1954 Bowman #82 BILLY GOODMAN PSA 7. VERY SHARP PSA 7. Card will be mailed in two quality bubble envelopes with cardboard for extra protection. NO RETURNS ON GRADED CARDS.
Billy Goodman (1926–1984) was an American Major League Baseball infielder celebrated for his versatility and consistent hitting. Playing from 1947 to 1962, he appeared with four major league teams and won the 1950 American League batting title. His adaptability and professionalism made him one of baseball’s most dependable players of the postwar era.
Full name: William Dale Goodman
Born: March 22, 1926, Concord, North Carolina, U.S.
Died: October 1, 1984, Sarasota, Florida, U.S.
Primary teams: Boston Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles, Chicago White Sox, Houston Colt .45s
Batting title: .354 average (1950, American League)
Goodman grew up in Concord, North Carolina, and began in the local Textile League before joining the Atlanta Crackers at age 18. His career was briefly interrupted by service in the U.S. Navy during World War II, where he played alongside future major leaguers. After returning, he hit .389 in 1946 for Atlanta, earning a contract with the Boston Red Sox the next year.
Goodman debuted for the Red Sox in 1947 and became known for his ability to play nearly every position except catcher and pitcher. He was a two-time All-Star and the 1950 American League batting champion with a .354 average, finishing second in MVP voting behind Phil Rizzuto. His disciplined hitting and .376 career on-base percentage made him a model leadoff hitter. He later contributed to the 1959 Chicago White Sox team that won the American League pennant.
Following his playing days, Goodman managed minor league teams for the Houston organization and later served as a coach and scout for the Red Sox, Athletics, and Braves. He was inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in 1969 and the Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2004. Remembered as a quiet competitor and consummate teammate, Goodman exemplified steady excellence across 16 seasons in the majors.