Ralph Garr - Early Years

Early Years

Though Garr was a fast runner and good contact hitter, he was a below average infielder. He was converted to an outfielder with the Shreveport Braves in 1968, and remained in the outfield for the rest of his career. After two minor league seasons in which he batted .287 with 53 runs batted in, Garr made the jump from double A to the majors in September 1968. The speedy Garr appeared in eleven games with the Braves, but never needed his glove once, as he was used as a pinch hitter or pinch runner in each of his appearances, and never once was kept in the game. Regardless, he earned an invite to Spring training 1969, and started the season as the Braves' everyday left fielder when Rico Carty dislocated his shoulder. Upon Carty's return, he was optioned to the triple A Richmond Braves, but returned in September when rosters expanded. Overall, he batted .222 in 22 games.

Garr again made the Braves out of Spring training 1970, and resumed the role he had at the end of the 1968 & 1969 seasons. He appeared in sixteen games with the Braves through May, but had already earned a reputation as something of a defensive liability at this point in his career, and never once took the field. He was optioned back to Richmond at the end of May, and went on to bat an International League record .386 with seven home runs, 51 RBIs and a league best 39 stolen bases. He returned to Atlanta in September as a fourth outfielder, and batted .301 in 91 plate appearances.