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Don Hoak
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Donald Albert Hoak (February 5, 1928 – October 9, 1969), nicknamed "Tiger", was an American professional baseball third baseman and coach. He played eleven seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) (1954–1964) for the Brooklyn Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Redlegs, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Philadelphia Phillies.
Key Information
Early career
[edit]Hoak broke into the professional baseball in 1947 after a stint in the United States Navy towards the end of World War II. He signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers organization and worked his way up the organization based almost solely on his glove, speed on the bases and tenacity. In 1954, Hoak's patience was rewarded by a spot on the Dodgers' roster.
During his two seasons with the Dodgers, Hoak shared third base duties with Jackie Robinson and Billy Cox. In 1955, the Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees in the World Series to win their only championship in Brooklyn. Hoak played third base in place of Robinson in the seventh and deciding game of that Series—the only World Series game Robinson did not play in during his career when his team was in the World Series.
After the season, Hoak was traded to the Chicago Cubs. In 1956, Hoak batted .215 with 5 home runs and 37 runs batted in, and also set a National League record by striking out six times in one game, against six different pitchers, in which 48 players were used in a 17-inning marathon on May 2, won by the visiting New York Giants 6-5.
Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia
[edit]After the 1956 season, the Cubs traded Hoak to the Cincinnati Redlegs in a five-player deal. In 1957 Hoak improved his batting average to .293, after leading the league well into May at over .400, and set career highs in home runs (19) and runs batted in (89), as well as leading the National League in doubles with 39. In a game against the Milwaukee Braves on April 21, Hoak was involved in a controversial play that would lead to a change in the rules. He was on second base and teammate Gus Bell was on first, when Wally Post hit a ground ball to short. Hoak broke up a potential double play by fielding the ball himself and flipping it to Milwaukee shortstop Johnny Logan. Hoak was called out for interference, but Post was given a single on the play.[1] The day before, Johnny Temple let Bell's ground ball hit him with the same result, Temple being called out for interference and Bell being awarded a single. The two incidents prompted league presidents Warren Giles and Will Harridge to jointly announce a rule change that declared both the runner and batter out if the runner intentionally interferes with a batted ball, with no runners allowed to advance. (Without the new rule, it was sometimes advantageous for a runner to touch a batted ball, because doing so avoided a double play. In the plays already mentioned, Temple and Hoak were out according to a still-existing rule: a runner is out if a batted ball touches him in fair territory before it touches a fielder, with the batter getting a single and no runner advancing unless forced.)
In 1957 Hoak made his only All-Star appearance, but it also would be mired in controversy—though not of Hoak's doing. At the time, as they do currently, fans had the right to vote for the starters (minus the starting pitchers). As a result, a ballot stuffing campaign by Reds fans resulted in Hoak, Post, Temple, Bell, Ed Bailey, Roy McMillan, and Frank Robinson being voted into the starting lineup. First baseman George Crowe, the eventual team home run leader with 31, was the only Red not selected; the fans instead voted for Stan Musial. (Crowe would be selected to the All-Star team in 1958—the only Red so honored.) Commissioner Ford Frick removed Bell and Post from the starting lineup and replaced them with Willie Mays and Hank Aaron; Bell remained on the team as a reserve, but Post was taken off altogether. Frick also stripped the fans of the right to vote for the starters, which they had held since 1947 and would not hold again until 1970 (ironically, the Reds’ newly opened Riverfront Stadium would host the All-Star Game that year). In the third inning of the 1957 game, Hoak grounded out to shortstop Harvey Kuenn in his only plate appearance. He was replaced by Eddie Mathews.
Hoak batted .261 for the Reds during the 1958 season before being traded, along with Harvey Haddix and Smoky Burgess, to the Pittsburgh Pirates for four players (one of whom was Frank Thomas) in January 1959.[2] It was Hoak's throwing error that cost Haddix his perfect game against the Braves after the pitcher had retired 36 batters in a row on May 26, 1959. The Braves went on to win that game, 1-0. In 1960, Hoak batted .282 on a Pirates team that won the World Series; like the 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers, Pittsburgh defeated the Yankees in seven games. The Pirates won the 1960 Series on Bill Mazeroski's ninth-inning home run in Game Seven. During the Pirates’ championship season, Hoak finished second in National League Most Valuable Player Award vote to teammate Dick Groat.
