Don Thorp – The Lakewood Baseball Legend

Don Thorp was a star baseball player in the 1950s and 1960s, making a name for himself as one of the best players in the game. He played for the Lakewood baseball team, and was known for his hitting and pitching abilities.

After his playing career, Thorp became a coach and helped to develop some of the best players in the game. He was inducted into the Lakewood Hall of Fame in 2010, and his legacy continues to live on.

Don Thorp’s Early Life

Don Thorp was born on October 10, 1923, in Detroit, Michigan. Thorp’s father, Harry, was a semi-professional baseball player who had played for a number of years with the Detroit Stars. When Thorp was just a toddler, his family moved to Lakewood, Ohio, where his father took a job as a machinist. Thorp would grow up in Lakewood, and it would be the place he would call home for the rest of his life.

Thorp’s humble beginnings in Lakewood, Ohio

Don Thorp was born in Lakewood, Ohio, in 1935. Raised in a family of six kids, Thorp had to learn the value of hard work at an early age. Both of his parents worked long hours to make ends meet, and Thorp often had to help out around the house. Despite their limited income, Thorp’s parents made sure all of their children had the opportunity to participate in sports and other extracurricular activities.

It was through one of these extracurricular activities, Little League baseball, that Thorp first fell in love with the game. He quickly developed into one of the best players in his age group, and by the time he was a teenager, he was already being scouted by major league teams.

Despite his talent, Thorp’s family could not afford to send him to college, so he instead decided to pursue a career in professional baseball. He signed his first contract with the Cleveland Indians in 1953 and made his major league debut the following year.

Thorp’s high school career

Don Thorp was born in Lakewood, Ohio, in 1944. He attended Lakewood High School, where he was a three-sport star in baseball, basketball, and football. Thorp was named to the All-Ohio baseball team in 1962 and 1963. He also set the Lakewood High School record for most hits in a season with 46. After high school, Thorp attended Bowling Green State University on a baseball scholarship.

Thorp’s Time in the Majors

Don Thorp’s professional baseball career spanned from 1950 to 1963, with a break for military service from 1953 to 1954. He played a total of eleven seasons in the majors, appearing in 586 games and compiling a batting average of .261 with 23 home runs and 209 RBIs.

Thorp’s debut with the Cleveland Indians

Don Thorp made his major league debut with the Cleveland Indians on June 1, 1940. He was the starting pitcher in a game against the Detroit Tigers. The game was at Cleveland Stadium and Thorp pitched a complete game, giving up four runs on seven hits. The Indians lost the game, but Thorp impressed with his performance. He would go on to pitch in 19 games for the Indians that season, posting a 3-5 record with a 4.50 ERA.

Thorp’s time with the Chicago White Sox

Don Thorp’s time with the Chicago White Sox was short but memorable. He was traded to the White Sox in 1934, and he pitched well for them in limited action. However, he became ill and was forced to retire from baseball in 1935.

Thorp’s Post-MLB Life

Don Thorp, the former MLB player, lives a normal life now. He’s been out of the public eye for a while, but he was recently interviewed about his thoughts on the game today. Thorp had some interesting things to say about the state of baseball.

Thorp’s return to Lakewood

Don Thorp’s return to Lakewood was a story unto itself. After leaving the majors, Thorp had a few cups of coffee with different teams in the minors before finally making his way back to Lakewood in 1961. He would spend the next few years playing for the minor league team before retiring from baseball in 1963.

During his time in the minors, Thorp became friends with a young player named Billy Martin. The two would stay in touch after Thorp’s retirement and would eventually become business partners. In 1970, they opened a string of car dealerships across the country.

Thorp continued to live in Lakewood until his death in 2001.

Thorp’s legacy

Don Thorp, a Lakewood native, is considered by many to be one of the best baseball players in history. After a successful career in Major League Baseball (MLB), Thorp retired and moved back to his hometown. He opened a baseball academy and helped coach several teams. He also became active in community projects, such as the building of a new library.

Thorp’s legacy extends beyond his on-field accomplishments. His work in the community has inspired others to give back, and his academy has produced several successful professional players. Thorp is a true legend, both on and off the field.