Don Lenhardt
A versatile journeyman ballplayer whose towering frame and custom-made shoes became a quirky footnote in baseball's rich tapestry.
1922–2014 (age 92)·American baseball player·Birthday: October 4·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Don Lenhardt's path through the major leagues was that of a determined utility man, carving out a career across five teams in the 1950s. Born in Alton, Illinois, he was a late bloomer, not making his big-league debut until he was 28 after serving in World War II. His 6'3" stature made him a formidable presence at the plate, capable of moments of power, but it was his feet that earned him clubhouse fame. The perpetual struggle to find footwear that fit led to the enduring nickname 'Footsie,' a moniker that spoke to the personal quirks behind the uniform. After his playing days, Lenhardt seamlessly transitioned into a decades-long career as a scout and coach, most notably for the Baltimore Orioles, where his eye for talent helped shape winning teams. His legacy is less about stardom and more about the enduring, adaptable baseball lifer who contributed to the game in every role possible.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Don was born in 1922, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Don Was Born
The biggest hits of 1922
#1 Movie
Robin Hood
Don's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1922Born
King Tut's tomb discovered in Egypt
President: Warren G. Harding"April Showers" — Al Jolson
1927Started school
Lindbergh flies solo across the Atlantic; The Jazz Singer premieres
President: Calvin Coolidge"My Blue Heaven" — Gene Austin
1935Became a teenager
Social Security Act signed into law
Gas: $0.19/galHome: $3,450President: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Cheek to Cheek" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: Mutiny on the Bounty
1938Could drive
Kristallnacht and the escalation toward WWII
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $2,850Min wage: $0.25/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Begin the Beguine" — Artie ShawBest Picture: You Can't Take It with You
1940Could vote
The Blitz: Germany bombs London
Gas: $0.18/galHome: $2,938Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I'll Never Smile Again" — Tommy DorseyBest Picture: Rebecca
1943Turned 21
Allies invade Sicily; Battle of Stalingrad ends
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $3,290Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I've Heard That Song Before" — Harry JamesBest Picture: Casablanca
1952Turned 30
Queen Elizabeth II ascends the throne
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $8,350Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Blue Tango" — Leroy AndersonBest Picture: The Greatest Show on Earth
1962Turned 40
Cuban Missile Crisis brings the world to the brink
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $12,800Min wage: $1.15/hrPresident: John F. Kennedy"Stranger on the Shore" — Acker BilkBest Picture: Lawrence of Arabia
1972Turned 50
Watergate break-in; last Apollo Moon mission
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $19,550Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" — Roberta FlackBest Picture: The Godfather
1982Turned 60
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1992Turned 70
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2002Turned 80
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2014Died at 92
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
Key Achievements
- Played in 425 Major League games across five teams from 1950 to 1954.
- Hit a career-high 22 home runs for the St. Louis Browns during the 1951 season.
- Served as a scout for the Baltimore Orioles for over 20 years, contributing to their successful era.
- Worked as a major league coach for the Orioles in the late 1960s.
Did You Know?
His nickname 'Footsie' came from teammates because he had unusually large feet and difficulty finding shoes.
He served in the United States Navy during World War II before his professional baseball career.
He was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals but made his MLB debut with the St. Louis Browns.
After his MLB career, he played and managed for several years in the minor leagues.
“I was a utility man, and I was ready to play wherever they needed me.”
