Saturday, September 8, 2012

September 8

1977 TCMA The War Years #15 - Tom Turner

On this day in 1916, catcher Tom Turner was born.

Tom was selected by the Chicago White Sox from the St. Louis Cardinals on October 3, 1939, in the Rule 5 draft. He made his debut on April 25, 1940, in Cleveland, pinch hitting for pitcher Clint Brown in the top of the ninth inning. Turner struck out in his first plate appearance. The White Sox lost 3-1 and went to a 1-5 record on the young season.

Turner would play with the White Sox for four and a half seasons. He managed a .234 average during his time with the Sox. On July 31, 1944, Tom was purchased from the Pale Hose by the St. Louis Browns. Once there, he hit .320 over fifteen games and made the postseason. Turner made one appearance, in the fourth game of the World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals. He pinch hit for pitcher Tex Shirley and flew out to center fielder Johnny Hopp. The Browns lost the series in six games. That appearance in the World Series was the last time Tom played in the major leagues.

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