Gene Desautels
Encyclopedia
Eugene Abraham "Red" Desautels (June 13, 1907 - November 5, 1994) was an American
professional
baseball
player. Born in Worcester, Massachusetts
to French Canadian
parents, he played most of his Major League Baseball
career as a backup catcher
with four different teams between and . Listed at 5' 11", 170 lb., Desautels batted and threw right-handed. Desautels was a light-hitting
player but, was known for his superior defensive ability as a catcher.
s, Desautels spent a long career in baseball catching 19 seasons from 1928 to 1946: three in college (1928–30), 13 in the major leagues (1930–33, 1937–43, 1945–46) and three in the minors
(1934–36), losing two years to military service during World War II
.
A protégé of Crusaders coach Jack Barry
during his playing days at the College of the Holy Cross
, Desautels went directly from Holy Cross to the major leagues in 1930
. He began his major league career as a reserve catcher for the Detroit Tigers
, playing behind Ray Hayworth
and veteran Muddy Ruel
. When catcher Mickey Cochrane
joined the Tigers as a player-manager in 1934
, Desautels was sent to the minor leagues
to play for the Toledo Mud Hens
. He then spent two seasons in the Pacific Coast League
with the Hollywood Stars
and San Diego Padres
.
Desautels came back to the major leagues in 1937
, playing for the Boston Red Sox
as a back up to Rick Ferrell
. When Ferrell was traded to the Washington Senators in June of that same year, Desautels became the starting catcher for the Red Sox. Desautels enjoyed his most productive season with Boston in 1938
, when he posted career-highs in batting average (.291), home runs (2), runs batted in (48), runs
(47), doubles
(16), and games played
(108). However, his offensive performance diminished in 1939
and, he would be traded to the Cleveland Indians
for Frankie Pytlak
after the 1940
season.
As a member of the Indians, Desautels played as a reserve catcher behind Rollie Hemsley
. Indians' manager, Lou Boudreau
, named Desautels as the Indians starting catcher at the beginning of the 1943
season, but by the middle of the year he was replaced by Buddy Rosar
, who was hitting above .300. He entered the United States Marine Corps
in February 1944 and was discharged in July 1945 at the age of 38. He rejoined the Indians in August 1945
but, saw little playing time and was released in September of that year. He was hired by Connie Mack
to play for the Philadelphia Athletics
in 1946
, where he once again played as a reserve catcher behind Buddy Rosar. Desautels retired as a player at the end of the season, at the age of 39.
of .233, including 461 hits
, three home run
s and 187 runs batted in. At the time of his retirement, his .989 career fielding percentage
was the second highest by a catcher in major league history behind Frankie Pytlak
. He led American League catchers in 1937 with a .993 fielding percentage and a 5.69 range factor
. Desautels allowed only 19 passed ball
s in his career, the third fewest all-time among major league catchers.
Joe Cronin
, the former American League President, was once asked if he had ever seen a player win an argument or an umpire change his decision. Cronin said, "Gene Desautels, then a rookie, young catcher with Detroit, was a cocky young fellow and was giving umpire Cal Hubbard a hard time. On a play at second, Desautels slid in and Hubbard called him out as he peered through a cloud of dust. I think Hubbard was hoping Desautels would complain so he could throw him out of the game, too. Desautels said sweetly, 'You can't call me out.' Hubbard blustered, 'Oh no? Why not?' 'Because,' Desautels said, 'I'm sitting on the ball.'"
of the Eastern League for three years from to . He then managed the Class-A Flint Arrows
, a Tigers farm team
. In , he managed the Double A Little Rock Travelers
to their first Southern Association
pennant
in nine years. Desautels moved on to manage the Indianapolis Indians
in , and the Triple-A Sacramento Solons
from to . Later in life, he served as a special counselor for Flint, Michigan high schools. He was inducted into the Holy Cross Athletics Hall of Fame in 1981.
Desautels died in Flint, Michigan
, at the age of 87.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
professional
Professional baseball
Baseball is a team sport which is played by several professional leagues throughout the world. In these leagues, and associated farm teams, players are selected for their talents and are paid to play for a specific team or club system....
baseball
Baseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...
player. Born in Worcester, Massachusetts
Worcester, Massachusetts
Worcester is a city and the county seat of Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. Named after Worcester, England, as of the 2010 Census the city's population is 181,045, making it the second largest city in New England after Boston....
to French Canadian
French Canadian
French Canadian or Francophone Canadian, , generally refers to the descendents of French colonists who arrived in New France in the 17th and 18th centuries...
parents, he played most of his Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
career as a backup catcher
Catcher
Catcher is a position for a baseball or softball player. When a batter takes his turn to hit, the catcher crouches behind home plate, in front of the umpire, and receives the ball from the pitcher. This is a catcher's primary duty, but he is also called upon to master many other skills in order to...
with four different teams between and . Listed at 5' 11", 170 lb., Desautels batted and threw right-handed. Desautels was a light-hitting
Batting (baseball)
In baseball, batting is the act of facing the opposing pitcher and trying to produce offense for one's team. A batter or hitter is a person whose turn it is to face the pitcher...
player but, was known for his superior defensive ability as a catcher.
