On March 25, 1959; the San Francisco Giants traded infielders Bill White along Ray Jablonski to the St. Louis Cardinals for pitchers Sam Jones and Don Choate.
Despite their third place National League finish in
1958, the Giants were 16 games behind the first place Milwaukee Braves and
needed more starting pitching.
“Toothpick” Sam Jones could give the immediate help they desired. Although the Cardinals did not give him a lot
of run support in 1958, he still won 14 games with a 2.88 ERA. At 32 years old; Jones also struck out 229
batters, leading the league for the third time.
The Cardinals had finished fifth and were looking to improve their
overall lineup.
Bill White hit 22 home runs for the Giants in 1956
as a first baseman/outfielder. He missed
1957 due to military service and upon return to the team had more competition
for playing time. Orlando Cepeda, the
National League’s 1958 Rookie of the Year was the Giant first baseman and top
prospect Willie McCovey was ready to come up from the minor leagues. The outfield alongside Willie Mays was also
crowded with Willie Kirkland, Leon Wagner, Jackie Brandt, and Felipe Alou. The 24 year old White played in only 26 games
in 1958.
The Giants received the immediate benefit they
desired from Jones as he became their best starting pitcher winning 21 games in
1959 and 18 in 1960. However, they never
won a pennant with him; finishing a close third in 1959.
The Cardinals received more long term benefit from
the younger White. From 1959 – 1965, his
time with the Cardinals, he hit over .300 four times; never hitting below
.280. A six time Gold Glove inning
fielder at first base, White made five All-Star Game appearances and was one of
the leaders on the Cardinals’ 1964 World Series Championship team.
What are your favorite memories of “Toothpick” Sam
Jones and Bill White?
Great info about Bill White!
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