Hoak batted a career-high .298 during the 1961 season, but slumped to .241 in 1962. After the 1962 season, the Pirates traded him to the Philadelphia Phillies for Pancho Herrera and Ted Savage.[3] He batted .231 during the 1963 season, then was released in May 1964 after making only six plate appearances—all in pinch-hitting roles. Hoak retired forthwith, but returned to the Phillies as a scout for the final month of the season—during which the Phillies lost the pennant to the St. Louis Cardinals by one game after leading the National League by 6 1/2 games with two weeks remaining.
Don Hoak also played in the Dominican Republic during the 1956 season with the Escogido team. In those days the radio announcer called him "el loquito Hoak" (crazy Hoak) for his risky plays which contributed to his team winning several games and the season. In a final series, a game was won when he stole home after making the pitcher nervous several times, moving between third and home.
Hoak and Jill Corey
[edit]Hoak was married to singer/actress Jill Corey, whom he first met at Forbes Field during the Pirates' 1960 season. Hoak pursued Corey for a year afterward, even convincing her to break up with her boyfriend, a Brazilian diplomat. The two wed on December 27, 1961; the marriage bore a daughter, Clare.
Post-playing career
[edit]After retiring as an active player, Hoak worked as a Pirates' broadcaster in 1965 and 1966, a coach for the Phillies in 1967, and a manager in the Pirates' farm system from 1968 until 1969. In 1968, he managed the Salem Redbirds of the Carolina League to an 85-55 record.[4] Hoak then moved up to the Pirates' Triple A club, the Columbus Jets of the International League, whom he managed to a 74-66 record in 1969.[5]
Career statistics
[edit]In 11 seasons covering 1,263 games, Hoak compiled a .265 batting average (1144-for-4322) with 598 runs, 214 doubles, 44 triples, 89 home runs, 498 runs batted in, 64 stolen bases, 523 base on balls, 530 strikeouts, .345 on-base percentage and .396 slugging percentage. Defensively, he recorded a .959 fielding percentage. In the postseason, in 2 World Series (1955 and 1960) he batted .231 (6-for-26) with 3 runs and 3 runs batted in .
Death
[edit]During the 1969 season, the Pirates' managerial post was left vacant when Larry Shepard was fired with one week remaining, and Alex Grammas served as interim manager for the final five games. After two successful minor league seasons, Hoak believed himself a contender to manage the parent club. Instead, the team announced on October 9 that Danny Murtaugh, who managed the Pirates' 1960 World Championship team, was to return for what would be his third of four stints with the club. (Murtaugh had resigned after the 1967 season for medical reasons, and accepted a position in the Pirates' front office. He asked to reclaim the managerial position after the 1969 season, and was re-hired after receiving medical clearance. Murtaugh would lead the Pirates to a second World Series title in 1971.) Hoak’s wife delivered the news of Murtaugh’s hiring to Hoak.
Less than two hours later, Hoak witnessed his brother-in-law's car being stolen from the driveway of the Hoak house. Hoak got into his own car and gave chase. He suffered a heart attack during the pursuit, but managed to stop his vehicle at Amberson Towers just before collapsing. He lay in his car for 20 minutes without anyone’s interceding. A doctor who claims he had been driving behind Hoak at the time eventually got out of his own car and performed cardiac massage before an ambulance transported Hoak to the hospital. However, despite efforts to save his life, Hoak died 10 minutes after arrival.[6] Jill Corey claimed that her husband had died of a broken heart because the Pirates had passed him over.[7]
Cinema reference
[edit]In the film City Slickers starring Billy Crystal, Hoak was the answer to a trivia question posed by character Bonnie Rayburn, played by Helen Slater, in which Bonnie expressed her incredulity that men could discuss baseball at great length. She stated "I've been to games, but I don't memorize who played third base for Pittsburgh in 1960," at which point Crystal, Daniel Stern and Bruno Kirby immediately reply "Don Hoak."
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Chapman, Lou (April 21, 1957). "Hoak 'Retires' Himself". The Milwaukee Sentinel.[dead link]
- ^ Thomas traded to Cincinnati in 7-player deal
- ^ Pirates trade Don Hoak for Phil Outfielder Savage
- ^ "1968 Salem Rebels Statistics".
- ^ "1969 Columbus Jets Statistics".
- ^ "Ex Cub Don Hoak Dies of Heart Attack". Chicago Tribune. October 10, 1969. Retrieved May 9, 2015.
- ^ Vrusho, Spike (August 1, 2000). "Belter Grins Through the Tears: The Tale of Don Hoak and Jill Corey". New York Press. Retrieved May 5, 2015.
