The good-hitting Don Padgett broke into the major leagues as an outfielder with the St Louis Cardinals in 1937, and hit a very fine .314, with 38 extra base hits, 74 RBI in 123 games as a rookie. Moved to the role of the Cardinals starting catcher two years later, he played that position defensively quite well, And, batted a torrid .399 in 233 at bats spanning 93 games. A contact hitter, Don Padgett was one of the hardest men in baseball history to strike out. Career walked more times than striking out, 141 Walks, 130 Ks in 1,991 at bats. Red Padgett proudly served in US Military during World War II 1942-1945. Played 251 career games as catcher, 242 in outfield and 26 games at first base. |