kansas City on June 19, with two men out in the bottom of the ninth and one man on base, he pinch-hit for pitcher Sonny Siebert, hitting a game-tying home run in an eventual 2–1 victory for Cleveland.[182] He missed several games towards the end of the month with a pulled leg muscle.[183]
On August 31, the Tigers announced that they had purchased Demeter's contract from Cleveland.[184] He was going to be their first baseman, but the deal was called off as it was found out that he had circulatory problems around the heart area.[185] Bothered by chest pains, he underwent several examinations. Doctors originally diagnosed him with a minor muscle strain, but an EKG on September 5 showed "changes which indicate a disturbance in his coronary artery circulation."[186] He did not play again after the transaction fell through.[178]
Demeter played in 51 games for Cleveland, batting .207 with five home runs and 12 RBI. For the 1967 season overall, he appeared in 71 games, hitting six home runs, driving in 16 runners, and batting .226.[1] In August, he batted .313 with six RBI and two home runs over 19 games. In his last appearance of the season, he was used as a pinch-hitter in an 8–7 victory over Kansas City on August 28.[178]
In early January 1968, Demeter was still listed on the Indians roster, but he was heavily considering retirement.[187] On February 29, he officially announced he was finished playing Major League Baseball. He had already reported for spring training in Tucson, Arizona and successfully passed a complete physical examination, but he decided to end his career anyway due to the potential for future heart trouble. Though he had not suffered damage to his heart, Demeter said, "The doctor added that there was the possibility that I'd be running down the line some day and have an attack."[188]
Demeter would play another game in 1971, however, when he participated in the first ever Old-Timer's Game hosted by the Dodgers. He started in center field for the 1960s Dodgers. The 1950s Dodgers won the game 1–0 in front of a crowd of 48,227.[189] In subsequent years, he appeared in other Old-Timer's Games for Los Angeles.[2]
Legacy and career statistics
Demeter's errorless game streak would stand as a record for outfielders for almost 28 years, until on July 16, 1993,
Demeter holds the bizarre distinction of being the only major leaguer on record to field an apple. There was a game during his tenure with the Phillies where Demeter had missed several defensive plays at third base. The fans were upset and booing loudly, even prompting one overzealous fan to throw an apple onto the field. Demeter recalled, "I'd made two errors and here came an apple sailing out of the stands." He continued, "So I just picked it up, took a bite out of it and the booing stopped."[191]
In an 11-season career, Demeter posted a .265 batting average with 163 home runs and 563 RBI in 1109 games played.[1]
G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | CS | BB | SO | BA | OBP | SLG
|
TB | SH
|
SF | HBP | FLD% |
1,109 | 3,443 | 467 | 912 | 147 | 17 | 163 | 563 | 22 | 25 | 180 | 658 | .265 | .307 | .459 | 1,582 | 33 | 32 | 42 | .980 |
Personal life
As a junior in high school in 1950, Demeter met his future wife, Betty Jo Madole, at the Exchange Avenue Baptist Church during a social event. They married on May 17, 1957 and had a son, Russell Don Demeter, on January 26, 1959.
After winning the World Series with the Dodgers in 1959, Demeter returned home to Oklahoma City to spend the winter as a youth director at a Baptist church.[70][195] In the aftermath of his career-best 1962 season, Demeter toured on an exhibition team put together by Willie Mays, spoke at church functions across five states, and went on a church-sponsored tour of Japan along with Yankees second baseman Bobby Richardson.[196][197] The tour was sponsored by the Texas Baptist Convention as part of its "New Life Campaign." "We are two Christians from the United States. We are here to present our witness for Christ," Demeter and Richardson described the purpose for their trip.[196] They gave Christian testimonies to locals and spoke to Japanese professional baseball players.[196]
Demeter did not drink, smoke, or curse during his baseball career. He also rejected endorsement deals for advertising alcohol and tobacco products.
Once his baseball career was over, Demeter returned home to Oklahoma to start a swimming pool business.
Demeter died on November 29, 2021, at the age of 86.[205][206][207]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u "Don Demeter Stats". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved November 5, 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r Arnold, Jonathan. "Don Demeter". SABR. Retrieved November 4, 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Williams, Edgar (July 1959). "The Man Who Made Snider Move Over". Baseball Digest. 18 (6). Lakeside Publishing Company: 19–24.
