Jimmy Pofahl
| Jimmy Pofahl | |
|---|---|
Pofahl, circa 1941 | |
| Shortstop | |
| Born: June 18, 1917 Faribault, Minnesota | |
| Died: September 14, 1984 (aged 67) Owatonna, Minnesota | |
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| April 16, 1940, for the Washington Senators | |
| Last MLB appearance | |
| September 20, 1942, for the Washington Senators | |
| MLB statistics | |
| Batting average | .220 |
| Home runs | 2 |
| Runs batted in | 70 |
| Stats at Baseball Reference | |
| Teams | |
James Willard Pofahl (June 18, 1917 – September 14, 1984) was a shortstop in Major League Baseball. He played for the Washington Senators.[1]
Career
Pofahl played high school baseball at Faribault High School. He was discovered in Faribault Legion baseball.[2] He then played for the Minneapolis Millers, and at 22, led the American Association in hitting before he sprained his wrist. When the Washington Senators purchased his rights for $40,000, he held a .303 batting average.[3]
In 1940, Pofahl was slow to sign his contract as a rookie, which frustrated Senators owner Clark Griffith.[3] Pofahl also had his arm smashed by a closing cab door and had some arm trouble, but still, he played shortstop regularly for the Senators.[4] He was traded in March of 1943 to the Philadelphia Athletics for Bob Johnson and cash. He never played another professional baseball game.[4]
Pofahl spent three years in the MLB and hit two home runs his rookie year (both were inside-the park). He averaged a .220 batting average with the Senators.[5]
Personal life
Following his stint in the major leagues, Pofahl returned to Minnesota. In April 1947, he started Gopher Sport in Owatonna with Malcom Stephenson. Pofahl died in Owatonna in 1984 and was buried in Maple Lawn Cemetery in Faribault.[4]
In 1991, after his death, he was inducted into the Faribault Sports Hall of Fame.[6]
References
- ^ "Jimmy Pofahl Statistics and History". baseball-reference.com. Retrieved 2010-12-11.
- ^ "Pofahl Night at Nicollet Park". Digital Public Library of America. 1939. Retrieved July 8, 2025.
- ^ a b Kirkpatrick, Rob (2005). Cecil Travis of the Washington Senators: The War-Torn career of an All-Star Shortstop. Lincoln and London: University of Nebraska Press. pp. 83–86. ISBN 978-0-8032-2475-9.
- ^ a b c Hart, Loren (September 10, 2018). "Gopher Sport Founded By An Ex Major Leaguer". AM 1390 KRFO. Retrieved July 8, 2025.
- ^ Shea, Paul (July 10, 2019). "Faribault's Forgotten Professional Athlete? Jimmy Pofahl". Power 96. Archived from the original on June 17, 2025. Retrieved July 8, 2025.
- ^ "Faribault Sports Hall of Fame will induct six new members". The Faribault Daily News. October 24, 1991.
External links
- Career statistics from Baseball Reference · Retrosheet