Photo provided Signing with the Yankees in 1953 after graduating from high school. Bobby Richardson Photo Gallery

By SAMMY WAY
Item Researcher / Archivist
sway@theitem.com

Robert Clinton "Bobby" Richardson was born on August 19, 1935, and has been described as our community's "preeminent athlete of the modern era." Robert, as he was known to most Sumterites, grew up playing sports and working with his father in the monument business and began playing baseball as a youngster around the age of 8 or 9. He worked his way up through the 40 and 8 League, the Knee Pants League, American Legion Juniors, high school, and the Palmetto League Sumter Jets.

Richardson began to display his athletic prowess early in his high school career. He proved to be not only an athlete but displayed outstanding leadership qualities. He was selected captain of his high school basketball team during his senior year. He gained the attention of college and professional scouts due to his exceptional play with Sumter's Post 15 boy's baseball team. The American Legion Juniors defeated the Greenwood Juniors to capture the state crown in 1950 and the 1952 team again advanced to the finals and defeated Greenwood in a best of seven series where Richardson received numerous accolades for his fielding and hitting.

The 1952 team was given a moving welcome home as they were greeted by about a thousand excited and happy fans. The team was given a motorcycle and automobile escort down Main Street as lights flashed and sirens blared. They rode on top of the city's largest fire truck with Sumter's first woman mayor, M. Priscilla Shaw, being the first person to greet the new state and regional champions.

"We are most grateful to you for the fine honor you have brought to Sumter," she said. Following this greeting the team was presented a number of gifts and a proclamation.

Richardson played in more than 1400 games for the Yankees

Richardson's life changed dramatically when he signed with the New York Yankees in 1953 shortly after he graduated from high school. He was signed by Bill Harris, a famous major league pitcher, who worked as a full-time scout for the Yankees. Richardson stated, "I picked the Yankees because they have always been my favorite team and because they offered me a good deal." He had been approached by other major league clubs prior to his graduation from Edmunds High on May 29. Some of the clubs interested in acquiring Richardson were the Dodgers, Chicago Cubs and the Cincinnati Reds.

"My aim now is to play someday for the big Yankees in New York," said Richardson, who was directed to report to the Norfolk Tars of the Class B Palmetto League located in Virginia in June of 1953. Richardson was called up to join the New York Yankee organization at the age of 19 and for the next 12 seasons he would play in more than 1,400 games and become part of an organization that would win nine American League Pennants in his first 10 years. Richardson was selected the Most Valuable Player in the 1960 World Series, and he remains the only player ever selected for this honor while playing on a losing team in the series. Richardson continues to hold numerous World Series records which include the most runs batted in during a single game, runs batted in during a series and the most hits in a series. He continues to hold the record of having played in 30 consecutive World Series games.

Richardson was second to his teammate Mickey Mantle in the voting for MVP for the American League in 1962. His incredible agility and quick hands helped him win five consecutive Rawlings Gold Glove awards and allowed him to be named to seven American League All-Star teams.

It was difficult for many people in the sport of baseball to understand why, at the age of 31, during the peak of his career, Richardson chose to retire from baseball. In an era when athletes quickly became icons, Richardson's priorities remained his famiIy, his faith and his youth work. As a star in the field of professional athletics Richardson never forgot the people of his community. "Tell the folks at Sumter how grateful I am for everything they have done for me," he said.

More than 100 of his friends journeyed from Sumter to attend his retirement ceremony in New York. He was given a standing ovation by the fans who attended Bobby Richardson Day at Yankee stadium. Following the game a reception was given for Richardson, his wife Betsy, his children and numerous sports dignitaries. Richardson was given more than 60 gifts and presented several official proclamations commending his service to the sports world and countless civic organizations. Asked if he would ever return to professional sports, he quickly responded that part of his life had passed. With the end of the 1966 season he returned to Sumter which had remained his primary residence throughout his professional career.

His retirement lasted four years as Richardson was named head baseball coach at the University of South Carolina in 1970. His teams compiled an impressive won-lost record and the Gamecocks posted a 51-6 record in 1975 while advancing to the College World Series where they lost to Texas in the title game. In 1976 he ran for political office in the 5th Congressional District losing a close election to the Democratic candidate, Kenneth Holland.

Richardson was later named head baseball coach and athletic director at the newly formed Coastal Carolina College where he played an integral role in the development of their athletic program. He remained at Coastal from 1984 to 1986 when he left to become athletic director and assistant chancellor at Liberty University, serving from 1987 to 1990.

Richardson has received a number of awards including two honorary doctorates, the Order of the Palmetto and the prestigious Golden Gavel Award from Toastmasters International. Perhaps one of the highest tributes paid to Richardson was his having been named the first inductee from Sumter to be placed in the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame. Richardson continued his association with many of professional baseball's outstanding personalities. He frequently invited his former roommate Tony Kubek along with Clete Boyer, Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford and others to his Sumter residence. He was asked to conduct the eulogies at the funerals of former Yankee outfielder Roger Maris and his best friend Mickey Mantle.

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Richardson has remained active in numerous community and civic affairs while continuing to serve as an active leader of the National Fellowship of Christian Athletes. His demanding schedule of speaking engagements and public appearances has not diminished his willingness to serve on several local community boards. He continues to reside in Sumter, and visits his children and grandchildren frequently. Richardson is often seen in the community visiting friends and attending charitable events. He has maintained a long term relationship with YMCA where he spent many hours as a young athlete. His commitment to his faith and moral principles has made him an excellent role model to the youth of our community.

A quote taken from his farewell speech provides one with an excellent insight into Richardson the athlete and man; "As I think of baseball and the memories I've had in the past ten and a half years I think of the opportunities. And in closing I can only say as Mickey Mantle has said, as Lou Gehrig has said, how lucky it has been for me to have been a Yankee. To God be the glory! Thank you very much."

Like most Sumterites I sat glued to the radio listening to the Yankees ballgames hoping to hear that Richardson had another hit or turned a double play. Bobby Richardson was my connection to a world I could only dream about, and he gave all of us a chance to experience professional sports. Perhaps the greatest gift he gave was not forgetting his hometown and the many people who shared in his success and disappointments. Richardson was able to display his skills as an athlete, but more important he continues to live his commitment to his fellow man.