Don Grate

Donald Grate
(Buckeye)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 2½", Weight 180 lb.
• School Ohio State University
• Debut July 6, 1945
• Final Game September 28, 1946
• Born August 27, 1923 in Greenfield, OH USA
• Died November 22, 2014 in Miami Gardens, FL USA

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Biographical Information

Buckeye Don Grate was an Ohio State University Buckeye in 1944 and 1945. He came to the majors as a pitcher in 1945 and 1946. He also played in the NBA in 1949-50.

He played in the minors through 1957. From 1945 to 1950 he was a pitcher, while from 1951 to 1957 he was mostly an outfielder and infielder, always hitting at least .290. Five of those seasons (1951-1955) he was with the Chattanooga Lookouts.

He broke the distance throwing record on September 7, 1952 by throwing the ball 434 feet 1 inch. The previous record was held by Larry LeJeune - 426 feet 9 1/2 inches on October 8, 1910. He broke his own record for distance throwing on August 23, 1953 - 443 feet 3 1/2 inches, and once more on August 27, 1956 - 445 feet 1 inch.

After his sports career he earned a master's degree and had another career as a coach and teacher.

Related Sites

• Basketball-Reference page