Hal Naragon

Harold Richard Naragon (October 1, 1928 – August 31, 2019) was an American catcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Cleveland Indians (1951; 1954–59) and Washington Senators/Minnesota Twins (1959–62). He batted left-handed and threw right-handed.

Early life and career Naragon was born in Zanesville, Ohio, and graduated from Barberton High School in Ohio. After signing with the Cleveland Indians organization, he began his career in 1947 with the Pittsfield Electrics. He split the 1948 season between the Watertown Athletics and Harrisburg Senators. He spent 1950 with the Oklahoma City Indians, and 1951 with the San Diego Padres.

Professional career As player Naragon was promoted to the Indians late in the 1951 season and played in three games. After the season, he entered the United States Marine Corps and was stationed at Quantico during the Korean War. According to his honorable discharge, which lists his main civilian occupation as "Baseball Player," he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, he attained the rank of Sergeant, and he was recommended for reenlistment. He also caught one inning for the Indians in Game 3 of the 1954 World Series against the New York Giants.

On May 25, 1959, Naragon was traded to the Washington Senators with Hal Woodeshick for Ed Fitz Gerald. He spent the remaining four years of his career with the Senators, who became the Twins in 1961. In his 10-season MLB career, Naragon was a .266 hitter, with 262 hits, 27 doubles, 11 triples, six home runs and 87 RBI in 424 games played. He recorded a .991 fielding percentage. Naragon directed the Twins to a 5–1 record before Mele was reinstated on July 24.

Later life After his baseball career ended, he operated a sporting goods store in Barberton, where he lived with his wife and daughter.