Signed out of the University of Texas, for a dozen years Higgins was a hard-hitting,
steady-fielding third baseman. Especially dangerous with men on base, he twice drove
in 106 runs. Higgins set a ML record when he hit safely in 12 consecutive at-bats
in 1938. He hit .333 in the 1940
World Series with the Tigers and handled a record
ten chances at third base in Game Four. After playing in all seven games of the 1946
WS with the Red Sox, Higgins retired.
A low-key approach and patience with young
players made Higgins a popular manager in the minors and later with the Red Sox.
In 1955, his first of eight seasons managing Boston, he was named TSN Manager of the Year. His (C-h)h)h)best
showings were third-place finishes in 1957-58. Higgins also served as Red Sox vice
president and GM, and later was an Astro scout.
(JL)
Pinky Higgins
