Don Hoak
Don Hoak | ||
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Runs batted in | 498 | |
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Donald Albert Hoak (February 5, 1928 – October 9, 1969), nicknamed "Tiger", was an American
Early career
Hoak broke into the professional baseball in 1947 after a stint in the United States Navy towards the end of World War II. He signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers organization and worked his way up the organization based almost solely on his glove, speed on the bases and tenacity. In 1954, Hoak's patience was rewarded by a spot on the Dodgers' roster.
During his two seasons with the Dodgers, Hoak shared third base duties with Jackie Robinson and Billy Cox. In 1955, the Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees in the World Series to win their only championship in Brooklyn. Hoak played third base in place of Robinson in the seventh and deciding game of that Series—the only World Series game Robinson did not play in during his career when his team was in the World Series.
After the season, Hoak was traded to the
Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia
After the 1956 season, the Cubs traded Hoak to the Cincinnati Redlegs in a five-player deal. In 1957 Hoak improved his batting average to .293, after leading the league well into May at over .400, and set career highs in home runs (19) and runs batted in (89), as well as leading the National League in doubles with 39. In a game against the
In 1957 Hoak made his only
Hoak batted .261 for the Reds during the 1958 season before being traded, along with
Hoak batted a career-high .298 during the 1961 season, but slumped to .241 in 1962. After the 1962 season, the Pirates traded him to the Philadelphia Phillies for
Don Hoak also played in the Dominican Republic during the 1956 season with the Escogido team. In those days the radio announcer called him "el loquito Hoak" (crazy Hoak) for his risky plays which contributed to his team winning several games and the season. In a final series, a game was won when he stole home after making the pitcher nervous several times, moving between third and home.
Hoak and Jill Corey
Hoak was married to singer/actress Jill Corey, whom he first met at Forbes Field during the Pirates' 1960 season. Hoak pursued Corey for a year afterward, even convincing her to break up with her boyfriend, a Brazilian diplomat. The two wed on December 27, 1961; the marriage bore a daughter, Clare.
Post-playing career
After retiring as an active player, Hoak worked as a Pirates' broadcaster in 1965 and 1966, a coach for the Phillies in 1967, and a manager in the Pirates'
Career statistics
In 11 seasons covering 1,263 games, Hoak compiled a .265
Death
During the 1969 season, the Pirates' managerial post was left vacant when Larry Shepard was fired with one week remaining, and Alex Grammas served as interim manager for the final five games. After two successful minor league seasons, Hoak believed himself a contender to manage the parent club. Instead, the team announced on October 9 that Danny Murtaugh, who managed the Pirates' 1960 World Championship team, was to return for what would be his third of four stints with the club. (Murtaugh had resigned after the 1967 season for medical reasons, and accepted a position in the Pirates' front office. He asked to reclaim the managerial position after the 1969 season, and was re-hired after receiving medical clearance. Murtaugh would lead the Pirates to a second World Series title in 1971.) Hoak’s wife delivered the news of Murtaugh’s hiring to Hoak.
Less than two hours later, Hoak witnessed his brother-in-law's car being stolen from the driveway of the Hoak house. Hoak got into his own car and gave chase. He suffered a heart attack during the pursuit, but managed to stop his vehicle at Amberson Towers just before collapsing. He lay in his car for 20 minutes without anyone’s interceding. A doctor who claims he had been driving behind Hoak at the time eventually got out of his own car and performed cardiac massage before an ambulance transported Hoak to the hospital. However, despite efforts to save his life, Hoak died 10 minutes after arrival.[6] Jill Corey claimed that her husband had died of a broken heart because the Pirates had passed him over.[7]
Cinema reference
In the film City Slickers starring Billy Crystal, Hoak was the answer to a trivia question posed by character Bonnie Rayburn, played by Helen Slater, in which Bonnie expressed her incredulity that men could discuss baseball at great length. She stated "I've been to games, but I don't memorize who played third base for Pittsburgh in 1960," at which point Crystal, Daniel Stern and Bruno Kirby immediately reply "Don Hoak."
See also
References
- The Milwaukee Sentinel.
- ^ Thomas traded to Cincinnati in 7-player deal
- ^ Pirates trade Don Hoak for Phil Outfielder Savage
- ^ "1968 Salem Rebels Statistics".
- ^ "1969 Columbus Jets Statistics".
- ^ "Ex Cub Don Hoak Dies of Heart Attack". Chicago Tribune. October 10, 1969. Retrieved May 9, 2015.
- ^ Vrusho, Spike (August 1, 2000). "Belter Grins Through the Tears: The Tale of Don Hoak and Jill Corey". New York Press. Retrieved May 5, 2015.
External links
- Career statistics and player information from MLB, or ESPN, or Baseball Reference, or Fangraphs, or Baseball Reference (Minors), or Retrosheet
- Don Hoak at SABR (Baseball BioProject)
- Don Hoak at Baseball Almanac
- Don Hoak at The Deadball Era
- Don Hoak at Find a Grave