External links
[edit]- Career statistics from MLB · ESPN · Baseball Reference · Fangraphs · Baseball Reference (Minors) · Retrosheet · Baseball Almanac
- Don Hoak at SABR (Baseball BioProject)
- Don Hoak at Baseball Almanac
- Don Hoak at The Deadball Era
- Don Hoak at Find a Grave
Don Hoak
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Childhood and family background
Donald Albert Hoak was born on February 5, 1928, in Roulette Township, Potter County, Pennsylvania, a rural community approximately 170 miles northeast of Pittsburgh with a population of around 1,000.[1] He was the second of three children born to parents Andy Hoak and Orissa (Leitch) Hoak.[1] His younger brother, Denny, was born around 1943.[1] The Hoak family lived a modest rural lifestyle in Potter County, an area characterized by agriculture and limited industrial opportunities during the Great Depression and World War II eras.[1] Andy Hoak worked as a laborer for a road-construction company when Don was born and later transitioned to employment with the North Penn Gas Company, reflecting the economic challenges faced by many working-class families in the region.[1] These circumstances shaped a childhood marked by the rigors of rural life, though specific details are sparse due to Hoak's own reluctance to discuss it. Tragedy struck the family on February 21, 1946, when Andy Hoak died in a work-related tractor accident at age 39, leaving Orissa a widow responsible for her teenage son Don and three-year-old Denny.[1] This loss intensified the family's economic difficulties in the immediate postwar period. Hoak later expressed aversion to recounting his early years, stating in a 1961 interview, “There’s no point in discussing (my childhood). It would just hurt a lot of people,” suggesting the personal hardships endured during his upbringing.[1]Education and early athletic interests
Don Hoak attended Roulette High School in Roulette Township, Pennsylvania, during his formative years. Born in 1928, he was still a student there when he enlisted in the United States Navy on February 27, 1945, at the age of 17, amid World War II.[1][4] At Roulette High School, Hoak demonstrated early athletic prowess through participation in football and baseball, sports that highlighted his physical talents and competitive spirit. He also engaged in musical activities by playing the trumpet in the school band, reflecting a well-rounded set of interests beyond athletics. These high school experiences provided a foundation for his later pursuits, though he completed his diploma after his military discharge in 1946.[1] Hoak's involvement in school sports garnered local attention for his skills, particularly in baseball, where his performances on the team foreshadowed his professional potential. While specific regional awards from this period are not extensively documented, his standout play in football and baseball contributed to his reputation in the small community of Roulette. The guidance from high school coaches during these years played a key role in honing his athletic abilities, instilling discipline and technique that proved instrumental in his development.[1][5]Entry into professional baseball
Military service
Don Hoak enlisted in the United States Navy on February 27, 1945, at the age of 17, while still a high school senior during the final months of World War II.[1] His decision reflected the widespread patriotic fervor of the era, as young men across the country volunteered amid the ongoing global conflict.[1] Hoak was assigned to the naval air station in Pensacola, Florida, where he completed basic training and served in support roles typical for wartime enlistees of his age.[1] The disciplined structure of Navy life exposed him to rigorous routines and camaraderie under pressure, experiences that marked his transition from adolescence to early adulthood.[1] His service lasted approximately one year, ending with an honorable discharge in the summer of 1946.[6] The discharge followed closely after a family tragedy on February 21, 1946, when Hoak's father died in a tractor accident, leaving his mother a widow responsible for their three-year-old son, Denny.[1] This event necessitated Hoak's release from service to provide support at home, underscoring the personal hardships faced by many young service members and accelerating his sense of familial duty.[1] Contrary to occasional erroneous reports in older accounts, Hoak had no verified service in the United States Marine Corps; such claims stem from debunked misinformation.[1]Minor league career