Playing career
Adept at encouraging and supporting young pitcherPitcher
In baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the...
s, Desautels spent a long career in baseball catching 19 seasons from 1928 to 1946: three in college (1928–30), 13 in the major leagues (1930–33, 1937–43, 1945–46) and three in the minors
Minor league baseball
Minor league baseball is a hierarchy of professional baseball leagues in the Americas that compete at levels below Major League Baseball and provide opportunities for player development. All of the minor leagues are operated as independent businesses...
(1934–36), losing two years to military service during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
.
A protégé of Crusaders coach Jack Barry
Jack Barry (baseball)
John Joseph "Jack" Barry was an American shortstop, second baseman, and manager in Major League Baseball, and later a college baseball coach...
during his playing days at the College of the Holy Cross
College of the Holy Cross
The College of the Holy Cross is an undergraduate Roman Catholic liberal arts college located in Worcester, Massachusetts, USA...
, Desautels went directly from Holy Cross to the major leagues in 1930
1930 Detroit Tigers season
The Detroit Tigers season was a season in American baseball. The team finished fifth in the American League with a record of 75-79, 27 games behind the Philadelphia Athletics.- Notable transactions :...
. He began his major league career as a reserve catcher for the Detroit Tigers
Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...
, playing behind Ray Hayworth
Ray Hayworth
Raymond Hall Hayworth was a catcher in Major League Baseball. From 1926 through 1945, Hayworth played for the Detroit Tigers, Brooklyn Dodgers, New York Giants and St. Louis Browns. He batted and threw right-handed....
and veteran Muddy Ruel
Muddy Ruel
Herold Dominic "Muddy" Ruel was an American professional baseball player, coach, manager and general manager. He played as a catcher in Major League Baseball for 19 seasons with the St. Louis Browns, New York Yankees, Washington Senators, Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, and the Chicago White Sox...
. When catcher Mickey Cochrane
Mickey Cochrane
Gordon Stanley "Mickey" Cochrane was a professional baseball player and manager. He played in Major League Baseball as a catcher for the Philadelphia Athletics and Detroit Tigers...
joined the Tigers as a player-manager in 1934
1934 Detroit Tigers season
The Detroit Tigers season was a season in American baseball. The season was the team's 34th since entering the American League in . The Tigers won the American League pennant with a record of 101-53, the best winning percentage in team history. The team made its fourth World Series appearance, but...
, Desautels was sent to the minor leagues
Minor league baseball
Minor league baseball is a hierarchy of professional baseball leagues in the Americas that compete at levels below Major League Baseball and provide opportunities for player development. All of the minor leagues are operated as independent businesses...
to play for the Toledo Mud Hens
Toledo Mud Hens
The Toledo Mud Hens are a minor league baseball team located in Toledo, Ohio. The Mud Hens play in the International League, and are affiliated with the major league baseball team the Detroit Tigers, based approximately 50 miles to the north of Toledo. The current team is one of several...
. He then spent two seasons in the Pacific Coast League
Pacific Coast League
The Pacific Coast League is a minor-league baseball league operating in the Western, Midwestern and Southeastern United States. Along with the International League and the Mexican League, it is one of three leagues playing at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball.The...
with the Hollywood Stars
Hollywood Stars
The Hollywood Stars were a minor league baseball team that played in the Pacific Coast League during the early and mid 20th century. They were the arch-rivals of the other Los Angeles based PCL team, the Los Angeles Angels.-Hollywood Stars :...
and San Diego Padres
San Diego Padres (PCL)
The San Diego Padres were a minor league baseball team which played in the Pacific Coast League from 1936 through 1968. The team that would eventually become the Padres was well traveled prior to moving to San Diego. It began its existence in 1903 as the Sacramento Solons, a charter member of the PCL...
.
Desautels came back to the major leagues in 1937
1937 Boston Red Sox season
The 1937 Boston Red Sox season involved the Red Sox finishing 5th in the American League with a record of 80 wins and 72 losses.- Opening Day lineup :- Roster :- Starters by position :...
