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Tom Tresh
Tom Tresh
Tom Tresh
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Thomas Michael Tresh (September 20, 1938 – October 15, 2008)[1] was an American professional baseball infielder and outfielder who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Yankees (1961–1969) and Detroit Tigers (1969). Tresh was a switch-hitter and threw right-handed. He was the son of the MLB catcher Mike Tresh.[2]

Key Information

Biography

[edit]

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Tresh graduated from Allen Park High School. He then attended Central Michigan University. While Tresh played a majority of his games in the outfield, he opened the 1962 season for the Yankees at shortstop, filling in for Tony Kubek, who was performing military service. Not until Derek Jeter in 1996 would another Yankee rookie shortstop start on Opening Day. [3] He also played third base, with most of his games at third being played during the 1966 season.

Tresh won both the MLB Rookie of the Year and The Sporting News Rookie of the Year awards in 1962, hitting .286, his career best, with 20 home runs and 93 runs batted in in 157 games. When Kubek returned during the 1962 season, Tresh was moved to left field. In Game 5 of the 1962 World Series, he broke a 2–2 tie with a three-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning off San Francisco's Jack Sanford, leading to a 5–3 Yankee win and a 3–2 series lead.[1][2][3]

Tresh in 1962

After seven full seasons in New York, the Yankees traded Tresh to the Detroit Tigers during the 1969 season for outfielder Ron Woods. He was released by Detroit prior to the 1970 season, at age 31.[4]

Tresh hit 114 home runs from 1962 to 1966, with a career-high 27 in 1966, and he made the American League All-Star team in 1962 and 1963. A Gold Glove winner in 1965, he also homered from each side of the plate in three games, including a doubleheader in that season in which he hit four home runs, three of them in the second game. In a nine-season career, Tresh was a .245 hitter with 153 home runs and 530 RBI in 1,192 games.[2]

Following his playing career, Tresh returned to his alma mater, Central Michigan, where he worked as an assistant placement director for many years. He helped to invent the Slide-Rite, a training tool to teach sliding and diving skills for baseball, softball, football and soccer.[5]

Tresh died of a heart attack at his Venice, Florida, home on October 15, 2008.[1][3]

Tresh's batting average declined precipitously during his career.

See also

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References

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Tom Tresh

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from Grokipedia
Thomas Michael Tresh (September 20, 1938 – October 15, 2008) was an American professional baseball infielder and outfielder who played in (MLB) primarily for the New York Yankees from 1961 to 1969, with a brief stint for the Tigers in 1969. A switch-hitter known for his versatility across , third base, and , Tresh emerged as a key contributor to the Yankees' dynasty in the early 1960s, earning the American League Rookie of the Year Award in 1962 after batting .286 with 20 home runs and 93 RBIs in his debut full season. He was selected to the in 1962 and 1963, won a for outstanding outfield defense in 1965, and received votes for the Most Valuable Player Award in four seasons (1962, 1963, 1965, and 1966). Over his nine-year career, Tresh compiled a .245 , 153 home runs, and 530 RBIs in 1,192 games, while helping the Yankees win the , highlighted by his pivotal three-run home run in Game 5. The son of former MLB Mike Tresh, he signed with the Yankees as an amateur free agent in 1958 for a $30,000 bonus and debuted on September 3, 1961, but his career was ultimately shortened by recurring knee injuries, leading to his trade to in June 1969 and retirement after being released prior to the 1970 season. After baseball, Tresh owned a Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise and served as an administrator and assistant coach at his , , where he earned a in .

Early life and education

Family background

Thomas Michael Tresh was born on September 20, 1938, in , , to Michael "Mike" Tresh and Doris Tresh. Mike Tresh was a Major League Baseball catcher who appeared in 12 seasons from 1938 to 1949, spending most of his career with the (1938–1948) before finishing with the Cleveland Indians in 1949. During his time in the majors, he compiled a .249 and hit just 2 home runs across 1,027 games, primarily behind the plate. Tresh grew up in a household deeply immersed in , relocating to during his father's years with the White Sox, where the family lived in an apartment near the sport's professional scene. This environment provided constant exposure to the game from infancy, with family films documenting Tresh holding a baseball as young as age two. Mike Tresh played a pivotal role in his son's early development, taking him to major league games and the ballpark to introduce him to the rhythms of professional play starting in toddlerhood. By around age five, this evolved into hands-on training, where Mike imparted fundamental skills drawn from his own catching experience, helping Tresh build a strong foundation in the sport. This paternal guidance also shaped Tresh's switch-hitting ability, a versatility modeled after his father's adaptable approach.