Following his discharge from the U.S. Navy in 1946, Don Hoak signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers organization as an amateur free agent in 1947, beginning his professional baseball career at the Class D level.[7] He was initially scouted through the Olean Oilers affiliate but assigned to the Valdosta Dodgers in the Georgia-Florida League, where he played 134 games, batting .295 with 100 RBIs and five home runs while primarily handling third base duties.[8][9] In 1948, Hoak advanced to Class B ball with the Nashua Dodgers of the New England League, posting a .283 batting average over 120 games and demonstrating early improvements in his fielding at third base with a .938 fielding percentage in limited appearances there.[8][9] Hoak's progression continued in 1949 with the Class A Greenville Spinners in the South Atlantic League, though his batting average dipped to .231 amid 133 games, reflecting adjustment challenges at higher competition; he still contributed five home runs and focused on refining his third-base skills.[8][9] By 1950, he reached Class AA with the Fort Worth Cats of the Texas League, rebounding to a .280 average in 141 games with six home runs, while his fielding percentage at third base climbed to .964, showcasing growing reliability and arm strength that marked his specialization at the hot corner.[8][9] Hoak arrived at the Triple-A level in 1951, splitting time between the St. Paul Saints of the American Association—where he hit .257—and the Montreal Royals of the International League, establishing himself as a steady third baseman with a .964 fielding percentage over 110 games at the position.[8][9] He remained with Montreal through 1953, batting .293 in 1952 with 15 triples (leading the league) and 70 RBIs, but faced a setback in 1953 from a thumb injury that limited his production to a .269 average and 48 RBIs across 138 games, though his fielding peaked at .967.[8][9] During off-seasons, unverified rumors circulated of Hoak engaging in professional boxing matches, potentially contributing to physical wear, but no confirmed records support these claims.[8] This steady ascent through the Dodgers' farm system, coupled with his honed third-base prowess—evident in career minor-league fielding improvements from .905 in 1947 to .967 by 1953—positioned Hoak for a major league call-up in 1954, where he would compete directly for the parent club's starting role at third base.[8][9]Major League Baseball career
Brooklyn Dodgers (1954–1955)
Don Hoak made his major league debut on April 18, 1954, as the third baseman for the Brooklyn Dodgers in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Ebbets Field.[3] His first hit came a week later on April 25, a double that also scored him in the same game against Pittsburgh.[1] During the 1954 season, Hoak served primarily as a utility infielder at third base, backing up established players such as Billy Cox and Jackie Robinson, and seeing increased starts when Cox dealt with injuries.[1] He appeared in 88 games, batting .245 with 7 home runs and 26 RBIs, including his first major league home run on May 27 against the New York Giants and a grand slam on August 8 versus the Milwaukee Braves.[10] The Dodgers finished second in the National League with a 92-62 record, but Hoak's role remained limited as a reserve.[10] In 1955, Hoak transitioned to the starting third baseman role after July 2, following Jackie Robinson's shift to the outfield due to injury, and he held the position for the remainder of the season.[1] Over 94 games, he batted .240 with 5 home runs and 19 RBIs, providing solid defense and timely hitting to support the Dodgers' lineup.[11] His contributions helped the team secure the National League pennant with a 98-55 record, marking Brooklyn's first world championship appearance since 1941.[11] Hoak participated in the 1955 World Series against the New York Yankees, appearing in three games and batting .333 (1-for-3) with two walks for a .600 on-base percentage.[12] In Game 7 on October 4 at Yankee Stadium, he started at third base and went 1-for-3 with a walk, including a single in the ninth inning and a sixth-inning walk that advanced runners during a key scoring threat; he also recorded one putout and one assist in the field without errors.[13] The Dodgers won the game 2-0 behind Johnny Podres' complete-game shutout, clinching the series 4-3 and Brooklyn's only World Series title.[1] Following the championship, the Dodgers traded Hoak on December 9, 1955, along with outfielder Walt Moryn and pitcher Russ Meyer to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for third baseman Randy Jackson and pitcher Don Elston.[14]Chicago Cubs (1956)
On December 9, 1955, the Chicago Cubs acquired Don Hoak from the Brooklyn Dodgers in a trade that sent third baseman Randy Jackson and pitcher Don Elston to Brooklyn in exchange for Hoak, outfielder Walt Moryn, and pitcher Russ Meyer.[15] This move positioned Hoak as the Cubs' primary third baseman heading into the 1956 season, where he started 108 of the team's 121 games at the position.[16] Hoak's offensive output was modest during the campaign, as he batted .215 with 5 home runs and 37 RBIs over 424 at-bats, reflecting a transitional struggle following his World Series experience with the Dodgers the previous year.[17] A notable low point came on May 2, 1956, when he set a then-National League record by striking out six times in a 17-inning, 1-0 loss to the New York Giants, going 1-for-7 at the plate.[1] Despite these challenges, Hoak demonstrated strong defensive skills at third base, recording 158 assists and a .949 fielding percentage across 955 defensive innings, contributing reliability to an infield amid the team's inconsistencies.[16] The Cubs endured a dismal year under manager Stan Hack, finishing last in the National League with a 60-94 record and drawing just 720,118 fans to Wrigley Field—their ongoing struggles marked by pitching woes and a lack of offensive firepower that tested the roster's cohesion.[18] Hoak's steady presence at third base offered some stability, though the season's frustrations highlighted the club's rebuilding pains. Following the campaign, on November 13, 1956, the Cubs traded Hoak, along with pitcher Warren Hacker and outfielder Pete Whisenant, to the Cincinnati Redlegs for third baseman Ray Jablonski and outfielder Elmer Singleton.[15]Cincinnati Redlegs (1957–1958)