, playing for the Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
as a back up to Rick Ferrell
Rick Ferrell
Richard Benjamin Ferrell was an American professional baseball player, coach, scout and executive. He played as a catcher in Major League Baseball from to for the St. Louis Browns, Boston Red Sox and Washington Senators. Ferrell was regarded as one of the best catchers in baseball during the...
. When Ferrell was traded to the Washington Senators in June of that same year, Desautels became the starting catcher for the Red Sox. Desautels enjoyed his most productive season with Boston in 1938
1938 Boston Red Sox season
The 1938 Boston Red Sox season involved the Red Sox finishing 2nd in the American League with a record of 88 wins and 61 losses.- Offseason :...
, when he posted career-highs in batting average (.291), home runs (2), runs batted in (48), runs
Run (baseball)
In baseball, a run is scored when a player advances around first, second and third base and returns safely to home plate, touching the bases in that order, before three outs are recorded and all obligations to reach base safely on batted balls are met or assured...
(47), doubles
Double (baseball)
In baseball, a double is the act of a batter striking the pitched ball and safely reaching second base without being called out by the umpire, without the benefit of a fielder's misplay or another runner being put out on a fielder's choice....
(16), and games played
Games played
Games played is a statistic used in team sports to indicate the total number of games in which a player has participated ; the statistic is generally applied irrespective of whatever portion of the game is contested.-Baseball:In baseball, the statistic applies also to players who, prior to a game,...
(108). However, his offensive performance diminished in 1939
1939 Boston Red Sox season
The 1939 Boston Red Sox season involved the Red Sox finishing 2nd in the American League with a record of 89 wins and 62 losses.- Regular season :...
and, he would be traded to the Cleveland Indians
Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
for Frankie Pytlak
Frankie Pytlak
Frank Anthony Pytlak born in Buffalo, New York was an American professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a catcher for the Cleveland Indians and Boston Red Sox...
after the 1940
1940 Boston Red Sox season
The 1940 Boston Red Sox season involved the Red Sox finishing 4th in the American League with a record of 82 wins and 72 losses.- Opening Day lineup :- Roster :- Starters by position :...
season.
As a member of the Indians, Desautels played as a reserve catcher behind Rollie Hemsley
Rollie Hemsley
Ralston Burdett Hemsley was a professional baseball catcher. Born in Syracuse, Ohio, he played 19 seasons in Major League Baseball. He was nicknamed "Rollicking Rollie".-Major League career:...
. Indians' manager, Lou Boudreau
Lou Boudreau
Louis "Lou" Boudreau was an American Major League Baseball player and manager. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1970...
, named Desautels as the Indians starting catcher at the beginning of the 1943
1943 Cleveland Indians season
- Offseason :* Prior to 1943 season **Sherm Lollar was signed as an amateur free agent by the Indians.**Pete Milne was signed as an amateur free agent by the Indians.- Roster :- Starters by position :...
season, but by the middle of the year he was replaced by Buddy Rosar
Buddy Rosar
Warren Vincent "Buddy" Rosar , was an American professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a catcher from 1939 to 1951 for the New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians, Philadelphia Athletics, and Boston Red Sox...
, who was hitting above .300. He entered the United States Marine Corps
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
in February 1944 and was discharged in July 1945 at the age of 38. He rejoined the Indians in August 1945
1945 Cleveland Indians season
- Notable transactions :* May 29, 1945: Buddy Rosar was traded by the Indians to the Philadelphia Athletics for Frankie Hayes.- Roster :- Starters by position :...
but, saw little playing time and was released in September of that year. He was hired by Connie Mack
Connie Mack (baseball)
Cornelius McGillicuddy, Sr. , better known as Connie Mack, was an American professional baseball player, manager, and team owner. The longest-serving manager in Major League Baseball history, he holds records for wins , losses , and games managed , with his victory total being almost 1,000 more...
to play for the Philadelphia Athletics
Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
in 1946
1946 Philadelphia Athletics season
The Philadelphia Athletics season involved the A's finishing 8th in the American League with a record of 49 wins and 105 losses.- Regular season :...
, where he once again played as a reserve catcher behind Buddy Rosar. Desautels retired as a player at the end of the season, at the age of 39.
Career statistics
In a 13 year career, Desautels compiled a major league career batting averageBatting average
Batting average is a statistic in both cricket and baseball that measures the performance of cricket batsmen and baseball hitters. The two statistics are related in that baseball averages are directly descended from the concept of cricket averages.- Cricket :...
of .233, including 461 hits
Hit (baseball)
In baseball statistics, a hit , also called a base hit, is credited to a batter when the batter safely reaches first base after hitting the ball into fair territory, without the benefit of an error or a fielder's choice....