- ^ a b c d e Hefley, James C. (1964). Play Ball! True Stories of Faith in Action. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House. p. 48.
- ^ a b c d e f Carlson, Jenni (August 3, 2010). "Don Demeter is 'one of a kind'". The Oklahoman. Retrieved September 7, 2011.
- ^ Adams, Franklyn J. (July 15, 1953). "Gain Shown in Numbers Every Year". The Sporting News. p. 59.
- ^ "Obituaries: Bert N. Wells". The Sporting News. January 26, 1980. p. 59.
- ^ Welles, Margery Miller (June 12, 1959). "This Is a Big Year for Don Demeter". Christian Science Monitor. p. 23.
- ^ a b c d e "Don Demeter Minor Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
- ^ a b c d 1961 Topps Baseball card #23 – Don Demeter
- ^ a b Falls, Joe (January 4, 1964). "Demeter Guided by a Strong Religious Faith". The Sporting News. p. 15.
- ^ Whaite, Franklin E. (December 8, 1954). "Hemsley, Bryand and Streza Named Occidental Managers". The Sporting News. p. 26.
- ^ Dickson, Olaf E. (March 2, 1955). "Occidental Loop Hitters Paced by Jim Frey's .370". The Sporting News. p. 28.
- ^ Dickson, Olaf E. (February 2, 1955). "Schroll, Red Sox Rookie, Stars in Occidental Loop". The Sporting News. p. 23.
- ^ "Major Leaguers By the Dozen Sign For Winter Play". The Sporting News. October 12, 1955. p. 29.
- ^ Dickson, Olaf E. (December 14, 1955). "Gavilanes Tripped in Occidental Race". The Sporting News. p. 24.
- ^ Dickson, Olaf E. (February 1, 1956). "Dodgers' Demeter Ties Mark". The Sporting News. p. 24.
- ^ Dickson, Olaf E. (February 15, 1956). "Kress' Champions Stage Revolt as Occidental Ends". The Sporting News. p. 34.
- ^ Rives, Bill (May 9, 1956). "Don Demeter On Homer Spree". The Sporting News. p. 29.
- ^ Eskew, Charles (May 30, 1956). "Austin Fans Back New Club at Gate". The Sporting News. p. 33.
- ^ "1956 Texas League Batting Leaders". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
- ^ Rives, Bill (September 5, 1956). "Dallas Puts Three on All-Loop Team". The Sporting News. p. 34.
- ^ McGowen, Roscoe (October 17, 1956). "Can Dodgers 'Wait Until Next Year' on Ageless Old Pros?". The Sporting News. p. 13.
- ^ a b McGowen, Roscoe (September 26, 1956). "Newk, Big Strutter in Pitching, Also Helps Out With the Hitting". The Sporting News. p. 4.
- ^ "Japanese Score 5 to 4 Win Over Dodgers, Fan 16". Ludington Daily News. Associated Press. October 19, 1956. p. 6.
- ^ McDonald, Jack (November 28, 1956). "Gentile's .471 Paced Hitters on Tour, Craig Led Hurlers". The Sporting News. p. 9.
- ^ McGowen, Roscoe (October 24, 1956). "Buzzie Talks of Trading-and $750,000 in Rookies". The Sporting News. p. 10.
- The Milwaukee Journal. Associated Press. November 8, 1956. p. 2.
- ^ McGowen, Roscoe (November 14, 1956). "Dodgers Will Invite Prized Prospects for Early Tryouts". The Sporting News. p. 4.
- ^ St. Petersburg Times. Associated Press. November 29, 1956. p. 19.
- ^ Kachline, Clifford (February 27, 1957). "Yank, Dodger Yearlings Tabbed as Standouts of '56 Minor Crop". The Sporting News. p. 3.
- ^ McGowen, Roscoe (April 3, 1957). "Podres Greets Bombers as His Long-Lost Cousins". The Sporting News. p. 9.
- ^ St. Petersburg Times. Associated Press. April 1, 1957. p. 25.
- ^ a b Daniel, Dan (April 10, 1957). "Many Standout Kids in Parade Back to Minors". The Sporting News. p. 32.
