Ezra Midkiff

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Ezra Millington “Salt Rock” Midkiff (November 13, 1882 – March 20, 1957) was an American baseball player from Salt Rock, West Virginia. He was a third baseman who batted left-handed and threw right-handed.

Early life
- He was born in Salt Rock, West Virginia, and earned the nickname “Salt Rock” from his birthplace.

Major League career
- Midkiff made his Major League debut at age 26 with the Cincinnati Reds on October 5, 1909.
- After time in the minor leagues, he joined the New York Highlanders (who became the Yankees) in 1912 and played for them in 1912 and 1913.
- He started 1913 as the Yankees’ third baseman, but Fritz Maisel took over the job midseason, and Midkiff was sold to the minor leagues in August 1913.

Minor league career
- In 1914 Midkiff played in the minor leagues and was a teammate of Babe Ruth before Ruth reached the majors.
- He spent part of 1914 with the Louisville Colonels of the American Association.
- In May 1915, Midkiff was named the Colonels’ manager while he was recovering from a broken ankle.
- He continued to play in the minor leagues until 1921 and later managed the Huntington Aces in the Mountain State League in 1940.

MLB stats and legacy
- In the major leagues, Midkiff had a batting average of .207 with 77 hits and 23 runs batted in.
- His last MLB appearance was on August 6, 1913, for the Yankees.

Death
- Midkiff died on March 20, 1957, in Huntington, West Virginia, at age 74.