Mel Roach

A standout second baseman at the University of Virginia, he signed a $40,000 contract with Milwaukee in 1953 but was compelled by the era\'s Bonus Rule to spend his first two professional years on the Braves\' major-league roster, appearing in only eight games and going hitless in six total plate appearances. Then, he lost two full seasons (1955–56) to service in the United States Navy. When his pro career began in earnest in 1957, Roach hit .304 in 107 games in the high minors. After his early-August recall by the 1957 Braves—en route to the world championship—he sat on the bench as a seldom-used pinch hitter and backup infielder. He appeared in only six regular-season games, and was idle during the 1957 World Series.\n', '

In 1958, Roach made the Braves\' roster out of spring training and an early-season injury to centerfielder Bill Bruton opened a spot for Roach as the right fielder…