A right-handed pitcher from Gordon, Kansas, Tom  "Snake" Sturdivant began his professional career as an infielder in the Yankees' farm system. He hit poorly, and after missing a season due to military service in 1951, he was converted to pitching. On the strength of a good curve ball, Sturdivant broke into the majors in 1955 and enjoyed strong seasons in New York in 1956 and 1957. He won sixteen games for the Yankees in both years, leading the AL in winning percentage in the latter, and also ranked among the league leaders in ERA and WHIP. He injured his arm in 1958, however, and never fully recovered, spending the majority of his remaining time in the majors in the bullpen.

Sturdivant won two World Series rings with the Yankees in 1956 and 1958, then rode the shuttle to Kansas City as part of a trade for Ralph Terry, and thereafter became something of a baseball nomad. He played for the A's, Red Sox, and Senators, before the Pirates acquired him for Tom Cheney in June 29, 1961. He appeared in 65 games for the Pirates, pitching effectively as a swingman. He was a valuable contributor during the pennant race of 1962, where the Pirates were only two and a half games back as late as July 19, but faded down the stretch to finish fourth with 93 wins. He got off to a slow start in 1963, however, and was sold to the Detroit Tigers. After another stop with the A's, his baseball career ended in 1964, with the Mets. Sturdivant then settled in Oklahoma City, and worked in the trucking industry as a freight manager. He was 78 years old when he died.