- ^ "A.A. Averages". The Sporting News. Howe News Bureau. July 17, 1957. p. 40.
- ^ Haraway, Frank (July 17, 1957). "American Association". The Sporting News. p. 42.
- ^ "Gentile Sent to IL Royals". The Baltimore Sun. Associated Press. July 7, 1957. p. 5D.
- ^ Haraway, Frank (July 17, 1957). "Four Unanimous All-Star Selections". The Sporting News. p. 37.
- ^ Haraway, Frank (July 24, 1957). "American Association". The Sporting News. p. 30.
- ^ Haraway, Frank (August 14, 1957). "American Association – St. Paul". The Sporting News. p. 36.
- ^ Haraway, Frank (September 4, 1957). "Gate Decline Slight; 1,500,000 Forecast". The Sporting News. p. 34.
- ^ "1957 American Association Batting Leaders". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
- ^ Haraway, Frank (September 4, 1957). "Minors' No. 1 All-Star Team Saluted on TV". The Sporting News. p. 34.
- ^ Kahan, Oscar (April 16, 1958). "Six Rookies Rated Spring 'Surprises'". The Sporting News. p. 15.
- ^ "National League". The Sporting News. April 23, 1958. p. 22.
- ^ "Dodgers Farm Quartet, Including Ron Negray". The Modesto Bee. May 10, 1958. p. 14.
- The Milwaukee Journal. July 31, 1958. p. 17.
- ^ Finch, Frank (August 13, 1958). "Dodgers Neither Fliers Nor Flops, Merely Plodders". The Sporting News. p. 9.
- ^ "Don Demeter 1958 Batting Gamelogs". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
- ^ "Cleveland Manager Wants To Trade With Yankees". The Bulletin. United Press International. February 17, 1959. p. 2.
- ^ a b Hunter, Bob (March 2, 1960). "Dodgers' Payroll Up 20 Per Cent; Totals 468 Gees". The Sporting News. p. 12.
- ^ a b "Slugging Demeter Newest Darling of Dodgers". The Sporting News. May 6, 1959. p. 7.
- The Milwaukee Sentinel. United Press International. February 28, 1959. p. 4.2.
- The Deseret News. United Press International. March 12, 1959. p. B5.
- ^ "Los Angeles Dodgers at Chicago Cubs Box Score, April 11, 1959". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved November 5, 2020.
- ^ a b c d e "Don Demeter 1959 Batting Gamelogs". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved November 5, 2020.
- ^ Kuenster, Bob (July 2009). "Rookies Who Hit Three Homers In One Game". Baseball Digest. 68 (5). Lakeside Publishing Company: 37.
- The Montreal Gazette. United Press International. June 12, 1959. p. 31.
- ^ "Duke Snider 1959 Batting Gamelogs". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved November 5, 2020.
- ^ Beaver Valley Times. United Press International. August 19, 1959. p. 29.
- ISBN 0-7864-1096-5.
- ^ Hefley, p. 52.
- ^ "1959 NL Batting Leaders". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
- ^ "1959 NL Fielding Leaders". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
- ^ a b c Hefley, p. 50.
- ^ Reichler, Joe (December 1, 1959). "Orioles Deal with Giants". The Owosso Argus-Press. Associated Press. p. 8.
- The Free Lance-Star. Associated Press. December 3, 1959. p. 8.
- ^ Park, Charlie (January 1959). "Why the Dodgers Collapsed". Baseball Digest. 17 (10). Lakeside Publishing Company: 59–66.
- ^ "Don Demeter Signs Contract". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. February 12, 1960. p. C2.
- ^ a b Hunter, Bob (March 9, 1960). "Demeter Fills Out Frame – Tacks on 12 More Pounds". The Sporting News. p. 6.
- ^ "Zimmer Clouts Grand-Slammer". Spokane Daily Chronicle. Associated Press. March 11, 1960. p. 16.
- Ellensburg Daily Record. Associated Press. p. 4.
- The Milwaukee Sentinel. Associated Press. August 30, 1960. p. 4.2.
- ^ Hunter, Bob (November 16, 1960). "Alston May Junk Dodger Platoons, Go for Set Lineup". The Sporting News. p. 14.
