Don Savage

(1919-1961, class of 1937), Major League Baseball player for the New York Yankees in 1944 and 1945.[58]

What is Don Savage known for?

Don Savage, a notable alumni of Bloomfield High School, NJ, was a significant figure in the world of Major League Baseball. Born on March 25, 1919, in Bloomfield, New Jersey, Savage displayed a flair for sports early on, earning recognition in both baseball and football at Bloomfield High School before graduating in 1937. Find more about Bloomfield, NJ here.

His career kicked off with the New York Yankees in 1944 and continued until 1945. During this period, notable for the Second World War, many of the regular players were away for military duty, offering Savage an opportunity to shine. He batted right and threw right, with a batting average of .256. Furthermore, he scored four home runs and 27 runs batted in during his tenure with the Yankees.

Unfortunately, his career was marked with health issues, more specifically, diabetes, which prevented him from playing in 1942. After a series of injuries, his performance waned, and the return of regular players post-war led to further reduced playing opportunities. By 1946, he was sent down to the minor leagues in Newark and retired shortly after.

Decades after his retirement, he passed away on December 25, 1961, in Montclair, New Jersey. Even at his demise, he was regarded as a respected member of the Bloomfield community, survived by a wife and two children.

You can learn more about Don Savage's career and legacy at the Society for American Baseball Research.