Schooling and athletics

Tresh attended Allen Park High School in Allen Park, Michigan, where he distinguished himself as a three-sport athlete in baseball, basketball, and football, earning a total of nine varsity letters across these disciplines. His standout performances, particularly in baseball, drew early attention from professional scouts, reflecting the influence of his family's baseball heritage—which motivated his athletic pursuits. Following high school, Tresh enrolled at in , where he pursued a degree in , ultimately earning his bachelor's in 1969 while balancing his commitments. During his lone season with the Chippewas baseball team in 1957, he played and contributed to the Interstate Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC) championship squad, batting .279 with three doubles, two triples, and nine RBI in 61 at-bats. This college experience highlighted his emerging switch-hitting ability, a skill he demonstrated effectively as a versatile . Tresh was recognized with second-team All-IIAC honors for his contributions that year.

Professional baseball career

Minor league beginnings

Tom Tresh signed with the New York Yankees organization in January 1958 for a $30,000 bonus shortly after his time at , marking his entry into professional baseball as a highly touted prospect. He began his career that summer with the Class D St. Petersburg Saints of the , where he hit .316 with 139 hits, 24 doubles, 5 home runs, and 67 RBI over 126 games, showcasing strong contact skills and speed with five stolen bases. Tresh also appeared briefly with the Double-A of the Southern Association, batting .250 in 33 games, as the Yankees cautiously managed his development. In 1959, Tresh continued his ascent through the Yankees' farm system, splitting time between the Class B Greensboro Yankees of the , where he batted .281 with 86 hits and nine home runs in 83 games, and the Class A Binghamton Triplets of the Eastern League, posting a .243 average in 51 games (six home runs overall that split). The following year, 1960, he returned to Binghamton for a full season, hitting .246 with 114 hits, 22 doubles, and 15 home runs across 133 games, while also making a short stint with the Double-A Amarillo Gold Sox of the (six games). These seasons highlighted his growing power and defensive reliability at , though he occasionally experimented with positions to build versatility. Tresh's breakthrough came in 1961 with the Triple-A Richmond Virginians of the , where he earned Rookie of the Year honors after batting .315 with 164 , 23 doubles, six , eight home runs, and 42 RBI in 141 games. His performance led the league in and demonstrated plate discipline with a .380 , solidifying his readiness for the majors. Across his four seasons, Tresh maintained a .284 in 573 games, primarily at but with emerging capabilities that would define his professional role. Drawing briefly on his father Mike Tresh's experience as a former major leaguer, he adapted to the rigors of pro ball with focused determination.

New York Yankees tenure

Tom Tresh made his major league debut on September 3, 1961, as a for the New York Yankees in a home game against the Detroit Tigers at . He appeared in nine games that season, going 2-for-8 (.250), but his strong minor league performance prepared him for a quick ascent to the majors. In 1962, Tresh became the Yankees' everyday shortstop, filling in for , who was serving in the military. That year, he enjoyed a breakout rookie season, batting .286 with 20 home runs and 93 RBI, earning the Rookie of the Year award and an selection. His contributions proved vital in the postseason, as the Yankees defeated the Giants in the ; Tresh hit a three-run homer in the eighth inning of Game 5 off Jack Sanford to secure a 5-3 victory and a 3-2 series lead, while in Game 7, he made a crucial running catch in left field on a drive by in the seventh inning, preventing extra bases and helping preserve the Yankees' 1-0 win. Tresh was selected to the again in 1963. Over his eight full seasons with the Yankees from 1961 to 1969, Tresh appeared in 1,098 games, compiling a .246 and 140 home runs while showcasing versatility across positions. Upon Kubek's return from , Tresh transitioned primarily to in 1963, playing center and left field, and he won a Gold Glove in left field in 1965 for his defensive prowess. By 1966, amid ongoing infield competition, he split time between third base, left field, and center field. Tresh's performance declined in 1968, when he hit just .195 amid injuries and team struggles. On June 14, 1969, following a slow start to the season, the Yankees traded him to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for outfielder Ron Woods.

Detroit Tigers stint

On June 14, 1969, Tom Tresh was traded from the New York Yankees to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for outfielder Ron Woods, allowing him to return to his hometown team. In 94 games with the Tigers that season, Tresh batted .224 with 13 home runs and 37 RBI, providing some power despite his diminished role. This output stood in stark contrast to his earlier peak years with the Yankees, where he had established himself as a versatile defender and 1962 Rookie of the Year. Tresh's performance was hampered by chronic knee injuries, including cartilage damage that required additional surgery after the 1969 season. These issues severely limited his mobility, particularly in the field, contributing to his struggles in Detroit. He appeared in spring training for the Tigers in 1970 but was informed he would need to rehabilitate in the minor leagues rather than make the major league roster. Opting against a demotion, Tresh requested and received his unconditional release on April 8, 1970, effectively retiring from professional baseball at age 31. Over his nine-year major league career, primarily with the Yankees but including his brief Tigers stint, Tresh appeared in 1,192 games, batting .245 with 153 home runs and 530 RBI; his contributions in Detroit added minimally to these totals.

