Born in Linden, Texas and raised in Los Angeles, Buford, after graduating from Susan Miller Dorsey High School, played college baseball at the University of Southern California under legendary coach Rod Dedeaux. In 1958, he played on the Trojans\' College World Series championship team with Ron Fairly and future baseball executive Pat Gillick. Buford was also a running back on the USC football team. His sons Don Buford, Jr. and Damon Buford also played for the USC Trojans. Buford is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.\n', 'In 2008, Buford was inducted into the International League Triple A Hall of Fame.\n', 'In 2001, Buford was inducted into the USC Athletic Hall of Fame.\n', 'In 1993, Buford was inducted into the Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame\n', '

In his major league career, Buford batted .264 with 93 home runs, 418 RBIs, 718 runs scored and 200 stolen bases in 1286 games played. Primarily a leadoff hitter, he grounded into only 34 double plays during his big-league career (4553 at bats) and holds the Major League Record for the lowest GIDP rate, averaging one in every 138 at bats. His career total is two fewer than Jim Rice\'s single-season record of 36, set in 1984, and 316 fewer than Cal Ripken\'s career record mark of 350 GIDP\'s. Note: A leadoff hitter faces less double play situations, but Buford did not lead off every game in his career.\n', '

He broke into the majors as an infielder who played both second base and third base, becoming the White Sox’ regular at the former position in 1965 (after sharing the position with Al Weis in 1964) and the latter in 1966. In the latter year, he stole a career-high 51 bases (one fewer than the American League leader, Bert Campaneris) and led the AL in sacrifice hits with 17, while establishing himself as one of the league\'s top leadoff hitters.\n', '

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