If there was ever a definitive figure for the term “lifer”, Reese was it:
Beginning his professional playing career in the Pacific Coast League way back in 1924 with the Oakland Oaks, he would make it up to the Major leagues in 1930, suiting up for the New York Yankees as a back-up second baseman for Hall of Famer Tony Lazzeri, famously being Babe Ruth’s roommate, or as he liked to put it, “Babe Ruth’s suitcase’s roommate”.
After two years with the club, Reese was sent to the St. Louis Cardinals where he’d play in 1932 before returning to the PCL where he remained an active player through the 1938 season.
After World War II, where he served in the Army in 1942 & 1943, he began his incredibly long career as a scout and coach, a tenure that would take him all the way to 1994, the last 22 years of which were served as coach for the California Angels.
70 years as a professional baseball figure, and often referred to as the “nicest man in baseball”.
Just amazing to think of all he saw or was a part of.
An incredible life.
