Bolling was signed as an amateur free agent by the Detroit Tigers in 1951 and played for four of their minor league affiliates until 1954, when the Tigers promoted him to the major leagues. After completing military service in 1955, he went on to spend five more seasons with the organization. He was subsequently dealt to the Milwaukee Braves. The team moved to Atlanta in 1966, the final season of his career, and he played his last game on September 15 that year.
Bolling reached the majors in 1954 with the Detroit Tigers, playing six seasons with them before moving to the Milwaukee Braves in 1961. He was on the Braves' roster when the team moved to Atlanta in 1966.[1]
Traded to the Braves for Bill Bruton after the 1960 season, Bolling led National League second basemen in fielding in 1961, 1962 and 1964. He made the National League All-Star team in 1961 and 1962, and also was named on The Sporting News NL All-Star Team in 1961.[1] During his penultimate season in 1965, Bolling hit the only grand slam of his career off Sandy Koufax on September 22.[4][5] It was also the last game the Braves played in Milwaukee before moving to Atlanta.[5] Bolling played his final major league game on September 15, 1966, two months shy of his 35th birthday. He was subsequently released by the Braves in October of that year. Bolling finished his career with a .254 batting average, 106 home runs, and 556 runs batted in (RBI) in 1,540 games played. He never played an inning at any position other than second base, ending with a career fielding mark of .982.[1]
Post-playing career
The road that Hank Aaron Stadium is on, Bolling Brothers Boulevard, is named in tribute to Bolling and his brother Milt.[2] He was inducted into the Milwaukee Braves' Wall of Honor at Miller Park in May 2019.[6]
Bolling died on July 11, 2020, at the age of 88.[2] He had been suffering from cancer in the four years leading up to his death.[7]