On November 13, 1956, the Chicago Cubs traded Hoak, along with pitcher Warren Hacker and outfielder Pete Whisenant, to the Cincinnati Redlegs in exchange for third baseman Ray Jablonski and outfielder Elmer Singleton.[19] Hoak's strong fielding skills from his time with the Cubs carried over to his new team, where he quickly established himself as the everyday third baseman.[1] Under manager Birdie Tebbetts, who took over the Redlegs in 1954, Hoak experienced a career resurgence in 1957 after Tebbetts adjusted his batting stance to better utilize his natural power.[1] That season, Hoak batted .293 with 19 home runs and 89 RBIs, while leading the National League with 39 doubles.[3] His performance earned him his only All-Star selection as the starting third baseman for the National League, amid a controversy involving ballot stuffing by Cincinnati fans and media that led to the election of eight Reds starters (Commissioner Ford Frick replaced two outfielders but retained Hoak).[2][1] Hoak's fiery temperament and vocal presence also contributed to infield leadership, helping to motivate a young Redlegs squad that finished fourth in the National League with an 80-74 record.[1] In 1958, Hoak continued as the starting third baseman despite missing time due to injuries, including a rib issue, appearing in 114 games and batting .261 with 30 doubles and 6 home runs.[3] His defensive play remained consistent, posting a 0.3 defensive WAR at the position and contributing to one of the league's sharper infields alongside second baseman Johnny Temple and shortstop Roy McMillan.[20][3][21] Following the 1958 season, on January 30, 1959, the Redlegs traded Hoak, along with catcher Smoky Burgess and pitcher Harvey Haddix, to the Pittsburgh Pirates for outfielder Frank Thomas, outfielder John Powers, outfielder Jim Pendleton, and pitcher Whammy Douglas.[7]Pittsburgh Pirates (1959–1962)
Hoak was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates from the Cincinnati Redlegs on January 30, 1959, along with catcher Smoky Burgess and pitcher Harvey Haddix, in exchange for outfielder Frank Thomas, infielder John Powers, outfielder Jim Pendleton, and pitcher Whammy Douglas.[7] This move brought Hoak back to the National League after a brief stint with the Chicago Cubs, building on his offensive foundation from Cincinnati where he had set a team record for doubles in 1958.[1] In 1959, Hoak solidified his role as the Pirates' starting third baseman, appearing in all 155 games and batting .294 with 8 home runs and 65 RBIs, helping the team finish seventh in the National League.[3] His aggressive style at the hot corner, characterized by diving plays and relentless pursuit of grounders, earned praise for bolstering Pittsburgh's infield defense.[22] Hoak's performance peaked in 1960, when he played every game, batting .282 with 16 home runs, 79 RBIs, and a career-high 97 runs scored, contributing significantly to the Pirates' National League pennant win.[3] He finished second in National League Most Valuable Player voting behind teammate shortstop Dick Groat, receiving five first-place votes.[23] Pittsburgh broadcaster Bob Prince popularized Hoak's nickname "Tiger" during this era, highlighting his feisty, ferocious approach on the field that mirrored a Marine's tenacity from his prior service.[1] In the 1960 World Series against the New York Yankees, Hoak started all seven games at third base, batting .217 with three RBIs, including two doubles—one in Game 2 that drove in a run—and providing steady defense with only one error across the series.[24] His contributions helped the Pirates secure a dramatic 4-3 series victory, capped by Bill Mazeroski's walk-off home run in Game 7.[1] Hoak continued as Pittsburgh's primary third baseman in 1961, batting .298 with a .388 on-base percentage in 145 games, though the Pirates finished fourth.[3] Injuries limited him in 1962 to 121 games, where he hit .241 and notched his 1,000th career hit on June 14, amid a season that saw the team place sixth.[1] On November 28, 1962, at age 34, Hoak was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies for outfielder Pancho Herrera and infielder Ted Savage, as age and nagging injuries diminished his everyday role.[7]Philadelphia Phillies (1963–1964)
