Major League Baseball Player. He was a gifted catcher who didn't hit much, but as former New York Yankees catcher said, "When you catch like Hegan, you don't have to hit." He received high praise as the Cleveland Indians receiver for 20-game winners Bob Feller, Early Wynn, Bob Lemon, Gene Bearden and Herb Score. In addition, he caught no-hitters by Don Black on July 10, 1947, Lemon on June 30, 1948 and Feller on July 1, 1951. His best year at the bat was 1948, when he hit .248 with 14 homers, 21 doubles and 61 runs batted in. That year in a winning World Series against the Boston Braves, he batted .211 (4 for 19) with a homer and five RBIs. In the 1954 World Series against the New York Giants he hit just .154 (2 for 13). He caught 1,629 games during his career. He played for the Indians (1941-42, 1946-57), Detroit Tigers (1958), Philadelphia Phillies (1958-59), San Francisco Giants (1959) and Chicago Cubs (1960). On Feb. 18, 1948, he was traded to the Tigers with pitcher Hank Aguirre for catcher J.W. Porter and pitcher Hal Woodeshick. For his 17-year career, the right-handed batter hit .228 with 187 doubles, 92 homers and 525 RBIs. He was in military service for three years (1943-45).
Major League Baseball Player. He was a gifted catcher who didn't hit much, but as former New York Yankees catcher said, "When you catch like Hegan, you don't have to hit." He received high praise as the Cleveland Indians receiver for 20-game winners Bob Feller, Early Wynn, Bob Lemon, Gene Bearden and Herb Score. In addition, he caught no-hitters by Don Black on July 10, 1947, Lemon on June 30, 1948 and Feller on July 1, 1951. His best year at the bat was 1948, when he hit .248 with 14 homers, 21 doubles and 61 runs batted in. That year in a winning World Series against the Boston Braves, he batted .211 (4 for 19) with a homer and five RBIs. In the 1954 World Series against the New York Giants he hit just .154 (2 for 13). He caught 1,629 games during his career. He played for the Indians (1941-42, 1946-57), Detroit Tigers (1958), Philadelphia Phillies (1958-59), San Francisco Giants (1959) and Chicago Cubs (1960). On Feb. 18, 1948, he was traded to the Tigers with pitcher Hank Aguirre for catcher J.W. Porter and pitcher Hal Woodeshick. For his 17-year career, the right-handed batter hit .228 with 187 doubles, 92 homers and 525 RBIs. He was in military service for three years (1943-45).
Bio by: Ron Coons
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