- ^ "Skowron Continues Holdout; Johnson Wins Yankee Praise". Reading Eagle. United Press International. February 15, 1961. p. 42.
- ^ Hunter, Bob (February 1, 1961). "Fast-Stepping Kids Figure to Skyrocket Future L.A. Budget". The Sporting News. p. 16.
- ^ Daniel, Dan (February 22, 1961). "Yanks, Cards Top Tour Lures, Says St. Pete Survey". The Sporting News. p. 9.
- ^ Becker, Bill (April 9, 1961). "Dodgers Rated Best of Three Entities on West Coast; Coast Forecast: a First, a 3rd and an Also-Ran". The New York Times. p. S1.
- ^ Young, Dick (April 5, 1961). "Young Ideas". The Sporting News. p. 20.
- ^ "Dodgers Trade Demeter, Sith To Phils for Farrell and Koppe". The New York Times. United Press International. May 5, 1961. p. 32.
- ^ Lewis, Allen (May 17, 1961). "Phils Speed Up Youth Plan With Demeter, Smith". The Sporting News. p. 18.
- ^ a b "Don Demeter 1961 Batting Gamelogs". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved November 5, 2020.
- ^ a b c Lewis, Allen (October 4, 1961). "Injury Hex Works Overtime-- Kayoes Phil Slugger Demeter". The Sporting News. p. 38.
- ^ Richman, Milton (September 13, 1961). "Ex-Dodger Don Demeter Poison To Chances Of Old". The Dispatch. p. 12.
- ^ Burnes, Bob (March 21, 1962). "Big Timers Scramble to Fill Key Berths". The Sporting News. p. 8.
- ^ Finch, Frank (February 21, 1962). "'Lack of Sock Star Doomed '61 Phils,' Mauch Declares". The Sporting News. p. 26.
- ^ Lewis, Allen (March 21, 1962). "Amaro Helps Ease Phillies' Infield Woes". The Sporting News. p. 26.
- ^ "Phils Wallop Cincinnati 12–4 In Opener". Hartford Courant. Associated Press. April 10, 1962. p. 21.
- ^ a b "Don Demeter 1962 Batting Gamelogs". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
- ^ "Philadelphia at Chicago (D)". The Sporting News. May 23, 1962. p. 23.
- ^ "Philadelphia Phillies at Chicago Cubs Box Score, May 11, 1962". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
- ISBN 1-55365-038-7.
- ^ Down, Fred (October 24, 1962). "Managerial Honors To Gene Mauch". The Times-News. United Press International. p. 10.
- ^ "1962 Philadelphia Phillies Statistics". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
- ISBN 0-313-32991-5.
- ^ "1962 NL Batting Leaders". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
- ^ "1962 MLB Batting Leaders". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
- ^ "1962 NL Third Base". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
- ^ "National Nuggets". The Sporting News. October 13, 1962. p. 26.
- ^ Lewis, Allen (October 6, 1962). "Hats Off". The Sporting News. p. 41.
- ^ "Don Demeter 1962 Fielding Gamelogs". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved November 6, 2020.
- ^ Kahan, Oscar (October 6, 1962). "Benefit All-Star Game Set for October 21 at Houston". The Sporting News. p. 41.
- Daytona Beach Morning Journal. Associated Press. November 29, 1962. p. 25.
- ^ a b "Don Demeter 1963 Batting Gamelogs". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved November 6, 2020.
- ^ Wolf, Gregory H. "Roy Sievers". SABR. Retrieved November 6, 2020.
- ^ Kahan, Oscar (May 4, 1963). "Benefit All-Star Game Set for October 21 at Houston". The Sporting News. p. 22.
- ^ "Phils Defeat Houston, 6–5; On Late Rally". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Associated Press. May 6, 1963. p. 26.
- ^ "Houston's Nottebart Hurls No-Hitter Against Phillies". Lawrence Journal-World. Associated Press. May 18, 1963. p. 8.
- ^ Lewis, Allen (May 18, 1963). "Curver Culp Adds New Glitter to Tarnished Bonus-Beaut Rep". The Sporting News. p. 16.
- ^ Lewis, Allen (June 29, 1963). "Relief Artist Duren Aids Weary Quaker Staff as Ace Starter". The Sporting News. p. 20.
