[1] He threw and batted left-handed and was listed as 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m) tall and 190 pounds (86 kg).

Born in Sarasota, Florida, Hale attended Lake View High School in Chicago, and was signed by the St. Louis Browns before the 1952 season.

The following season, 1954, Hale starred as a member of the York White Roses, leading the Class B Piedmont League in doubles with 35.

[1] Hale continued his offensive tear in the Piedmont circuit with York in 1955, hitting .355 with 12 triples and 65 RBI in just 61 games before being called up to the majors by the Baltimore Orioles.

Hale singled in his last at bat off Tracy Stallard of the Boston Red Sox, the hurler who surrendered Maris' blow.