Rudolph Preston (Rudy) York

Preston Rudolph “Rudy” York

Detroit Tigers Player (1934, 1937 - 1945)

Rudy York was born in Ragland, Alabama and started playing baseball as a teen for his town’s mill team against much older men. He was spotted by a Detroit Tigers’ scout and signed to a contract. He played in a few games during 1934 but was sent back to the minor leagues and after being named the MVP in his respective league in both 1935 and 1936, he was called back up to the Tigers in 1937. He spent the next nine years with the Tigers helping them win the 1945 World Series. He finished out his career with three teams over the next three years. York was a seven-time All-Star and was the American League Home Run and RBI leader in 1943. After his playing days were over he became a hitting coach in the major leagues and a manager in the low minor leagues. He did have an opportunity to manage one major league game. Rudy York was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 1972. He passed away on February 5, 1970 at 56 years of age.