Playing style and accomplishments

Defensive and offensive skills

Tom Tresh was a switch-hitter who batted from both sides of the plate and threw right-handed, allowing him to adjust to opposing pitchers effectively. His career batting splits showed a .235 average against right-handed pitchers (batting left-handed) and a .263 average against left-handed pitchers (batting right-handed), demonstrating a slight platoon advantage when facing southpaws. Tresh's offensive style emphasized contact hitting with gap power, as evidenced by his .359 on-base percentage in his 1962 rookie season, where he drew 67 walks while maintaining a .286 batting average. He reached the peak of his power in 1966, slugging 27 home runs—his career high—while playing primarily in left field for the New York Yankees. Tresh also gained a reputation for clutch hitting in high-pressure situations, including a three-run home run in the eighth inning of Game 5 of the 1962 World Series that propelled the Yankees to victory, and a game-tying homer in Game 5 of the 1964 World Series. Defensively, Tresh displayed remarkable versatility, beginning his major league career as a before transitioning to , where he played all three positions during his tenure with the Yankees from 1962 to 1969. At early in his career, he showcased a Gold Glove-caliber arm with strong throwing accuracy, committing 62 errors across 351 games at the position, including a .970 fielding percentage in 1962 over 111 games. His arm strength was highlighted in plays requiring quick releases, contributing to his overall efficiency in the infield. By 1963, Tresh had shifted primarily to center field, where he posted a .981 fielding percentage with only four errors in 144 games, demonstrating range and reliability that carried over to his roles. From 1966 to 1969, he focused on left field, logging 9 assists in 1967 alone—a solid contribution from the position—while maintaining a .972 fielding percentage that year. Tresh's career fielding mark reflected his adaptability, with 727 games across the grass and a reputation for preventing extra bases through his arm and positioning, culminating in a in 1965 for his outfield play.

Major awards and records

Tresh earned the American League Rookie of the Year Award from the (BBWAA) in 1962, along with the Rookie of the Year honor, after batting .286 with 20 home runs and 93 RBIs in his debut full season. He was selected as the starting for the 1962 and appeared in the 1963 midsummer classic as well, showcasing his versatility across infield and outfield positions. In 1965, Tresh received the Rawlings as an , recognizing his exceptional defensive range in center and left field during a season in which he committed nine errors in 154 games. His defensive prowess was further highlighted in the , where he hit a pivotal three-run in Game 5 against the Giants and made a crucial running catch on a line drive in Game 7 to preserve a victory. Tresh contributed to three American League pennant-winning New York Yankees teams from 1962 to 1964, helping secure the franchise's 29th championship in 1962. Offensively, he reached a career high with 27 home runs in 1966, tying for ninth in the league while providing power from both sides of the plate as a switch-hitter.

Personal life and challenges

Family and relationships

Tom Tresh was first married to Cherie, with whom he had four children: Michael, Michelle, Heidi, and Kami. His son Michael was nicknamed "Mickey" in honor of Tresh's teammate and idol, Mickey Mantle. Tresh later married Sandra, his second wife, who brought two stepchildren into the family; together, they eventually had 14 grandchildren. One grandson, also named Tom Tresh, carried on the family athletic tradition by playing and serving as the starting for the NorthPointe Christian Mustangs. Tresh's family played a key role in his career decisions, as he requested and received a trade to the Tigers in 1969 to remain closer to his roots in and prioritize family stability. His in 1970 was influenced in part by family considerations amid ongoing injuries, allowing him to focus on life in with Cherie and the children.

Injuries impacting career

Tom Tresh's career was significantly hampered by chronic knee problems that began in of 1967. During the second that year, Tresh injured his right knee while making a cross-body throw from , initially diagnosed as a but later revealed to be torn . Despite the severity, the New York Yankees instructed him to play through the pain without immediate surgery, leading to the knee giving out multiple times during the season; he appeared in 130 games but managed only a .219 , a sharp decline from his prior performance. Surgery was performed at the end of the 1967 season to remove the damaged . The knee issues persisted and worsened in subsequent years, compounded by Tresh's transition from shortstop to outfield starting in 1965, which increased the physical demands on his mobility and legs. In 1968, the ongoing problems limited his effectiveness, as he played 152 games but posted a .195 batting average and reduced power output. By 1969, after being traded to the Tigers in June, Tresh faced further complications, including another knee that summer, along with bouts of and strep throat, which collectively eroded his speed, base-running ability, and overall durability; he batted .211 over 139 games that year. The cumulative wear from these positional shifts and recurring injuries progressively limited his range in the outfield and contributed to a noticeable drop in offensive production. These ailments ultimately forced Tresh's early retirement in March 1970 at age 31, following a failed rehabilitation attempt with the Tigers, who released him before the season began. Post-career, his required ongoing medical management, though he transitioned into coaching and other baseball-related roles.

