Al Niemiec

CooperstownExpert.com
Birthdate 5/18/1911
Death Date 10/25/1995
Debut Year 1934
Year of Induction
Teams Athletics, Red Sox
Positions Second Base, Shortstop

After missing 3 full seasons because of WWII, Al Niemiec was released. He sued baseball based on the job guarantees of returning veterans under the Selective Training and Services Act.

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Al Niemiec sued baseball for the employment rights guaranteed under the GI Bill

Al Niemiec sued baseball for the employment rights guaranteed under the GI Bill

Al Niemiec’s influence on the game goes far beyond his 78 big league appearances. The middle infielder played his final Major League game in 1936. From there he went to the minors hoping to get back to The Show. A stellar 1941 season with the PCL’s Seattle Rainiers gave him high hopes.
Al Niemiec was part of a four-player trade that brought Ted Williams to Boston from the PCL

Al Niemiec was part of a four-player trade that brought Ted Williams to Boston from the PCL

In 1937 the Boston Red Sox acquired Ted Williams from the Pacific Coast League’s San Diego Padres. They sent Spence Harris, Dom Dallessandro and Al Niemiec to the America’s Finest City in return for the 19-year old Williams. Williams went on to become a player many call the greatest hitt

A Story about Al Niemiec

Al Niemiec was a hero to WWII veterans returning to baseball

July 2nd, 2017 Leave a comment

CooperstownExpert.com

A fine second baseman Al Niemiec played in just 78 big league games but made his presence felt throughout the game. Niemiec sued baseball in a landmark court case, earning a win that sent ripples throughout the game.  Niemiec played in 199 minor league contests before getting a September call up to the Red Sox for nine games in 1934. He spent the next year back in the bushes before being traded to the Athletics in a package that sent Hall of Fame slugger Jimmie Foxx to Boston. Though Niemiec spent most of season with Connie Mack in Philadelphia, it would be his last as a big leaguer. By 1938 Niemiec moved to the Pacific Coast League for a five-year run that included three consecutive championships with the Seattle Rainiers. The ’41 season was a good one for Niemiec. He hit .297 while leading second basemen in fielding for the third straight season. For his efforts, he was named the PCL’s outstanding player at his position. Niemiec joins the war effort At the end of the following season Niemiec was called to serve in the US Navy.  He stayed in the military until his honorable discharge in January of 1946. When retired […]

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5 responses to “Al Niemiec”

  1. Colin F Morrin says:

    Can anyone help me find the jersey number for Alfred Niemiec on the 1941 Seattle Rainiers ball club? My girlfriend is the granddaughter of Alfred and I would like to make her a replica jersey.

  2. Edo Vanni says:

    Collin my name is Edo Vanni jr. My father played on the three championship teams with Al In 1939-1940. Please contact me . I would like know if Al has any children that are alive today.

  3. Bruce H. says:

    Did you ever find out what Al’s jersey number was. He taught me and my mother how to play golf in the 1960’s. He was a very nice man. Please let me know. Thank you

  4. Colin says:

    Yes Al had 3 children I believe. I was dating his granddaughter for several years. I believe that all his kids are still alive. Unfortunately, I do not have any contact info.
    Colin

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