Smoky Burgess, whose real name is Forrest Harrill Burgess, was born on February 6, 1927, in the small town of ,NC. Growing up, he developed a love for the game of baseball and dreamt of one day playing in the major leagues.
Burgess began his professional baseball career in 1944 when he signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers. He worked his way up through the minor leagues, showcasing his exceptional batting skills. In 1947, he led the minor leagues in batting average, an impressive feat that caught the attention of major league scouts.
By 1949, Burgess made his major league debut with the Chicago Cubs. He quickly established himself as one of the top catchers in the league, earning his first All-Star selection in 1954. Over the course of his career, he would go on to be selected to the All-Star team a total of nine times.
One of the highlights of Burgess's career came in 1960 when he won a World Series Championship with the Pittsburgh Pirates. His contributions both behind the plate and at the plate were instrumental in leading the Pirates to victory.
Off the field, Burgess was known for his strong work ethic and dedication to the game. He was a beloved teammate and a fan favorite, known for his clutch hitting in pinch-hitting situations. Burgess became one of the MLB's most successful pinch hitters during his era, consistently delivering key hits in critical moments.
Despite his success on the field, Burgess always remained humble and focused on the team's success over individual accolades. He was a true team player, willing to do whatever it took to help his team win.
Burgess married Margaret Burgess, his high school sweetheart, and the couple later welcomed a son named Larry. Family was always important to Burgess, and he cherished the time spent with his loved ones off the field.
Throughout his career, Smoky Burgess left a lasting impact on the game of baseball. His exceptional skills as a catcher and pinch hitter earned him a place in baseball history. Burgess's legacy lives on through his contributions to the sport and the memories he created for fans around the world.