Highlighted Year: Bryan Harvey, 1993

Pitcher, Florida Marlins

Age:  30 (June 2)

1^st season with Marlins

Bats – Right, Throws – Right

Height: 6’3”    Weight: 205 

Prior to 1993:

Growing up in North Carolina, Harvey was a star pitcher at Bandys High School. Moving on to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, the hard-throwing freshman led the team in strikeouts in 1982 with 52. In 1984, on the basis of an impressive semipro appearance, he gained a tryout with the California Angels and received a $2500 bonus to sign with the club. Starting out as primarily a reliever with Quad Cities of the Class A Midwest League in 1985, he appeared in 30 games (7 of them starts) and produced a 5-6 record with a 3.53 ERA, 4 saves, and 111 strikeouts over 81.2 innings. While developing a split-fingered fastball, which would become his most effective pitch, Harvey moved on to Palm Springs of the Class A California League in 1987 where, utilized exclusively out of the bullpen, he made 43 appearances and posted a 3-4 tally with 15 saves, a 2.68 ERA, and 68 strikeouts over 57 innings. He spent 1987 with Midland of the Class AA Texas League where he pitched in 43 games and went 2-2 with 20 saves, a 2.04 ERA, and 78 strikeouts over 53 innings. Harvey also appeared in three games with the Angels and gave up no runs in three relief appearances. Pitching in the Puerto Rican League in the offseason, he had an exceptional performance recording 18 saves for San Juan. He started off in 1988 with Edmonton of the Class AAA Pacific Coast League but was called up to the Angels in April and went on to take over the closer role in the bullpen and put together an excellent rookie season. In 50 appearances he produced a 7-5 record with 17 saves, a 2.13 ERA, and 67 strikeouts over 76 innings. Harvey struggled with his control in 1989 but also benefited from having better setup support in the bullpen on his way to posting 25 saves and a 3-3 tally along with a 3.44 ERA and 78 strikeouts over 55 innings. His performance was better in 1990 with 25 saves and a 4-4 record in 54 appearances along with a 3.22 ERA and 82 strikeouts over 64.1 innings. Harvey followed up in 1991 by leading the AL with 46 saves in 67 appearances while striking out 101 batters and walking only 17. He was an All-Star for the first time and received AL Rolaids Reliever of the Year recognition. A strained elbow that required surgery limited Harvey to 25 games in 1992 and 13 saves with a 2.83 ERA. The Angels chose to expose him in the expansion draft and the Marlins selected him.

1993 Season Summary

Appeared in 59 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate NL rank in Top 20]

Pitching

Games – 59

Games Started – 0

Games Finished – 54 [6]

Complete Games – 0

Wins – 1

Losses – 5

PCT - .167

Saves – 45 [3]

Shutouts – 0

Innings Pitched – 69

Hits – 45

Runs – 14

Earned Runs – 13

Home Runs – 4

Bases on Balls – 13

Strikeouts – 73

ERA – 1.70 [Non-qualifying]

Hit Batters – 0

Balks – 1

Wild Pitches – 0

Midseason Snapshot: 1-2, ERA - 1.63, G – 33, SV – 25, SO – 47 in 38.2 IP

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Most strikeouts, game – 4 (in 1.1 IP) vs. Cincinnati 5/4, (in 1.2 IP) vs. Philadelphia 8/6

10+ strikeout games – 0

Fielding

Chances – 8

Put Outs – 3

Assists – 5

Errors – 0

DP – 0

Pct. - 1.000

Awards & Honors:

All-Star

8^th in NL Cy Young voting, tied with Randy Myers, ChiC. (1 point, 1% share)

14^th in NL MVP voting (14 points, 4% share)

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In their inaugural season, the Marlins went 64-98 to finish sixth in the NL Eastern Division, 33 games behind the division-winning Philadelphia Phillies. The pitching staff led the league in fewest complete games (4, tied with the San Francisco Giants). The Marlins were nearly at .500 with a 30-31 record on June 13, after a four-game sweep of Pittsburgh. They then dropped 11 of 15 to close out the month. A 4-16 finish to the season solidified their hold on sixth place. They drew 3,064,847 fans to Joe Robbie Stadium. Harvey was involved in 71.8 % of the club’s wins.

