Toby Harrah

Toby Harrah (b. 26 October, 1948 in Sissonville, West Virginia) was a professional baseball player.

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26 October - 1948 - Sissonville, West Virginia

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He played high school baseball in his hometown of Larue, Ohio and was a regarded prospect but was not signed at graduation as most scouts had been led to believe he planned to attend college on a baseball scholarship. A few months later, legendary scout Tony Lucadello followed up and found that Harrah was not attending school, but was instead working in a factory in nearby Marion, Ohio. Lucadello signed Harrah for the Philadelphia Phillies organization in December, 1966.

Related Topics:
Larue, Ohio - Tony Lucadello - Marion, Ohio - Philadelphia Phillies - 1966

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After one year in the Phillies organization, Harrah was drafted by the Washington Senators in the fall of 1967. He advanced to the major league club in 1971, by which time the Senators had become the Texas Rangers. He was the regular shortstop through 1976, then moved to third base, although he still saw some action at short. He was selected to the American League All-Star team in 1972, 1975, and 1976.

Related Topics:
Washington Senators - 1967 - 1971 - 1976 - 1972 - 1975

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In 1978 Toby was traded to the Cleveland Indians for Buddy Bell, a player thought to be fairly similar in many respects. He was the Indians regular third baseman through 1983 and made the All-Star team in 1982.

Related Topics:
1978 - Cleveland Indians - Buddy Bell - 1983 - 1982

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In 1984 Toby was traded to the New York Yankees, where he was a part time player, then he was traded again to the Rangers, where he played regularly again for the 1985 and 1986 seasons, primarily at second base.

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1984 - New York Yankees - 1985 - 1986

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Toby was noted for his good eye at the plate, regularly in the top ten in the league for bases on balls, and often among the leaders in reaching base safely. He also had better than average power for a defensive infielder, hitting 195 career home runs.

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