Carson Bigbee (March 31, 1895 – October 17, 1964) grew up in Lebanon and played baseball at the University of Oregon before beginning a standout career in the Major Leagues.
Carson was one of three Bigbee brothers who starred at Albany High School and played together again for the Ducks. Bigbee earned the nickname “Skeet” for his quickness running the bases.
He might have turned pro out of high school, but his teacher parents insisted he and his bothers enroll in Eugene.
Bigbee played part of just one season for the Ducks, 1915, before turning professional. Older brother Lyle also reached the Major Leagues as a pitcher for parts of two seasons. The two played together for a brief time in 1921.
Carson reached the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1916 at age 21 as an outfielder and played 11 seasons with the team. He played four games and had one hit in the 1925 World Series, which the Pirates won in seven games over the Washington Senators.
In his 11 seasons, Skeet hit .300 or better twice, including .350 in 1922, and finished with 1,205 hits, 17 home runs, 324 RBIs and a .287 career average in 1,147 games. True to his nickname, Bigbee stole 182 bases.
Following his career with the Pirates, Bigbee played two more seasons in the Pacific Coast League for the Portland Beavers, Seattle Indians and Los Angeles Angels before retiring in 1928 at age 33.
Away from baseball, Carson owned part of a grapefruit farm and sold cars. He went on to manage the Muskegon, WI Lassies of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League to record of 46-66 in 1949 then returned to Portland for the rest of his days.
