Jackie Brandt
John George Brandt Jr., is an American former professional baseball outfielder, who played in Major League Baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Giants, San Francisco Giants, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, and Houston Astros. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, where he attended Omaha Benson High School, he threw and batted right-handed, stood tall and weighed. He was originally signed by the Cardinals as an amateur free agent before the season.
Brandt made his big league debut on April 21, 1956, against the Milwaukee Braves at Sportsman's Park, then was traded to the New York Giants almost two months later. In a noteworthy rookie season, he posted a.298 batting average, 125 games played, 12 home runs, and 50 runs batted in. In 1959, he won a Gold Glove for his stellar play as the San Francisco Giants' regular left fielder, then was traded to Baltimore, where he would have his most productive years.
Brandt’s best season was, when he was named to the American League All-Star team. He finished ninth in the AL batting race, with a.297 BA, and he had several career highs, including 153 hits, 516 at bats, 73 RBI, 93 runs scored, and a.371 on-base percentage. The Orioles had a great year, winning 95 games and losing only 67.
One of Brandt’s most memorable games took place at Baltimore Memorial Stadium, on September 12, 1964. He drove in the only run in a rare battle of complete game one-hitters between Orioles left-hander Frank Bertaina and Kansas City Athletics southpaw Bob Meyer. Teammate Bob Saverine entered the 0-0 game in the bottom of the 8th inning, as a pinch runner for John Orsino, who had doubled. Saverine advanced to third on a Bertaina sacrifice bunt, then scored when Brandt hit a sacrifice fly to right field.
Brandt was traded with Darold Knowles from the Orioles to the Phillies for Jack Baldschun on December 6, 1965. As a Phillie, he was the last player to bat against Sandy Koufax, during a regular-season game, striking out for the final out of the 1966 regular season finale.
Brandt achieved career statistical totals which include 1,221 G, 1,020 H, 112 HR, 485 RBI, 540 R, a.262 BA, and a slugging percentage of.412.