Aftermath of 1993:

Afflicted by elbow problems and season-ending abdominal surgery during the strike-shortened 1994 season, Harvey was limited to 12 appearances and 6 saves. He made one appearance in 1995 in which he reinjured his elbow, and following reconstructive surgery, departed the Marlins in the offseason. Signed by the Angels in 1996, he was inactive all season, thus ending his career. For his major league career, Harvey pitched in 322 games, all as a reliever, and posted a 17-25 record with 177 saves, a 2.49 ERA, and 448 strikeouts over 387 innings. After his playing career, he coached in several organizations. His son Hunter has been a major league relief pitcher, primarily with the Baltimore Orioles and Washington Nationals.  

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Highlighted Years feature players who led a major league in the following categories: batting average, home runs (with a minimum of 10), runs batted in, or stolen bases (with a minimum of 20), pitching wins, strikeouts, earned run average, or saves (with a minimum of 10), or have been participants in the annual All-Star Games between the National and American Leagues since 1933. This category will also include Misc. players who received award votes, were contributors to teams that reached the postseason, or had notable seasons in non-award years. 

Highlighted Year: John Roseboro, 1958

Catcher, Los Angeles Dodgers

Age:  25 (May 13)

1^st season with Dodgers

Bats – Left, Throws – Right

Height: 5’11” Weight: 190 

Prior to 1958:

A native of Ashland, Ohio, Roseboro became a catcher in high school where he was also a fleet-footed starting halfback on the football team. Accepting a scholarship to Central State College, he drew the interest of a Brooklyn Dodgers scout and he signed for a $5000 bonus in 1952. The 19-year-old backstop was initially assigned to Sheboygan of the Class D Wisconsin State League where he broke a finger and was shifted to the outfield. With his smooth swing he batted .365 with 15 doubles, 5 triples, one home run, 49 RBIs, a .443 on-base percentage, and .473 slugging percentage while appearing in 68 games. Playing center field in 1953 for Great Falls of the Class C Pioneer League, he continued to hit well until he was drafted into the Army at midseason. Roseboro missed all of 1954 and returned to play for teams at the Class A and B level in 1955, where he hit a combined .247 with 6 home runs and 28 RBIs with a .399 OBP. He also returned to playing catcher as the Dodgers were looking to develop a replacement for star backstop Roy Campanella, who was in his mid-thirties. Promoted to the Montreal Royals of the Class AAA International League in 1956, Roseboro batted .273 with 25 home runs, 78 RBIs, a .400 OBP, and a .538 slugging percentage. He started 1957 with Montreal but was called up to Brooklyn in June due to an injury to first baseman Gil Hodges. Playing out of position, Roseboro played his first four games at first and then stayed on as the club’s third-string catcher and making ten appearances as a pinch-runner to take advantage of speed that was uncharacteristic of a backstop. In all he appeared in 79 games with the Dodgers and batted a disappointing .145 with 2 home runs and 6 RBIs. Campanella’s career-ending car accident in the offseason led to Roseboro sticking with the club in its new location in Los Angeles in 1958. The Dodgers, who gambled on not trading for an established catcher, soon settled on Roseboro as the regular backstop in tandem with veteran backup Rube Walker and another rookie, Joe Pignatano.

1958 Season Summary

Appeared in 114 games

C – 104, PH – 9, LF – 4, CF – 1, PR – 1

[Bracketed numbers indicate NL rank in Top 20]

Batting

Plate Appearances – 431

At Bats – 384

Runs – 52

Hits – 104

Doubles – 11

Triples – 9 [7, tied with Dick Groat, Bob Skinner & Ken Boyer]

Home Runs – 14

RBI – 43

Bases on Balls – 36

Int. BB – 2

Strikeouts – 56

Stolen Bases – 11 [11, tied with Ken Boyer]

Caught Stealing – 8 [5, tied with Johnny Temple & Don Hoak]

Average - .271

OBP - .333

Slugging Pct. - .456 [Non-qualifying]

Total Bases – 175

GDP – 5

Hit by Pitches – 2

Sac Hits – 4

Sac Flies – 5 [16, tied with eight others]

Midseason snapshot: 3B – 6, HR - 6, RBI - 19, AVG - .264, OBP - .338, SLG – .454

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Most hits, game – 3 on five occasions

Longest hitting streak – 7 games

HR at home – 2

HR on road – 12

Most home runs, game – 2 (in 6 AB) at Cincinnati 8/3 – 10 innings

Multi-HR games – 1

Most RBIs, game – 3 on five occasions

Pinch-hitting – 2 for 7 (.286) with 1 2B, 1 RBI & 1 BB

Fielding

Chances – 638

Put Outs – 594

Assists – 36

Errors – 8

Passed Balls – 3

DP – 5

Pct. - .987

Awards & Honors:

All-Star

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The relocated Dodgers went 71-83 to finish seventh in the NL, 21 games behind the pennant-winning Milwaukee Braves while leading the league in stolen bases (73), fewest hits (1297), lowest batting average (.251), and lowest OBP (.317). The Dodgers were in the NL basement by May 12 following a 9-16 start, rose as high as fourth during a 17-14 August but dropped in September to finish out of the first division for the first time since 1944. They still drew 1,845,556 fans to their ill-suited temporary home at the LA Memorial Coliseum, some 800,000 more than their last year in Brooklyn.

