Karl Olson, 80; Was OFer for Red Sox/Senators/Tigers

[Bill Schenley]

<Note: Karl Olson hit into two triple plays during his career.>

Karl Arthur Olson

1954 Topps (#186) baseball card:
http://tinyurl.com/2cp7k9k

FROM: The Lake Tahoe Record-Courier ~

Gardnerville resident Karl Arthur Olson, 80,
died Dec. 25, 2010, in Reno, following
a stroke.

Mr. Olson was born the only child of Swedish
immigrants, July 6, 1930, in Ross, Calif.

Following graduation from Tamalpais High
School in Mill Valley, he signed a contract
with the Boston Red Sox to play in their minor
league organization. He joined the Red Sox in
July 1951, and was drafted in August 1951.

After service in Japan during the Korean War,
Mr. Olson returned to the major leagues to
play with the Red Sox, Washington Senators,
and Detroit Tigers until 1958. His biggest thrill
was hitting two home runs in front of President
Eisenhower.

Mr. Olson moved to Lake Tahoe
and Gardnerville where he established
a contracting company and took up golf.

Mr. Olson is preceded in death by son Terry.
He is survived by Patricia, his wife of 59 years;
son Cary (Nonie) of Gardnerville; son Jerry
(Leslie) of Wellington; and grandchildren,
Erik of San Diego; Keith of Reno; and Teal
of Alex, Okla.

Donations may be made to the Tahoe Rim
Trail, 948 Incline Way, Incline Village, NV,
89451, or Douglas County Search & Rescue
in care of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office,
P.O. Box 218, Minden, NV, 89423.

A memorial service is planned in spring 2011.
Walton's Funerals & Cremations of Minden
is in charge of arrangements.
---
1957 Topps (#153) baseball card:
http://tinyurl.com/2fg4cnn

MLB stats:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/o/olsonka01.shtml

Thanks to Jack Morris from SABR for this obit.