Here in Salisbury, we’re privileged to live next to a former professional Major League Baseball player with the perfect last name - Harry Saferight (Can’t you just hear the umpire yelling that name as he slides into home plate??). He and his wife Cathy have been living in Salisbury for 28 years. Harry, now 74, is a born-and-bred Richmonder who has some amazing stories to tell about his remarkable career in the world of baseball. From his humble beginnings at Meadowbrook High School to his time playing catcher and outfielder in professional baseball, he’ll keep you gut-laughing with action-packed memories of the ups and downs of the game. 

Harry’s love for baseball started during his high school years in Chesterfield. His noticeable talent earned him a spot at the State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota in Bradenton, where he continued to impress with his skills on a larger stage. In 1968, he played in the National Junior College World Series with Manatee Community College. His team, the Lancers, finished second in the tournament, and several of his teammates went on to have successful careers in the Major Leagues. Transferring to Florida State University, he continued to excel in baseball. In 1970, he played in the College World Series with the Seminoles, reaching the final in a memorable 15-inning game against the University of Southern California. Saferight had the privilege of playing alongside notable players, further making his mark in the baseball world.

However, Harry’s path to the Major Leagues was not without its challenges. He faced multiple draft selections before finally turning professional. In 1979, after spending nine years in the minors, he achieved his dream and made it to the Major Leagues with the Pittsburgh Pirates which is where he earned the name, “Phantom Pirate.” His name was on the roster, but though on deck three different times, his official at-bat was denied each time when the batter ahead of him made the final out of the inning. Even so, Saferight’s recognition within the baseball community was noted when his name appeared on the “Pirates Future Stars” card in the 1980 Topps baseball card set.

Saferight tells how he made the call-up and went to the world series with Pittsburg in ’79: “When they signed Manning, I knew they had no room, and I was out. So, I asked to be traded and got traded to Atlanta.” Harry says was good friends with Hank Aaron and his brother Tommy who recommended him. Tommy was manager of the Richmond Braves, plus he managed in the Dominion Republic where Harry spent two winters playing “winter ball,” combining it with beach vacations with Cathy. “That’s what bought our houses,” Harry and Cathy smile, remembering the luxurious lifestyle that the league provided there.

Following their adventures in the Dominican Republic, Harry relocated to Richmond. After a day of playing slow-pitch softball at a Richmond tournament at Goldfield, he joined a handful of fellow players to catch one of the Braves’ evening games where he caught up with Cal Irwin and other baseball familiars. Heading home at 12:30 pm, the phone rang when he walked in the door. ‘You wanna play ball?’ posed Cal Irwin, Minnesota Twins. ‘Cal, I’ve been playing ball all day... What in the world are you talking about?’ Harry joked. ‘Be at Parker Field tomorrow morning, and we’ll call Calvin Griffin in Minnesota and get you a contract,’ pitched Cal.” Laughing at the unexpected turn of events, Saferight shares, “So I played one more year, and I got offered jobs by Baltimore, Minnesota, Philadelphia, and St. Louis. I thought I would stay with it, but I’d had enough. The politics are unbelievable. I was cut three times.”’ 

In 1981, after Saferight underwent one of sixteen surgeries, he was offered coaching jobs but decided to retire in 1982, starting a new chapter in his life.  He worked 13 years for Waste Management before taking early retirement to care for his sick father. After that, he spent eight years in the mortgage industry with BB&T. His baseball background came in handy by opening a lot of doors and leaving a positive impression on employers.

From Harry’s resilience and humor to his ability to find joy in the face of adversity, his nostalgic stories told first-hand are just some of the reasons we love sharing life with him and Cathy in Salisbury. If you’d like to hear more of Harry Saferight’s action-packed baseball tales and check out his 30 signed baseballs from Hall of Famers and unique bat collection, reach out to him directly to share the fun…and prepare to be entertained!