After completing high school in 1940, Saffell enrolled at Maryville College, where he injured his knee playing football.

Saffell signed as a baseball player in 1941 with the Newport Canners in the Appalachian League, but reinjured his knee and was released.

In a month the parent club, the Atlanta Crackers, sent him to the Burlington Bees of the Class C Carolina League, where he hit .370 with 5 homers, 42 RBIs, and 28 stolen bases.

He was passed over by Atlanta, which signed All-American football player, Charley Trippi, and gave him a $10,000 bonus.

[7] On April 16, 1956, Saffell was acquired from the Athletics by the Brooklyn Dodgers, along with right-handed pitcher LeRoy Wheat, for rookie catcher Charley Thompson.

[2] Saffell was replaced by Homer "Dixie" Howell as manager of the Class A Jacksonville Jets of the South Atlantic League, on July 18, 1961.

Saffell disputed a call by umpire Joe Carrington at home plate on the previous night.