A popular North Carolinian, Temple played much of the 1950s for the Cincinnati Reds and was named an All-Star four times. He was dealt to the Indians for legendary Billy Martin and two others in the first interleague trade. Cleveland later sent him to Baltimore and he was then sold to the Colt. 45s during their inaugural season of 1962.

In 131 games with Houston, he hit .264 with one homer and eight steals. He returned to Cincinnati for six final games before retiring as a .284 hitter over 13 seasons.

After retirement, Temple returned to Houston to become the sports anchor for KHOU-TV during much of the 1960s. That was when few former athletes went into broadacasting, unlike today. He passed away on January 9, 1994 in Anderson, SC from pancreatic cancer.