Enos Slaughter

Lore & Background

Slaughter was born in Roxboro, North Carolina, where he earned the nickname "Country". In 1935, scout Billy Southworth signed him for the St. Louis Cardinals. He debuted with the Cardinals in 1938 and became an everyday outfielder in 1939. Slaughter served for three years in the Army Air Corps during World War II. Upon return in 1946, he led the National League with 130 RBI and led the Cardinals to a World Series win over the Boston Red Sox. In the decisive seventh game, Slaughter made a famous "Mad Dash" for home from first base on Harry Walker's hit in the eighth inning, scoring the winning run that beat the throw of Johnny Pesky. Slaughter was known for his hustle, especially for running hard to first base on walks. He was reported as being one of the leaders in racial taunting against Jackie Robinson, though sportswriter Bob Broeg refutes this claim. Slaughter later injured Robinson during a game by inflicting a seven-inch gash from his shoe spikes on Robinson's leg, but Slaughter denied any animosity. With the Yankees, he batted fifth and played left field in Game 5 of the 1956 World Series, in which Don Larsen pitched a perfect game. Slaughter retired from MLB in 1959. He was a player-manager for the Houston Buffs in 1960 and for Raleigh Capitals in 1961. He coached baseball for Duke University from 1971 to 1977. Slaughter had five wives and four daughters. He died at age 86 on August 12, 2002, after battling non-Hodgkin lymphoma and undergoing colon surgery. He was buried at Allensville United Methodist Church in Person County, North Carolina.

In Their Own Story

The noise at Sportsman's Park was deafening, a wall of sound pressing against the outfield grass. Enos Slaughter stood on first base, eyes locked on the pitcher's mound, his bat held low but ready. As the ball left the bat, it wasn't just a hit; it was an invitation to war. He sprinted, not running from the play but into it, his cleats kicking up dirt as he rounded second and charged toward third. The throw came in, but Slaughter didn't slide; he dove with every ounce of his being, crossing home plate before the catcher could even react, sealing a victory that would echo through generations.

Reader's Guide

Slaughter batted left-handed and threw right-handed. He was renowned for his smooth swing that made him a reliable "contact" hitter. He had 2,383 hits in his major league career, including 169 home runs, and 1,304 RBI in 2,380 games. His 1,820 games played ranks fifth in Cardinals' history behind Yadier Molina, Ozzie Smith, Lou Brock, and Stan Musial. He ranks third in RBI with 1,148; sixth in at-bats with 6,775; and seventh in doubles with 366. Slaughter was a ten-time All-Star and played in five World Series. His jersey number 9 was retired by the Cardinals on September 6, 1996. The Cardinals dedicated a statue depicting his famous Mad Dash in 1999. In 2013, the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award honored Slaughter as one of 37 Baseball Hall of Fame members for his service in the United States Army Air Force during World War II. In January 2014, the Cardinals announced Slaughter among 22 former players and personnel to be inducted into the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum for the inaugural class of 2014.

Did You Know?

• Slaughter earned the nickname "Country" from his birthplace in Roxboro, North Carolina.
• He was signed by scout Billy Southworth for the Cardinals in 1935.
• Slaughter served as a sergeant in the Army Air Corps during World War II, teaching physical education and helping set up baseball teams in Tinian and Saipan.
• His famous "Mad Dash" in Game 7 of the 1946 World Series was named No. 10 on the Sporting News list of Baseball's 25 Greatest Moments in 1999.
• Slaughter mentored Lou Brock when he joined the Cardinals.