Birdie Tebbetts
Baseball · Hometown: Burlington, VT
- High school
- Burlington High School
- Pro team(s)
- Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians
George Robert "Birdie" Tebbetts was born in Burlington, Vermont, and enjoyed a long career as one of the American League's premier catchers from 1936 to 1952. A cerebral player who excelled at working with pitchers, calling games, and chattering at batters — hence the nickname — Tebbetts was a four-time All-Star and one of the most respected backstops of his era. After retiring as a player he became a successful manager, guiding the Cincinnati Reds for seven seasons and later managing the Milwaukee Braves and Cleveland Indians. His 1956 Reds finished in third place behind the pennant-winning Braves, one of the finest managerial efforts of his career. Tebbetts was one of Vermont's most accomplished professional athletes.