Bob Swift

Born in Salina in 1915, catcher Bob Swift played and managed in the major leagues and was part of one of the most famous moments in MLB history.

Swift broke into majors in 1940 with the St. Louis Browns.  He went on to a 14-year career with the Browns, Detroit and Philadelphia A’s.  

He played in the 1945 World Series with the Tigers and was catching for the Tigers on August 19, 1951 when 3’7” Eddie Gaedel was sent to the plate by the Browns as a pinch-hitter.  The pitcher was fellow Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame member Bob Cain, who walked Gaedel on four pitches.  Swift can be seen in the famous photo of Gaedel at the plate, the only time a little person batted in the major leagues.

Upon his retirement as a player after the 1953 season, Swift became a coach for the Tigers, Kansas City Athletics and Washington.  Three times, Swift took became interim manager because of a manager’s illness.  The final time was in 1966.  As interim manager in Detroit, Swift became ill and lung cancer was discovered.  He died in October that year, at the age of 51.

Swift is buried in Roselawn Memorial Park in Salina.