Tom Haller played 12 seasons as a Major League catcher. Haller was signed as an amateur free agent with the Giants and made his big league debut in 1961. He split about equal catching time Ed Bailey for the next two years. In the 1962 World Series, Haller started four games, which include a home run and three RBI, in the series loss to the Yankees. After Bailey was traded in 1964, Haller was established as the team's primary catcher. In 1966, Haller hit 27 home runs, a Giants record for catchers, and was also selected to his first All-Star Game. Haller would be an All-Star again the following year.
After seven seasons with the Giants, Haller was traded to the Dodgers in 1968 and would be selected again as an All-Star. As a Dodger, Haller would hit .285 in 1968 and .286 in 1970, his two highest batting averages, and lead the National League in sacrifice hits. Haller, also known for his defensive proficiency, would also lead the league in caught steals.
After four seasons with the Dodgers, Haller was traded to the Tigers in 1972 and would serve as the backup to Bill Freehan. In one game that season, Haller would start the game at catcher while his brother and American League umpire, Bill Haller, would call the game.
A capable defensive catcher, he ended his career with a respectable .992 fielding percentage, which at the time of his retirement, was second only to the .993 career record of Elston Howard.
After his playing career ended, Haller worked for the Giants as a coach and later became vice president of baseball operations. He was named to the Giants' 25th anniversary team in 1982. After a long illness, Haller died November 26, 2004 at the age of 67.
About This Card
Tom Haller, seen here with the Philadelphia Phillies, never played a game with the Philadelphia. His contract was purchased by the Phillies after the 1972 season, but he was released in 1974.
Tom Haller was acquired by the Phillies prior to the 1973 season to mentor rookie Bob Boone. When Haller decided not to report, the Phillies kept veteran Mike Ryan around for 1 more season.
ReplyDeleteDo you know what the Phillies did with Haller that year? Did they just make him inactive? Did they not pay him? I find it interesting that he was not released until February 1974.
ReplyDeleteI don't know, but he was not on the active roster, injured, or in the minors.
ReplyDeleteI guess he was in the same black hole where Curt Flood spent the 1970 season. (The Phillies traded Flood to the Senators in November 1970, after being inactive for the entire season.)