Johnny Lipon

Lipon in about 1953.

Shortstop / Manager

Born: November 10, 1922
Martins Ferry, Ohio

Died: August 17, 1998 (aged 75)
Houston, Texas

Batted: Right

Threw: Right

MLB debut

August 16, 1942, for the Detroit Tigers

Last MLB appearance

April 25, 1954, for the Cincinnati Redlegs

MLB statistics

Batting average

.259

Home runs

Runs batted in

266

Managerial record

18–41

Winning %

.305

Teams

As player

As manager

Cleveland Indians (1971)

As player

As manager

John Joseph Lipon (November 10, 1922 – August 17, 1998) was an American Major League Baseball shortstop for the Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Browns and Cincinnati Reds over the course of nine seasons (1942; 1946; 1948–1954). The native of Martins Ferry, Ohio, threw and batted right-handed, stood 6 feet (1.8 m) tall and weighed 175 pounds (79 kg). He served in the United States Navy during World War II in the Pacific Theater of Operations, as an aviation machinist's mate, third class.

Like many at his position, Lipon was never known for his power, but he wasn't an exceptional fielder, either. One of the most memorable moments of his playing career was in 1951, when Bob Feller of the Indians threw his third career no-hitter, but lost the shutout when Lipon reached on an error, stole second base, advanced to third on an errant pickoff throw, and scored on a sacrifice fly.

In 1952, Lipon was part of a trade to the Red Sox that included longtime star Johnny Pesky going to the Tigers. His playing time diminished, and in the 1953 season, he was sold to the St. Louis Browns. In 1954, the Browns moved east to Baltimore, but Lipon was quickly traded to the Chicago White Sox. Before playing a game for the White Sox, however, he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds. He had one National League at-bat before he was farmed to the new Havana Sugar Kings of the International League. He played in the high minors several years, evolving into a player/coach.

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Wikipedia