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.