- ^ Lewis, Allen (June 1, 1963). "Handy-Guy Demeter Clears Up Quakers' Crisis at Hot Corner". The Sporting News. p. 20.
- ^ a b Lewis, Allen (July 6, 1963). "Demeter Homer Circus Peps Up Phil Road Show". The Sporting News. p. 21.
- ^ "Phils Collect on Demeter's Homer in 10th". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. June 26, 1962. p. C7.
- ^ Lewis, Allen (August 10, 1963). "Phils Predict Fast Finish Despite Loss of Mahaffey". The Sporting News. p. 17.
- ^ "1963 Philadelphia Phillies Statistics". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
- ^ "1963 NL Batting Leaders". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
- ^ "1963 MLB Fielding Leaders". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
- ^ Biederman, Les (October 26, 1963). "Corsairs Must Bait Hook With Hurlers to Get Swap Nibble". The Sporting News. p. 20.
- ^ Falls, Joe (October 1965). "Tilt a Foul Line, Signal From Center, But Cheat? Never!". Baseball Digest. 24 (9). Lakeside Publishing Company: 43–44.
- ^ Spoelstra, Watson (December 14, 1963). "'Demeter Will Roam Center, Give Tigers Big Boost' --Dressen". The Sporting News. p. 23.
- ^ Spoelstra, Watson (April 4, 1964). "Tigers Turn Up bat Volume Behind Hot-Hitting Horton". The Sporting News. p. 23.
- ^ "Tigers-Cardinals". The Sporting News. April 4, 1964. p. 39.
- ^ Spoelstra, Watson (April 25, 1964). "Regan Heeds Dressen Tip; Finds It Pays". The Sporting News. p. 20.
- ^ Spoelstra, Watson (May 2, 1964). "Wickersham Wins Tiger Starter's Job". The Sporting News. p. 22.
- ^ Kennedy, Bernie (May 2, 1964). "Wickersham Keeps His Mastery Over Twins". The Owosso Argus-Press. Associated Press. p. 13.
- ^ Spoelstra, Watson (May 9, 1964). "Sherry's Bubbly Bull-Pen Work Leaves Bengals Smacking Lips". The Sporting News. p. 12.
- ^ Spoelstra, Watson (May 16, 1964). "'I'm Lucky Hitter,' Says Bill Freehan, Tiger Swat Terror". The Sporting News. p. 6.
- ^ Spoelstra, Watson (June 6, 1964). "Tigers Smack Lips At Tasty Dish Work Of Kaline, Freehan". The Sporting News. p. 10.
- ^ "Don Demeter 1964 Batting Gamelogs". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved November 6, 2020.
- ^ Spoelstra, Watson (June 27, 1964). "Dynamiter Demeter Ignites Fuse Under Tigers' Tail". The Sporting News. p. 15.
- ^ "Don Demeter plays best to nip Angels". The Bulletin (Bend). United Press International. July 15, 1964. p. 11.
- ^ a b Spoelstra, Watson (August 15, 1964). "Modest Demeter Sizes Up His Fielding Record as 'Deceptive'". The Sporting News. p. 27.
- ^ "Record String by Demeter, 228 Games Without Error". The Sporting News. December 19, 1964. p. 23.
- ^ Claflin, Larry (September 12, 1964). "Demeter's Hits Sink Bosox Three Successive Games". The Sporting News. p. 17.
- ^ a b Carry, Peter (September 7, 1964). "Player Of The Week". Sports Illustrated. Vol. 21, no. 10. p. 124.
- ^ "1964 Detroit Tigers Statistics". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
- ^ a b c d Spoelstra, Watson (January 30, 1965). "Demeter Chopping Wood for Stronger Home-Run Stroke". The Sporting News. p. 8.
- ^ Spoelstra, Watson (January 16, 1965). "Grieving Horton Renews Pledge To Reach Goal". The Sporting News. p. 10.
- ^ Lewis, Allen (April 1965). "Why the White Sox and Reds Will Win". Baseball Digest. 24 (3). Lakeside Publishing Company: 19–53.
- ^ Ferguson, John (February 20, 1965). "Rickey Speech Stirs Listeners At Tulsa Dinner". The Sporting News. p. 16.
