Don Buford (2001) - USC Athletics Hall of Fame

Don Buford

Induction:
2001
Class:
1959

Although he was just 5-6 and 160 pounds, Don Buford was a 2-sport star at USC. He was a 2-year letterman infielder/outfielder (1958-59) on the baseball team and helped the 1958 Trojans win the College World Series. He had a .323 career batting average at Troy. He also lettered for 2 seasons (1957-58) as a halfback on the football team, and led the Trojans in rushing, punt returns and interceptions in 1958. He also was the team’s top kickoff returner both seasons. He pursued baseball on the professional level, playing 10 years (1963-72) in the majors with the Chicago White Sox and Baltimore Orioles and then 4 more years in Japan. A leadoff hitter, he was a member of the Orioles’ 1970 World Series champs (the 1969 and 1971 O’s won the American League pennant) and was an All-Star in 1971. He was named to the Orioles Hall of Fame. After retiring as a player, he was a retail manager before returning to baseball. He was an assistant coach with the Orioles, San Francisco Giants and Washington Nationals, managed in the minor leagues, was an assistant at USC (1985-88), and worked in the Orioles’ front office. Two of his sons, Don Jr. and Damon, played baseball at USC (Damon played in the major leagues).