Jimmy Pofahl
American baseball player (1917-1984)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
James Willard Pofahl (June 18, 1917 – September 14, 1984) was a shortstop in Major League Baseball. He played for the Washington Senators.[1]
| 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 | |
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]
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