Dave Harris

Note: This page is for 1920s-1930s outfielder Dave Harris; for others with a similar name, click here.

David Stanley Harris
(Sheriff)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 11", Weight 170 lb.

• Debut April 14, 1925
• Final Game September 15, 1934
• Born July 14, 1900 in Summerfield, NC USA
• Died September 18, 1973 in Atlanta, GA USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Sheriff Dave Harris was not a real sheriff, but he was a real ballplayer. He never got more than 340 at-bats in a major league season, but in several seasons he was much above average.

In 1931 he posted a line of .312/.434/.506. His slugging percentage was by far the highest on the team while his batting average was close to the best (Sam West hit .333).

In 1932 he posted a similar line of .327/.400/.538. His slugging percentage was again by far the best on the team, while his batting average was almost the best (Heinie Manush hit .342). Although a backup with only 156 at-bats, he placed 19th in the MVP voting.

Harris said that he had never been a sheriff, but had once been deputized. He was described as "essentially an uneducated hillbilly", and said he had been deputized to chase mule thieves in the Carolinas.

He roomed with Moe Berg in 1932, and oddly enough they got along well.

Harris had four plate appearances in the 1933 World Series, going 0-for-2 but getting two walks.

Harris played roughly equal amounts of right and left field, and also played occasionally in center field, at third base and at first base. However, his defensive appearances number only 395, while his offensive appearances number 542, so he was clearly being used as a pinch-hitter rather frequently too.

One source: "The Washington Senators: 1901-1971".

The book "New York World Champions: 1933" states that Harris began playing minor league ball in 1923. The SABR database shows him hitting .315 with a .521 slugging percentage in eight seasons in the minors between 1923 and 1937.