Vada Pinson

 

In his own workman-like, dedicated fashion, speedy outfielder Vada Pinson played 18 seasons of major league baseball and built an imposing record - a .286 lifetime batting average and, just as important in his worth to his teams, a .981 fielding average. Pinson was one of a group of future major leaguers from OaklandÕs McClymonds High School developed by famed coach George Powles. In 1958, the Cincinnati Reds took Pinson as their centerfielder, and for 11 seasons he starred with his clutch hitting and sure-handed defense. Then came trades, and he finished the next 7 of his 18 seasons with the Cardinals, Indians, Angels and Royals. Enshrined in the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame in 1996.