Following his trade from the Pittsburgh Pirates to the Philadelphia Phillies on November 28, 1962, in exchange for outfielder Ted Savage and first baseman Pancho Herrera, Don Hoak joined the Phillies as a veteran third baseman entering the 1963 season.[1] At age 35, he started the year as the team's primary third baseman under manager Gene Mauch, appearing in 115 games and posting a .231 batting average with 6 home runs and 24 RBI over 377 at-bats.[3] However, Hoak struggled early, hitting just .197 by late May, which led to him being benched in favor of younger players like Don Demeter, who shifted from the outfield to accommodate the lineup adjustments.[1] Despite the dip, Hoak provided steady defense and leadership from the bench, contributing to the Phillies' competitive 87-75 finish, though the team drew criticism from the local press for his perceived decline in speed and power.[1] Entering 1964, Hoak faced stiff competition at third base from promising rookie Dick Allen, limiting him to a reduced role as a pinch hitter.[1] He appeared in only 6 games for the Phillies, going 0-for-4 at the plate with 2 sacrifice hits before being released on May 18, 1964.[3] The Phillies retained him on the payroll as a special-assignment scout, allowing him to transition away from playing without immediate financial strain.[1] This marked the effective end of his major league playing career, as Hoak chose not to pursue further opportunities in the minors or elsewhere. At age 36, Hoak announced his retirement from professional baseball after the 1964 season, reflecting on an 11-year major league tenure that included two World Series appearances and an All-Star selection.[1] His time with the Phillies encapsulated the twilight of his career, shifting from everyday starter to utility veteran amid the rise of younger talent on a rebuilding roster.[3]Personal life
First marriage and children
Don Hoak married Phyllis June Warner, his hometown sweetheart from Roulette, Pennsylvania, on August 14, 1950, in a unique quadruple wedding ceremony at home plate during a minor league game at LaGrave Field in Fort Worth, Texas, attended by nearly 10,000 fans.[1][25] The couple settled initially near Hoak's family in Pennsylvania, where they began building a life together amid his rising baseball career. The marriage produced two children: daughter Kimberly Amber Hoak, born in February 1955, and son Donald Jeffrey Hoak, born on November 28, 1958, in Coudersport, Pennsylvania.[1][26] By 1959, the family had moved into a newly built home in Roulette, providing some stability as Hoak's professional commitments intensified.[1] Hoak's frequent team trades—from the Brooklyn Dodgers to the Chicago Cubs in 1956, then to the Cincinnati Redlegs in 1957, and the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1959—created significant challenges for the family, involving repeated relocations and prolonged separations due to the demands of road games and spring training.[1] These career pressures contributed to the couple's separation in 1960 and Hoak's filing for divorce in September 1961, which was finalized on November 20 of that year.[1][27] Following the divorce, Phyllis retained primary custody of Kimberly and Donald, who remained in Pennsylvania, while Hoak continued his baseball career and maintained contact with his children until his death in 1969.[1][26]Marriage to Jill Corey
Don Hoak met singer Jill Corey, born Norma Jean Speranza, in 1960 at Forbes Field during a pregame publicity event for the Pittsburgh Pirates.[1] Their relationship began later that October after Corey ended a prior romance with a Brazilian diplomat, quickly drawing attention in entertainment gossip columns due to her status as a rising star who had performed on shows like The Tonight Show and recorded hits such as "Love Me to Pieces."[1] Hoak, then a third baseman for the Pirates, pursued her persistently for over a year, and their courtship became a subject of media interest amid his ongoing divorce from his first wife, Phyllis Warner, which was finalized on November 20, 1961.[1] The couple married on December 27, 1961, in Pittsburgh, just months after Hoak's divorce, with Corey suspending her singing career to focus on the union.[28] Their high-profile romance garnered widespread coverage in newspapers and magazines, highlighting Corey's celebrity allure and the couple's glamorous lifestyle, including travels and social events tied to Hoak's baseball schedule.[29] This public scrutiny contrasted with the more private nature of Hoak's earlier family life, amplifying interest in their blended household that included Hoak's two children from his first marriage, daughter Kimberly and son Donald.[4] Corey provided steadfast support during Hoak's final seasons with the Pirates from 1959 to 1962, accompanying him on road trips and managing family logistics amid his demanding playing schedule.[28] The marriage produced one child, daughter Clare Michelle, born on April 16, 1965, in Pittsburgh, who later pursued acting roles in films like Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.[30] Family dynamics emphasized unity, with Corey embracing her stepchildren and fostering a stable home environment that allowed Hoak to concentrate on his career transition into broadcasting after retiring as a player in 1964.[1]Post-playing career
Broadcasting roles
