Outfielder who played for several MLB teams from 1949 to 1956, known for being the first Jewish player to play for the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Cal Abrams, affectionately nicknamed "Abie," was an American professional baseball outfielder who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) between 1949 and 1956. He is perhaps best known for his impressive performances on the field, particularly with the Brooklyn Dodgers, earning him a reputation as a formidable opponent.
Abrams was born on March 2, 1924, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1942, after being scouted by Joe Labate, and was assigned to the Olean Oilers of the Class D Pennsylvania-Ontario-New York League (PONY League).
Drafted into the Army in January 1943, Abrams served in Europe and the Pacific, earning two battle stars in the Pacific and the Philippine Liberation Medal with one bronze star. After his release from the service in January 1946, he continued his baseball career with the Danville Dodgers in the Class B Three-I League.
Abrams made his Major League debut with the Dodgers on April 20, 1949. Although he was sent to the Fort Worth Cats of the AA Texas League for the rest of the season, he impressed with a .336 batting average. In 1950, he split his time between the St. Paul Saints of the AAA American Association and the Dodgers, earning a league-leading .502 on-base percentage with the Saints.
Abrams' impressive performance led to a New York Post headline declaring, "Mantle, Schmantle. We Got Abie." This praise was a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport.
In 1950, Abrams changed his uniform number to 18, citing the Hebrew word for "life" as the reason behind his choice. He wore this number for the majority of his career, which spanned over seven years.
One of the most memorable moments of Abrams' career came on October 1, 1950, when the Dodgers faced off against the Philadelphia Phillies in a game that would determine the National League pennant winner. Although the Dodgers ultimately lost, Abrams' performance that day showcased his abilities as a skilled outfielder.
After retiring from baseball in 1956, Abrams went on to lead a quiet life, remaining out of the public eye. Despite his relatively short career, Abrams left an indelible mark on the sport, earning recognition as a talented outfielder and a dedicated player.
Today, Cal Abrams is remembered as a testament to the power of hard work and perseverance. His legacy serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, reminding them that even the most unassuming individuals can make a lasting impact on their sport.
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