Del Crandall's career in Major League Baseball spanned several decades, during which he established himself as one of the game's most reliable catchers. Born on March 5, 1930, in Ontario, California, Crandall began his professional journey when he signed with the Boston Braves. He made his major league debut on June 17, 1949, at the age of 19, quickly demonstrating his skills behind the plate.

Crandall's defensive prowess was evident early in his career. Known for his strong arm and ability to manage pitchers effectively, he became a central figure in the Braves' lineup. After a brief hiatus due to military service during the Korean War, Crandall returned to the Braves, who had by then relocated to Milwaukee. His return marked the beginning of a period where he would become an integral part of the team's success.

Throughout the 1950s and early 1960s, Crandall was a fixture in the Braves' lineup. He was selected to the All-Star team eight times, reflecting his status as one of the premier catchers of his era. His defensive skills were complemented by his offensive contributions, as he consistently provided power at the plate. In 1953, he hit 15 home runs, and in 1959, he achieved a career-high of 21 home runs, showcasing his ability to contribute to the team's scoring efforts.

Crandall's leadership on the field was instrumental in the Braves' success during this period. He played a key role in guiding the pitching staff, which included Hall of Famers Warren Spahn and Lew Burdette. His efforts were rewarded in 1957 when the Braves won the World Series, defeating the New York Yankees. Crandall's performance in the series was marked by his steady presence behind the plate and his ability to handle the pressure of postseason play.

In addition to his World Series victory, Crandall earned four Gold Glove Awards, underscoring his reputation as one of the best defensive catchers in the league. His ability to control the game from behind the plate was widely recognized, and he was respected by teammates and opponents alike for his baseball acumen.

As his playing career began to wind down in the 1960s, Crandall transitioned into a mentoring role for younger players. He spent time with the San Francisco Giants, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Cleveland Indians, providing veteran leadership and experience to these teams. His final season as a player came in 1966 with the Indians, concluding a playing career that spanned 16 seasons.

Following his retirement as a player, Crandall remained involved in baseball, moving into coaching and management. He served as a manager for the Milwaukee Brewers from 1972 to 1975 and later for the Seattle Mariners in 1983 and 1984. His managerial career was marked by his ability to develop young talent and his deep understanding of the game.

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