- ^ "Tigers-Senators". The Sporting News. April 17, 1965. p. 53.
- ^ "Reds 7, Tigers 3". Hartford Courant. Associated Press. April 5, 1965. p. 18.
- ^ Spoelstra, Watson (April 17, 1965). "Fierce Bengals? That Depends on Kaline's Big Bat". The Sporting News. p. 22.
- The News and Courier. Associated Press. April 13, 1965. p. 3–B.
- ^ Spoelstra, Watson (May 22, 1965). "There's Tiger in Motor City Tank With Big D at Gateway". The Sporting News. p. 22.
- ^ Spoelstra, Watson (June 5, 1965). "Bengal Mac Getting Hits That Count". The Sporting News. p. 13.
- ^ "Don Demeter 1965 Batting Gamelogs". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved November 6, 2020.
- ^ Middlemas, Larry (January 8, 1966). "Try Topping Whoopers by Uncrowned Kings". The Sporting News. p. 15.
- ^ "Demeter Destroys Athletics". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Associated Press. August 13, 1965. p. 23.
- ^ a b Spoelstra, Watson (August 28, 1965). "Gates Pushes Open Tiger Victory Door With Swat Splurge". The Sporting News. p. 16.
- ^ "Major Flashes". The Sporting News. August 28, 1965. p. 29.
- ^ Spoelstra, Watson (September 11, 1965). "Demeter Apologizes For Spell on Bench With Arm in a Cast". The Sporting News. p. 18.
- ^ "1965 Detroit Tigers Statistics". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
- ^ "1965 AL Batting Leaders". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
- ^ Spoelstra, Watson (November 6, 1965). "Medics Okay Rugged Drills For Freehan". The Sporting News. p. 12.
- ^ Spoelstra, Watson (March 12, 1966). "Freehan Follows Easy-Does-It Plan to Become Tiger at Dish". The Sporting News. p. 11.
- ^ Lewis, Allen (April 1966). "How the Big League Teams Shape Up for 1966". Baseball Digest. 25 (3). Lakeside Publishing Company: 23–49.
- ^ Spoelstra, Watson (March 26, 1966). "Dressen Hands Garden Post to Stanley Until--". The Sporting News. p. 22.
- ^ a b c d e f "Don Demeter 1966 Batting Gamelogs". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved November 6, 2020.
- ^ "Mickey Stanley 1966 Batting Gamelogs". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved November 6, 2020.
- ^ Spoelstra, Watson (May 21, 1966). "Weather's Cold, But Denny's Hot As Firecracker". The Sporting News. p. 12.
- ^ Nechal, Jerry. "Mickey Stanley". SABR. Retrieved November 6, 2020.
- St. Petersburg Times. Associated Press. May 18, 1966. p. 3–C.
- ^ Spoelstra, Watson (June 25, 1966). "Dash of Sherry Swelling The Roar in Tigers' Denny". The Sporting News. p. 10.
- ^ "Big Inning". Reading Eagle. Associated Press. May 22, 1966. p. 65.
- ^ "Jim Northrup 1966 Batting Gamelogs". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved November 6, 2020.
- ^ "Al Kaline 1966 Batting Gamelogs". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved November 6, 2020.
- ^ Claflin, Larry (June 25, 1966). "Red Sox Gleeful Over Landing Hurler Sheldon, Demeter's Bat". The Sporting News. p. 16.
- ^ "Baltimore at Boston (N)". The Sporting News. July 2, 1966. p. 28.
- ^ Claflin, Larry (July 16, 1966). "Does Wyatt Doctor Ball? He's a Tonic For Hub's Bull Pen". The Sporting News. p. 37.
- ^ Claflin, Larry (July 23, 1966). "Brandon Slaps a Quality Brand on Hub's Surprising Hill Staff". The Sporting News. p. 28.
- ^ Claflin, Larry (August 20, 1966). "Scoreboard Flashes: 'Demeter a Dad,' --Don Celebrates by Clouting Homer". The Sporting News. p. 16.
- ^ "Boston at Detroit (D)". The Sporting News. August 20, 1966. p. 23.
