Claud Derrick

Claud Lester Derrick
(Deek)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 0", Weight 175 lb.
• School University of Georgia
• Debut September 8, 1910
• Final Game October 5, 1914
• Born June 11, 1886 in Burton, GA USA
• Died July 15, 1974 in Clayton, GA USA

BR page

Biographical Information

"Claude Derrick is putting up a good game at short, and in recent games has been one of the most timely hitters on the team." - Sporting Life, July 22, 1916, about Derrick's play in the American Association

Claude Derrick was the first major leaguer to come out of the University of Georgia. He was a backup infielder for the Philadelphia Athletics at the time of the $100,000 infield when they were winning pennants. He also appeared for three other teams in 1913-14 with a peak batting average of .292 in 1913.

Derrick also played for the Orioles. There is a story that the Orioles once offered Babe Ruth in 1914 to the Reds, but the Reds chose Derrick and George Twombly.

While playing for the New York Yankees in 1913, he was spiked by Zack Wheat in an exhibition game on his throwing hand. He is sent down to Baltimore early in the regular season.

His name was frequently spelled "Claude" in the press. His sketch and biography were featured on p. 1 of the May 11, 1912 issue of Sporting Life. The biography stated that he attended Firman College and later the Georgia School of Technology, where he he starred in football and baseball. He played minor league ball in 1909 and was discovered when Harry Davis took a team of Athletics to play against Derrick's team.

"The Humor of Baseball. . . 'What in ____ are you trying to pull off out there, Derrick?' shouted Chance from the bench. 'Why, I was trying to make a double play,' answered the shortstop. 'Let me tell you something,' said the manager. 'You keep on making double plays like that and you will double play yourself to Kalamazoo.' " - Sporting Life, Jan. 10, 1914

Notable Achievements

• Won two World Series with the Philadelphia Athletics (1910 & 1911) (he did not play in either World Series).