Following his retirement from Major League Baseball after the 1964 season with the Philadelphia Phillies, Don Hoak joined the Pittsburgh Pirates' broadcast team in 1965 as a color commentator.[1] He replaced Claude Haring in the role, providing expert commentary on both radio and television broadcasts.[1] Hoak worked alongside veteran play-by-play announcer Bob Prince and color commentator Jim Woods for the 1965 and 1966 seasons.[31] The team aired on KDKA radio, with Hoak contributing to game analysis that leveraged his firsthand knowledge as a former Pirates third baseman from 1959 to 1962.[31] On KDKA-TV, he similarly offered insights during telecasts, focusing on strategic elements of play informed by his 11-year playing career.[31] Known for his energetic style, Hoak's broadcasts incorporated the nickname "Tiger," originally given to him by Prince during his playing tenure with the Pirates, which emphasized his aggressive and tenacious on-field persona.[32] This familiarity helped create an engaging dynamic in the booth, blending Hoak's insider perspective with Prince's colorful narration.[33] Hoak's broadcasting stint lasted only two seasons, as he left the Pirates in December 1966 to pursue other baseball opportunities.[1]Coaching and managing positions
Following his broadcasting roles with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Don Hoak transitioned to on-field coaching to pursue greater involvement in player development and management.[1] In December 1966, Hoak was hired as the third-base coach for the Philadelphia Phillies under manager Gene Mauch, marking his return to uniform and a step toward potential managerial opportunities.[1] During the 1967 season, he contributed to the team's coaching staff in a year that ended with an 82-80 record, finishing fifth in the National League, focusing his expertise as a former third baseman on base-running decisions and infield strategies from the third-base position.[1][34] However, after the season, amid a staff reduction from four to three coaches and following an arrest for disorderly conduct (charges dropped), Hoak was released in October 1967.[1] Hoak then joined the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, where he managed their Class A affiliate, the Salem Rebels, in the Carolina League during 1968.[1] Under his leadership, the team achieved an 85-55 record, securing the West Division title and advancing to the playoffs, though they were eliminated in the first round.[35] His tenure emphasized developing young infielders and overall defensive fundamentals, drawing on his major league experience at third base to mentor prospects in the Pirates' farm system.[1] Promoted for the 1969 season, Hoak managed the Pirates' Triple-A club, the Columbus Jets, of the International League.[1] The Jets finished with a 74-66 record, placing second in the league and reaching the finals of the playoff series, where they fell short of the championship.[36] Throughout his minor league managing roles, Hoak prioritized infield defense instruction, particularly at third base, to prepare emerging talent for higher levels, while building a reputation for intense, hands-on player development.[1] Hoak's success in the minors positioned him as a candidate for a major league managerial role, and he actively lobbied for the Pirates' opening after the 1969 season, publicly announcing his interest on local television just days before the decision was made.[1] Ultimately, the position went to Danny Murtaugh, leaving Hoak's aspirations for big-league management unfulfilled.[1]Death and legacy
Circumstances of death
On October 9, 1969, Don Hoak, aged 41, died in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from acute coronary occlusion resulting from a heart attack.[1] The incident occurred near his home in the Shadyside neighborhood, where Hoak and his wife, Jill Corey, were in their apartment when he spotted a man attempting to steal his brother-in-law's Buick Riviera from the driveway.[28] Impulsively, Hoak rushed to his own car and gave chase on foot initially before driving after the thief, but he soon slumped unconscious over the steering wheel near Amberson Towers.[1][4] Bystanders administered CPR roadside before an ambulance transported Hoak to Shadyside Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.[37] Autopsy findings indicated strong clinical evidence of preexisting heart conditions, potentially exacerbated by the physical exertion of the pursuit and underlying issues possibly linked to the rigors of his baseball career, including past injuries and high-stress playing environment.[1] Hoak's wife, Jill Corey, was notified immediately following the incident, as she had witnessed him leave the apartment; he was survived by his ex-wife, Phyllis, and their two children, Kimberly and Donald; his wife, Jill Corey, and their daughter, Clare.[1] More than 600 mourners paid their respects during visitation the night before the funeral, which was held in his hometown of Roulette, Pennsylvania.[1] He was buried at Fishing Creek Cemetery in Roulette.[1]Cultural references and recognition