- ^ a b "Don Demeter 1966 Batting Splits". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
- ^ "1966 Boston Red Sox Statistics". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
- ^ Claflin, Larry (December 3, 1966). "Red Sox Take Stock, Place 'Closed' Sign On Trading Counter". The Sporting News. p. 54.
- ^ Claflin, Larry (April 8, 1967). "Let George Do It-- It's Bosox Byword". The Sporting News. p. 30.
- ^ a b c d "Don Demeter 1967 Batting Gamelogs". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
- ^ Claflin, Larry (May 20, 1967). "Wyatt's Diet Slims Down Bosox' Foes Digging In at Plate". The Sporting News. p. 6.
- ^ Claflin, Larry (May 27, 1967). "Ah, Happy Days-- Bosox Pilot Hears Beefs, Plus Barbs". The Sporting News. p. 9.
- Toledo Blade. Associated Press. June 5, 1967. p. 19.
- ^ "Adcock Calls Shots Right And Tribe Wins Twin-Bill". The Sporting News. July 1, 1967. p. 26.
- ^ Schneider, Russel (July 8, 1967). "Brown Nets Lush Profits in Adcock Confidence Game". The Sporting News. p. 17.
- The Montreal Gazette. Associated Press. September 1, 1967. p. 36.
- ^ Falls, Joe (October 7, 1967). "You Wouldn't Believe Bengals' Misfortunes". The Sporting News. p. 2.
- ^ "Don Demeter Has Ailment". Spartanburg Herald-Journal. Associated Press. September 6, 1967. p. 12.
- ^ Schneider, Russell (January 13, 1968). "Scheinblum, Piniella: Tribe Hope They're Ready". The Sporting News. p. 38.
- ^ Schneider, Russell (March 16, 1968). "Demeter Passes Physical, Elects To Quit Baseball". The Sporting News. p. 31.
- ^ Hunter, Bob (June 26, 1971). "Ex-Dodger Stalwarts Return to Fan Cheers". The Sporting News. p. 14.
- ISBN 978-1-59670-177-9.
- ^ Falls, Joe (February 1975). "The Phillies Call Him "Dog"". Baseball Digest. 34 (2). Lakeside Publishing Company: 23.
- ISBN 978-0-7385-6686-3.
- Beaver County Times. United Press International. p. C-1.
- ^ "Todd Demeter Minor Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
- ^ Spoelstra, Watson (January 1, 1966). "New Bengal Tracewski Slated To Back Up Keystoner Lumpe". The Sporting News. p. 12.
- ^ a b c Hefley, p. 53.
- ^ Merchant, Larry (March 23, 1963). "Doggone, You Wouldn't Believe Things That Happen to Demeter". The Sporting News. p. 17.
- ^ Hefley, p. 51.
- ISBN 0-7385-3189-8.
- ^ Greene, Bob (October 31, 1976). "Ex-Sports Stars Invade Political World Enmasse". The Register. Danville, Virginia. Associated Press. p. 7–D.
- ^ "Former Major Leaguers .500 in Political Arena". The Sporting News. November 20, 1976. p. 47.
- ^ Godfrey, Ed (August 18, 2018). "The Collected Wisdom of Don Demeter". The Oklahoman. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
- ^ "Our Story". Grace Community Baptist Church. Archived from the original on November 7, 2020. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
- ^ "Leadership". Grace Community Baptist Church. Archived from the original on November 7, 2020. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
- ^ Godfrey, Ed (November 30, 2021). "Don Demeter, former Brooklyn Dodger and Oklahoma City native, dies at age 86". The Oklahoman. Retrieved December 4, 2021.
- ^ Goldstein, Richard (December 1, 2021). "Don Demeter, a Dodger Star of the Future Who Wasn't, Dies at 86". The New York Times. Retrieved December 4, 2021.
- ^ Langill, Mark (December 1, 2021). "Remembering Don Demeter". dodgers.mlblogs.com. Medium. Retrieved December 4, 2021.
External links
- Career statistics and player information from MLB, or ESPN, or Baseball Reference, or Fangraphs, or Baseball Reference (Minors), or Retrosheet
- Don Demeter at SABR (Baseball BioProject)
- Grace Community Baptist Church (Oklahoma City) – church founded by Demeter