RetroSeasons recaps past sports seasons through stories, photos, videos, and stats from every team, league, and stadium in history. Coverage includes the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL, as well as vintage media from defunct teams and leagues.
Toby Harrah was a professional baseball player who played for several teams during his career. He was born on October 26, 1948, in Sissonville, West Virginia. Harrah started his baseball career in 1969 when he was drafted by the Washington Senators in the 1st round of the MLB draft. He played for the Senators until 1978 when he was traded
Close
Toby Harrah was a professional baseball player who played for several teams during his career. He was born on October 26, 1948, in Sissonville, West Virginia. Harrah started his baseball career in 1969 when he was drafted by the Washington Senators in the 1st round of the MLB draft. He played for the Senators until 1978 when he was traded to the Texas Rangers.
Harrah played for the Rangers from 1978 to 1984 and was a key player for the team during that time. He was a versatile player who could play multiple positions, including shortstop, third base, and second base. He was also a consistent hitter, with a career batting average of .264 and 195 home runs.
In 1985, Harrah was traded to the Cleveland Indians, where he played for two seasons before being traded to the New York Yankees in 1987. He played for the Yankees for one season before being released and signing with the Texas Rangers again in 1988. He played for the Rangers for one more season before retiring in 1989.
Throughout his career, Harrah was known for his consistency and versatility. He was a three-time All-Star and won a Silver Slugger award in 1982. He was also a solid defensive player, with a career fielding percentage of .965.
After retiring from baseball, Harrah became a coach and manager. He served as a coach for the Rangers from 1990 to 1992 and was the manager of the Double-A Tulsa Drillers from 1993 to 1994. He also managed the Triple-A Oklahoma City 89ers in 1995 and the Double-A Akron Aeros in 1996.
Overall, Toby Harrah had a successful baseball career and was a valuable player for the teams he played for. He was a consistent hitter and a versatile player who could play multiple positions. After retiring from playing, he continued to contribute to the sport as a coach and manager.
⚾
Related Content
Stories, Photos, Videos, Podcasts, and Publications featuring Toby Harrah Biography
On a crisp evening at Arlington Stadium on April 11, 1978, the Detroit Tigers faced...
1978 Detroit Tigers vs Texas Rangers - Radio Broadcast / On a crisp evening at Arlington Stadium on April 11, 1978, the Detroit Tigers faced the Texas Rangers in what promised to be a compelling matchup. The Tigers, with Dave Rozema on the mound, were looking to capitalize early in the season against the Rangers, who countered with starter Doc Medich. Both teams were eager to set the tone for their respective seasons, each carrying aspirations of climbing their division standings. The Rangers, with a lineup that blended speed and power, aimed to leverage their home-field advantage to overcome the visiting Tigers.
The game began quietly, with both teams held scoreless through the first three innings. The Tigers broke through first in the fourth inning, signaling a shift in momentum, as they capitalized on key hits and a crucial double by Milt May that brought in two runs. The fifth inning proved pivotal, with the Tigers extending their lead by four runs, highlighted by a three-run homer from May that decisively swung the game in Detroit's favor. Texas struggled to respond, managing only a solo home run by Richie Zisk in the ninth inning, which was too little too late.
Detroit's victory was marked by effective pitching from Rozema, who went the distance, allowing just two runs on six hits while the team's defense turned in a solid performance despite an error. The Tigers' offense was led by strong performances from Ron LeFlore and Rusty Staub, providing the necessary run support. This game was indicative of the challenges Texas faced early in the season, struggling to convert opportunities into runs. For Detroit, the win was a positive step in building momentum as they aimed to be competitive in their division.
On May 17, 1977, under the lights of Arlington Stadium, the Texas Rangers hosted the...
1977 Detroit Tigers vs Texas Rangers - Radio Broadcast / On May 17, 1977, under the lights of Arlington Stadium, the Texas Rangers hosted the Detroit Tigers in a matchup that featured two teams navigating through the early part of the MLB season. The Rangers, aiming to build momentum, sent Doyle Alexander to the mound, a pitcher known for his durability and craftiness. The Tigers countered with Dave Rozema, a promising young arm seeking to establish himself in the league. This game came at a time when both teams were looking to assert themselves in their respective divisions, with the Rangers and Tigers both harboring aspirations of climbing the standings as the season progressed.
The game's early innings set the tone for a closely contested battle. The Tigers struck first, scoring a run in the opening frame, hinting at a potentially offensive showdown. However, Alexander settled in for Texas, effectively silencing the Tigers' bats as the game moved forward. The Rangers responded in the third inning, capitalizing on Rozema's mistakes to take a lead they would not relinquish.
Ultimately, the Rangers emerged victorious with a 3-1 win, a testament to their pitching strength and strategic execution on the field. Doyle Alexander's complete game highlighted his importance to the Rangers, as he navigated through the Tigers' lineup with precision. This victory for Texas was reflective of their season's aspirations, aiming to be competitive in a tough division. For the Tigers, the game underscored the challenges of capitalizing on scoring opportunities, a theme they would look to address as the season continued.
"This is home plate, Arlington Stadium, on the opening day of the 1972 Major League...
Verne Lundquist Reports on What Should Have Been the First Ever Rangers Game In Arlington / "This is home plate, Arlington Stadium, on the opening day of the 1972 Major League Baseball schedule." Verne Lundquist and Tom Vandergriff are featured.
As the calendar flipped to September 29, 1971, the New York Yankees were set to...
1971-Sep-29 • NYY/WAS • New York Yankees vs Washington Senators - Radio Broadcast / As the calendar flipped to September 29, 1971, the New York Yankees were set to square off against the Washington Senators in what was a routine late-season contest. The Yankees, having had a middling season, were trying to finish strong. The Senators, on the other hand, were in the midst of their final season before moving to Texas to become the Rangers, a fact that added a certain poignancy to every game they played. This particular match-up was notable for the fact that it was one of the last games the Senators would play in Washington D.C., a fact that was not lost on the fans or the players. The air was thick with nostalgia, and the typically straightforward game of baseball took on a different hue, as every pitch, every swing, and every cheer echoed with the weight of history.