Don Hoak is referenced in the 1968 film The Odd Couple, where characters mention him in dialogue as an example of a Pittsburgh Pirates player during a conversation about baseball.[38] Hoak's legacy endures as a gritty third baseman known for his intense competitiveness and leadership on the field, earning him the nickname "Tiger" from broadcaster Bob Prince for his fierce playing style.[1] He contributed significantly to two World Series championships, starting at third base in the decisive Game 7s for the 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers and the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates, where his toughness helped anchor the infield during pivotal moments.[1] Described by contemporaries as "aflame with hate" and unrelenting in his pursuit of victory, Hoak embodied the hard-nosed archetype of mid-20th-century baseball, influencing team morale and defensive strategies at the hot corner.[22] Posthumously, Hoak has received recognition through detailed biographical profiles by the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR), including a comprehensive entry highlighting his career and a feature in their 2013 publication The Year of the Blue Snow: The 1964 Philadelphia Phillies.[1] While not inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame or the Pirates' hall, his role in the 1960 championship has prompted discussions among fans and historians about his underappreciated contributions to Pittsburgh's baseball heritage.[1] An unverified anecdote from Hoak's time in Cuba involves him facing Fidel Castro as a pitcher during a 1950s exhibition game, a story he later embellished in a 1964 Sport magazine article; however, research has debunked it as fictional, with Castro imprisoned at the time and no contemporary records supporting the event.[39] Following his death, Hoak's impact rippled through his family and the baseball community; his daughter Clare with Corey became a model and actress, appearing in films like Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992).[1] More than 600 mourners, including former teammates and Pirates executives, attended his funeral, reflecting the deep respect he commanded within baseball circles for his fiery spirit and camaraderie.[1] Following Hoak's death, Corey resumed her career, starring in regional theater productions such as Annie Get Your Gun and Sweet Charity, while raising their daughter.Career statistics
Batting statistics
Don Hoak maintained a career batting average of .265 across 11 Major League Baseball seasons from 1954 to 1964, accumulating 1,144 hits in 4,322 at-bats while playing in 1,263 games.[3] His offensive output included 89 home runs and 498 runs batted in, reflecting moderate power and consistent run production as a third baseman.[3] The following table summarizes Hoak's year-by-year batting statistics, highlighting games played (G), at-bats (AB), hits (H), doubles (2B), triples (3B), home runs (HR), RBI, stolen bases (SB), and batting average (BA).[3]| Year | Team | G | AB | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1954 | BRO | 88 | 261 | 64 | 9 | 5 | 7 | 26 | 8 | .245 |
| 1955 | BRO | 94 | 279 | 67 | 13 | 3 | 5 | 19 | 9 | .240 |
| 1956 | CHC | 121 | 424 | 91 | 18 | 4 | 5 | 37 | 8 | .215 |
| 1957 | CIN | 149 | 529 | 155 | 39 | 2 | 19 | 89 | 8 | .293 |
| 1958 | CIN | 114 | 417 | 109 | 30 | 0 | 6 | 50 | 6 | .261 |
| 1959 | PIT | 155 | 564 | 166 | 29 | 3 | 8 | 65 | 9 | .294 |
| 1960 | PIT | 155 | 553 | 156 | 24 | 9 | 16 | 79 | 3 | .282 |
| 1961 | PIT | 145 | 503 | 150 | 27 | 7 | 12 | 61 | 4 | .298 |
| 1962 | PIT | 121 | 411 | 99 | 14 | 8 | 5 | 48 | 4 | .241 |
| 1963 | PHI | 115 | 377 | 87 | 11 | 3 | 6 | 24 | 5 | .231 |
| 1964 | PHI | 6 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 |
| Career | - | 1,263 | 4,322 | 1,144 | 214 | 44 | 89 | 498 | 64 | .265 |
Fielding statistics
Don Hoak established himself as a reliable third baseman over his 11-season Major League career from 1954 to 1964, primarily with the Brooklyn Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, and Pittsburgh Pirates. At third base, he appeared in 1,199 games, recording 1,219 putouts, 2,331 assists, 153 errors, and 227 double plays, for a career fielding percentage of .959.[3] Hoak demonstrated exceptional defensive productivity in several seasons, leading National League third basemen in assists with 322 in 1959 and 324 in 1960, while also topping the league in total chances accepted (481) in 1960. In 1959, he additionally led in putouts (169). His double-play participation was notable, with a league-leading 29 in 1957 according to contemporary accounts, though official records show him tied for second in some years.[1][42][32] The following table summarizes Hoak's seasonal fielding statistics at third base:| Year | Team | PO | A | E | FPCT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1954 | BRO | 71 | 139 | 11 | .950 |
| 1955 | BRO | 82 | 183 | 11 | .960 |
| 1956 | CHC | 122 | 158 | 15 | .949 |
| 1957 | CIN | 193 | 269 | 14 | .971 |
| 1958 | CIN | 132 | 244 | 14 | .964 |
| 1959 | PIT | 169 | 322 | 20 | .961 |
| 1960 | PIT | 132 | 324 | 25 | .948 |
| 1961 | PIT | 137 | 267 | 20 | .953 |
| 1962 | PIT | 93 | 220 | 10 | .969 |
| 1963 | PHI | 88 | 205 | 13 | .958 |
| Career | - | 1,219 | 2,331 | 153 | .959 |