Pless was born in Greeneville, Tennessee. His career began in the New York Giants' minor league organization as an outfielder in 1947. In nine seasons in the Giants' farm system, he won two batting championships, in the 1952 Double-A Southern Association (.364) and the 1955 Triple-A American Association (.337).[1] After the latter season, he was acquired by the Kansas City A's, who played him in 48 games as a third baseman, first baseman and pinch hitter during 1956. Pless collected 23 hits in 85 at bats, including three doubles and one triple. Playing 15 games at first base and 5 games at third base, Pless handled 162 total chances without an error for a 1.000 fielding percentage. He also played part of that season for the Triple-A Richmond Virginians. Pless retired from baseball after the 1960 season with a career minor league batting average of .303 in 1,755 games.[2] He died on November 11, 2017.[3]
Personal life
Rance was married to his wife, Lucille Pless, for more than 70 years before his passing. They had one son together.
Military service
During World War II, Rance served in the Navy on the Asiatic Pacific from 1944 to 1946. . He was assigned to a landing craft infantry ship (LCI-696).
References
^Spink, J.G. Taylor, ed., The 1956 Official Baseball Register. St. Louis: The Sporting News, 1956, page 107
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