A shortstop who played 12 seasons in the MLB, known for his defensive skills and holding the record for most games played without an error.
Tom Veryzer, a talented American baseball shortstop, is notably recognized for his impressive 12-year career in Major League Baseball (MLB), having played for four teams: Detroit Tigers, Cleveland Indians, New York Mets, and Chicago Cubs. His remarkable defensive skills earned him a place among the top shortstops in MLB history, boasting a career range factor of 4.841 per nine innings at shortstop, ranking 25th best in MLB history.
Veryzer was born on February 11, 1953, in Port Jefferson, New York. He attended Islip High School, where he excelled as a shortstop, compiling a .467 batting average. In addition to baseball, he played soccer and basketball, with his father serving as the athletic director and basketball coach.
The Detroit Tigers drafted Veryzer in the first round (11th overall pick) of the 1971 MLB Draft. He signed a bonus contract with the Tigers in June 1971, following in the footsteps of his older brother, James, who had been drafted by the Kansas City Athletics in 1967.
Veryzer began his professional career with the Bristol Tigers in 1971, batting .225 with four home runs and 20 RBIs. Although his batting average was not impressive, his exceptional defensive skills earned him Appalachian League MVP honors. He was promoted to the Montgomery Rebels in the Southern League in 1972, where he hit .220.
During spring training in 1973, Veryzer received widespread acclaim for his potential. Detroit scout Bill Schudlich predicted that Veryzer would become the greatest shortstop since Honus Wagner, while a Chicago scout foresaw him as one of the five greatest shortstops of all time. Detroit manager Billy Martin praised Veryzer, calling him the best-looking young shortstop he had ever seen.
Tom Veryzer's exceptional defensive skills and dedication to the game have left a lasting impact on Major League Baseball. His remarkable career statistics and achievements continue to inspire aspiring shortstops, solidifying his place as one of the greatest shortstops in MLB history.
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