Math teacher and Major League Baseball player James Brideweser

Many successful athletes also become successful educators. One of these is James Brideweser, a Major League Baseball player who went on to teach high school mathematics in California.

James was born on February 13, 1927, in Lancaster, Fairfield County, Ohio. After his graduation from Washington High School in Los Angeles, he served his county in the military during World War II. He then earned his degree from the University of Southern California.

The 6-foot, 165-pound shortstop and second baseman inaugurated his MLB career with the New York Yankees, for whom he played three years. In 1954 he played for the Baltimore Orioles, and then he was traded to the Chicago White Sox, for whom he played in 1955-1956. The last team he played for was the Detroit Tigers. In all, James’ career panned the years 1951 to 1957.

Once he completed his career in baseball, James earned his teaching credentials. He secured a job as a mathematics teacher and Title IX counselor at Redondo Union High School in Redondo Beach, California. He also served as the coach of their varsity baseball team, which logged two championship seasons under his leadership.

James passed away on August 25, 1989, in El Toro, Orange County, California. He was 62 years old.