William Charles Virdon won the 1955 National League Rookie of the Year Award after hitting .281 with career highs of 17 home runs and 68 runs batted in. A former outfielder, Virdon also managed and coached in the Major Leagues. A premier defensive outfielder during his playing days, the bespectacled center fielder won a Gold Glove in 1962. The left-handed hitter initially signed with the Yankees, but never played with the New York club. He was traded to the Cardinals as a minor league prospect in a multi-player deal before the 1954 season that included veteran outfielder Enos Slaughter going to the Yankees. After one more season in the minors, Virdon joined the Cardinals.
William Charles Virdon won the 1955 National League Rookie of the Year Award after hitting .281 with career highs of 17 home runs and 68 runs batted in. A former outfielder, Virdon also managed and coached in the Major Leagues. A premier defensive outfielder during his playing days, the bespectacled center fielder won a Gold Glove in 1962. The left-handed hitter initially signed with the Yankees, but never played with the New York club. He was traded to the Cardinals as a minor league prospect in a multi-player deal before the 1954 season that included veteran outfielder Enos Slaughter going to the Yankees. After one more season in the minors, Virdon joined the Cardinals.