Dan Driessen

---

Dan Driessen, a key figure in the Cincinnati Reds’ 1975 and 1976 World Series victories, emerged as one of the era’s most dependable first basemen and fielders across a 15-year major-league career. Raised in poverty on Hilton Head Island, Driessen played for Black semipro teams before catching the Reds’ attention and signing as an undrafted free agent in 1969.

After early struggles in the minors, he rapidly advanced, earning a spot on the Reds and making an immediate impact with his hitting and versatility. Driessen was briefly tried at third base but soon settled at first, where he excelled defensively, leading the league in fielding percentage three times. Though sometimes relegated to a bench role during the Reds’ championship seasons, he contributed key hits—most notably becoming the first designated hitter in National League history in the 1976 World Series, where he hit .357 against the Yankees.

Driessen became the Reds’ starting first baseman in 1977, posting career highs in average, RBIs, and stolen bases. Over the next decade, he was respected for his professionalism and steady production, though he occasionally clashed with management over playing time. After leaving Cincinnati, he played for the Expos, Giants, Astros, and Cardinals, finishing his career with a .267 batting average and a .995 fielding percentage in 1,732 games.

After retiring, Driessen returned to Hilton Head Island, started a business, and mentored young athletes. Elected to the Reds Hall of Fame in 2011, he remains a testament to resilience and consistency, having built a lasting legacy through perseverance and a quiet dedication to the game.