, three home run
Home run
In baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
s and 187 runs batted in. At the time of his retirement, his .989 career fielding percentage
Fielding percentage
In baseball statistics, fielding percentage, also known as fielding average, is a measure that reflects the percentage of times a defensive player properly handles a batted or thrown ball...
was the second highest by a catcher in major league history behind Frankie Pytlak
Frankie Pytlak
Frank Anthony Pytlak born in Buffalo, New York was an American professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a catcher for the Cleveland Indians and Boston Red Sox...
. He led American League catchers in 1937 with a .993 fielding percentage and a 5.69 range factor
Range Factor
Range Factor is a baseball statistic developed by Bill James. It is calculated by dividing putouts and assists by number of innings or games played at a given defense position...
. Desautels allowed only 19 passed ball
Passed ball
In baseball, a catcher is charged with a passed ball when he fails to hold or control a legally pitched ball that, with ordinary effort, should have been maintained under his control. When, as a result of this loss of control, the batter or a runner on base advances, the catcher is thereby charged...
s in his career, the third fewest all-time among major league catchers.
Joe Cronin
Joe Cronin
Joseph Edward Cronin was a Major League Baseball shortstop and manager.During a 20-year playing career, he played from 1926–45 for three different teams, primarily for the Boston Red Sox. Cronin was a major league manager from 1933–47...
, the former American League President, was once asked if he had ever seen a player win an argument or an umpire change his decision. Cronin said, "Gene Desautels, then a rookie, young catcher with Detroit, was a cocky young fellow and was giving umpire Cal Hubbard a hard time. On a play at second, Desautels slid in and Hubbard called him out as he peered through a cloud of dust. I think Hubbard was hoping Desautels would complain so he could throw him out of the game, too. Desautels said sweetly, 'You can't call me out.' Hubbard blustered, 'Oh no? Why not?' 'Because,' Desautels said, 'I'm sitting on the ball.'"
Managing career
Following his playing retirement, Desautels managed the Williamsport TigersWilliamsport Tigers
The Williamsport Tigers were a Class AA Eastern League affiliate of the Detroit Tigers in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. They played their home games in Bowman Field which is currently the home of the Williamsport Crosscutters of the New York-Penn League. Detroit had a working relationship with...
of the Eastern League for three years from to . He then managed the Class-A Flint Arrows
Flint Arrows
The Flint Arrows were a professional baseball team in Flint, Michigan from 1948-1951. They were a part of the Central League and played their home games at Atwood Stadium. Their overall record was 169-102, and they won the Central League Championship in 1948, and 1950....
, a Tigers farm team
Farm team
In sports, a farm team, farm system, feeder team or nursery club, is generally a team or club whose role is to provide experience and training for young players, with an agreement that any successful players can move on to a higher level at a given point...
. In , he managed the Double A Little Rock Travelers
Little Rock Travelers
The Little Rock Travelers were an American minor league baseball team located in Little Rock, Arkansas and members of the Southern Association, which as a Class A, A1 or AA circuit was typically two rungs below Major League Baseball...
to their first Southern Association
Southern Association
The Southern Association was a higher-level minor league in American organized baseball from 1901 through 1961. For most of its existence, the Southern Association was two steps below the Major Leagues; it was graded Class A , Class A1 and Class AA...
pennant
Pennant (sports)
A pennant is a commemorative flag typically used to show support for a particular athletic team. Pennants have been historically used in all types of athletic levels: high school, collegiate, professional etc. Traditionally, pennants were made of felt and fashioned in the official colors of a...
in nine years. Desautels moved on to manage the Indianapolis Indians
Indianapolis Indians
The Indianapolis Indians are a minor league baseball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. The team, which plays in the International League, is the Triple-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates major-league club. The Indians play at Victory Field, located in downtown Indianapolis...
in , and the Triple-A Sacramento Solons
Sacramento Solons
The Sacramento Solons were a minor league baseball team based in Sacramento, California. They played in the Pacific Coast League during several periods . The current Sacramento River Cats began play in 2000...
from to . Later in life, he served as a special counselor for Flint, Michigan high schools. He was inducted into the Holy Cross Athletics Hall of Fame in 1981.
Desautels died in Flint, Michigan
Flint, Michigan
Flint is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan and is located along the Flint River, northwest of Detroit. The U.S. Census Bureau reports the 2010 population to be placed at 102,434, making Flint the seventh largest city in Michigan. It is the county seat of Genesee County which lies in the...
, at the age of 87.