Post-retirement life and legacy

Professional endeavors

After retiring from in 1969, Tom Tresh owned and operated a Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise in during the 1970s, where he handled all aspects of the business including cooking, cleaning, hiring, and opening operations, which provided him with financial stability during his transition to civilian life. In 1971, Tresh joined , his alma mater, as assistant director of placement in the athletics department, a role he held until 1984. He then transitioned to coaching, serving as an assistant coach for the Chippewas for 14 years from the mid-1980s through the late , where he focused on mentoring young players and contributing to recruitment efforts by drawing on his experience. In the late and , Tresh co-invented the Slide-Rite, a training tool designed to teach proper sliding and diving techniques for , , football, and soccer, which was demonstrated using athletes in promotional materials. His contributions to the university's athletics program earned him induction into the CMU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1990.

Death and lasting impact

Tom Tresh died on October 15, 2008, at his home in , at the age of 70, following a heart attack. His obituary in emphasized his pivotal contributions to the , including a three-run homer in Game 5 that helped secure a Yankees victory and a spectacular one-handed catch in Game 7 against . Tresh is remembered as a key figure in the New York Yankees' dynasty, embodying the team's transition era with his switch-hitting prowess and defensive reliability. He left a lasting influence on defensive training through his co-invention of the Slide-Rite, a portable device designed to teach proper sliding and diving techniques in , softball, football, and soccer, which was notably used in college programs to enhance player safety and skills. His family legacy endures in , with grandson Tom Tresh—named after him—emerging as a multi-sport who played at from 2011 to 2014 and served as starting quarterback for NorthPointe Christian High School in 2008, as well as cousin Luca Tresh, drafted by the in 2021 and playing in their minor league system as of 2025. Following his death, tributes highlighted Tresh's mentorship role, particularly at , where a memorial service attended by about 900 people on October 24, 2008, celebrated his tenure as a player in 1957, assistant coach from 1985 to 1998, and administrator who supported the program. A 2013 biography further praised his positional versatility—spanning , , and third base—despite chronic knee injuries that required multiple surgeries after 1967, underscoring his resilience in contributing to championship teams.

References

  1. https://www.mlb.com/player/tom-tresh-123461
  2. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/treshto01.shtml
  3. https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/tom-tresh/
  4. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/treshmi01.shtml
  5. https://www.pinstripealley.com/2023/11/26/23975550/yankees-top-100-players-tom-tresh-69-biography-1960s-dynasty
  6. https://www.pinstripealley.com/2017/1/23/14342668/pinstripe-alley-top-100-yankees-57-tom-tresh-dynasty
  7. https://cmuchippewas.com/honors/hall-of-fame/tom-tresh/43
  8. https://cmuchippewas.com/news/2008/10/24/Tom_Tresh_Remembered_at_Memorial_Held_on_CMU_s_Campus
  9. https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=tresh-001tho
  10. https://www.nytimes.com/1958/01/07/archives/yanks-sign-bonus-boy-tom-tresh-son-of-exmajor-leaguer-accepts-30000.html
  11. https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/stats/p-a1f535cd
  12. https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Tom_Tresh
  13. https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/1962_WS.shtml
  14. https://www.statmuse.com/mlb/ask/tom-tresh-stats-with-new-york
  15. https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/trades.php?p=treshto01
  16. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.fcgi?id=treshto01&year=Career&t=b
  17. https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/tom-tresh
  18. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/treshto01-field.shtml
  19. https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/awards.php?p=treshto01
  20. https://www.mlb.com/awards/rookie-of-the-year
  21. https://www.mlb.com/video/tom-tresh-s-go-ahead-home-run
  22. https://www.mlive.com/sports/grand-rapids/2008/10/extiger_tresh_remembered_for_p.html
  23. https://cmuchippewas.com/news/2008/10/20/Site_of_Tom_Tresh_Memorial_Changed
  24. https://www.mlive.com/chippewas/2008/10/former_cmu_player_and_coach_di.html
  25. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/30601838/tom-tresh
  26. https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/17/sports/baseball/17tresh.html
  27. https://yanksgoyard.com/2014/09/21/look-back-remembering-yankees-sensation-tom-tresh/
  28. https://athletics.hope.edu/sports/baseball/roster/tom-tresh/328
  29. https://www.mlb.com/player/luca-tresh-681123
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