Raymond Bernard Hamrick [Handsome Ray] was an infielder in Major League Baseball who played from 1943 through 1944 for the Philadelphia Phillies of the National League. Listed at 5 ft 11 in, 165 lb., Hamrick batted and threw right-handed. He was born in Nashville, Tennessee. Fast and steady, Hamrick was one of many ballplayers who interrupted their careers to serve during World War II. Hamrick started his professional baseball career as a shortstop and pitcher in 1939, playing for the Nashville, Charleston and Americus Minor league teams. During his stay at Americus, he made the All-Star team in 1941 and batted over a .300 batting average for most of the year. His most productive season came in 1943, when he hit 145 in 460 at-bats with Nashville for a .310 average. Hamrick joined the Philadelphia Phillies in 1943. The following season, he began spring training with the team in Wilmington, Delaware, because the war kept the teams out of Florida for camp due to the submarine threat. Hamrick left spring training as Philadelphia?s starting shortstop, but he left for the military service after appearing in 74 games. 

August 1st, 1921 in Nashville  /  Died:   Jun 9th, 2009