Red Sox mourn the passing of Don Lenhardt
Spent nearly 50 years with the club as a player, scout, and coach
The Boston Red Sox mourn the loss of longtime member of the organization Don Lenhardt, who passed away yesterday at age 91. Lenhardt had been living in Chesterfield, MO, and is survived by his wife of 62 years, Isabelle, as well as a daughter, son-in-law, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Primarily a leftfielder, Lenhardt played 74 games over two seasons with the Red Sox in 1952 and again in 1954, his final big league campaign. He hit .287 with eight doubles, 10 home runs, and 41 RBI in 74 total games for Boston.
After his playing days, the Illinois native served as a Red Sox Midwest-area scout for over four decades, retiring in 2002. In that role, he signed such players as Al Nipper and Scott Cooper. From 1970-73, Lenhardt was the Red Sox' first base coach under manager Eddie Kasko.
Lenhardt left college to join the Navy during World War II, delaying a major league career that later began with the St. Louis Browns in 1950. The right-handed batter returned to that team for parts of 1951 and 1953-54, and also played for the Chicago White Sox (1951), Detroit Tigers (1952), and Baltimore Orioles (1954) in a 481-game major league career.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 14 at 9:00 a.m. at the Incarnate Word Catholic Church in Chesterfield, MO.