Don Padgett, originally an outfielder, was converted into a catcher by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1938. He made his professional debut in 1935 with Columbus, one of the Cardinal farm clubs. Toward the middle of the season, Don moved on to Houston and also started the 1936 season with them, coming back to Columbus in the middle of 1936. In 1937 he was a regular outfielder for the Cardinals, collecting 140 hits in 123 games for a batting average of .314. Last he alternated between the outfield, first base and behind the plate, taking part in 110 games, For two years of major-league play, Don has taken part in 233 games, getting 245 hits, driving in 139 runs, for a batting average of .294.