Billy O'Dell

William Oliver O'Dell (February 10, 1933 – September 12, 2018), known as Billy O'Dell and also as Digger O'Dell, was an American professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues in thirteen seasons: 1954 and from 1956 to 1967. He was signed by the Baltimore Orioles as an amateur free agent in 1954, and was a bonus baby, never spending a day in the minors. He did not play in 1955 due to service in the military. O'Dell attended Newberry High School (and/or Whitmire High School ) where he was a pitcher on its baseball team under coach Harry Hedgepath. O'Dell also pitched for various local textile league teams. He also played football for three years at Clemson.

Professional baseball career

Baltimore Orioles In 1954, the Orioles signed O'Dell out of Clemson as the team's first "bonus baby". 1954 was also the team's first year in Baltimore,

O'Dell pitched in seven games for the Orioles in 1954, did not play in 1955 while serving in the military, and played in four games in 1956. His first full year with the Orioles came in 1957, and he played with the team two more years. Over his Orioles career, O'Dell had 29–34 record with a 2.86 ERA, During his first all-star season in 1958, O'Dell had a 14-11 won-loss record, although the team finished in sixth place, out of eight teams (with a 74–79 record).

During his time with the Orioles, O'Dell's roommate was future Hall of Fame third baseman Brooks Robinson. Robinson has described O'Dell's pitching style as crafty, rather than overpowering; and O'Dell's nature as easygoing and even keeled, no matter the situation.

In 1962, O'Dell won a career high 19 games for the NL champion Giants.

After 1963, O'Dell was primarily a relief pitcher.

After the 1964 season, the Giants traded O'Dell to the Milwaukee Braves for Ed Bailey. He was released by the Pirates at the end of the 1967 season.

Honors He was inducted into the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame in 1976.