Causey was a hard-playing, steady infielder who kept losing jobs to hotshot rookies.
He was supposed to have been one himself. Signed for a $50,000 bonus in 1955, contemporary
rules regarding "bonus babies" required his presence on the Baltimore roster until
June 1957. After three years in the minors, he was traded to Kansas City in 1961
but lost his shot at shortstop to rookie
Dick Howser. In mid-season he won the third
base position, but injured his shoulder early in 1962. When he was ready to play
again,
Ed Charles had taken over at third base.
Causey's best years came in 1963-64,
when he was finally the A's starting shortstop and led the team in hitting with .280
and .281 marks. But in spring 1965, by then the team captain, he dislocated his shoulder,
opening the position for young Bert Campaneris. Causey was shipped to Chicago in
May 1966, where he mostly played second base.
(JCA)
Wayne Causey
