Eddie "Professor" Basinski (born Nov 4, 1922) is
father of Linfieder Jeff Basinski
(April 21, 1946-May 27, 2011), Linfield Class of 1968.
Although info below says
Eddie began his career in the majors with Cleveland, records show he spent time
playing in the Major Leagues with the Brooklyn Dodgers and Pittsburg Pirates.
Later, he played 10 seasons with the Portland Beavers of the Pacific Coast
League.
One source says Eddie got
the nickname, “The Professor,” because he wore glasses, the first major-league
infielder to do so.
A right-handed shortstop and
second baseman, he was a classical violinist. A story in the Oregonian said Eddie would
"sometimes serenade the Portland crowd with his violin from home
plate."
Photo info from Pacific Coast League postcard
from The Oakland, Calif., Museum:
"Portland Beaver, Eddie
"Professor" Babinski, began his career" in the majors with
Cleveland, but truly established his reputation with the Beavers as their
dynamic second baseman. April, 1953. #ORHI 74219. Photo courtesy of Oregon
Historical Society. From “The Pacific Coast League, 1902-1958: Runs, Hits and
an Era” exhibition organized by The Oakland Museum, 100 Oak Street, Oakland,
California 94607.