Aftermath of 1958:

The Dodgers won the NL pennant in 1959, and Roseboro, with a secure hold on the catching position, batted .232 with 14 doubles, 7 triples, 10 home runs, 38 RBIs, and a .322 OBP. Having taken some blame for the failures of the pitching staff in 1958, which were likely more affected by the odd configuration of the LA Memorial Coliseum, he gained esteem for his defense, featuring a strong throwing arm that was much in evidence in the World Series against the White Sox and their aggressive base-stealers who he held in check. He also led all NL catchers with 848 putouts. The ballpark configuration that hindered lefthanded batters likely kept Roseboro’s average and power totals low, although in the playoff against the Milwaukee Braves to decide the pennant, the young catcher’s home run in the sixth inning of Game 1 provided the margin for a 3-2 win. In 1960 his batting production fell further to .213 with a .323 OBP and 8 home runs with 42 RBIs. His defense remained steady and his hitting improved in 1961 as he batted .251 with 18 home runs, 59 RBIs, a .346 OBP, and a .459 slugging percentage. He was also an All-Star for the second time and received a Gold Glove for his play behind the plate. The team moved into the new Dodger Stadium in 1962 and missed winning the NL pennant by losing a season-extending playoff to the Giants. Roseboro remained a key contributor defensively and hit .249 with 16 doubles, 7 triples, 7 home runs, 55 RBIs, and a .341 OBP. With the Dodgers reliant on pitching, speed, and defense, Roseboro did his part as a reliable backstop who could run effectively, stealing 12 bases that included a theft of home. The club won the pennant in 1963 and Roseboro contributed by batting .236 with 13 doubles, 7 triples, 9 home runs, 49 RBIs, and a .291 OBP while handling pitchers well and continuing to perform solidly behind the plate. His three-run homer in Game 1 of the World Series against the Yankees gave starting pitcher Sandy Koufax all the runs he needed in putting together a 15-strikeout performance that kicked off a four-game sweep. LA dipped in the standings in 1964 but Roseboro’s batting average jumped to .287 along with 24 doubles, 3 home runs, 45 RBIs, and a .357 OBP. The Dodgers were back in a close pennant race with the Giants in 1965 and Roseboro became involved in one of the most notorious on-field incidents in baseball history. In an August game at San Francisco, ace RHP Juan Marichal of the Giants began throwing brushback pitches at Dodger batters. When Marichal next came to bat, Roseboro threw close to Marichal’s head in tossing the ball back to pitcher Sandy Koufax and after the two exchanged words, Roseboro began to rise from his crouch and Marichal struck him in the head three times with his bat, instigating a melee. While it was initially feared that the catcher had lost an eye, he ended up with a gash in his head and was back in action three days later. Marichal was fined and suspended for eight days, missing only one start. The Dodgers went on to win the pennant and Roseboro, the quiet catcher who was ironically tagged with the nickname “Gabby”, saw his batting production drop to .233 with 8 home runs, 57 RBIs, and a .289 OBP. He placed 26^th in league MVP voting, primarily appreciated for his defense, handling of pitchers, and clutch hitting. In 1966 Roseboro raised his average to .276 with 23 doubles, 9 home runs, 53 RBIs, and a .343 OBP for the light-hitting Dodgers, who repeated as NL pennant winners. He also caught in over 100 games for the eighth time with LA, the last six consecutive, and received a Gold Glove for his defensive prowess. He placed thirteenth in league MVP balloting. The Dodgers were swept in the World Series by the Baltimore Orioles. In the pitching-dominated Series, Roseboro only produced one single. He played one more season with the fading Dodgers in 1967 and hit .272 with 18 doubles, 4 home runs, 24 RBIs, and a .348 OBP while appearing behind the plate in 107 games. In the offseason, he was traded to the Minnesota Twins along with pitchers Bob Miller and Ron Perranoski for RHP Jim “Mudcat” Grant and shortstop Zoilo Versalles. Viewed as a short-term replacement for the retired Earl Battey, Roseboro caught in 116 games in 1968 and batted a mere .216 in a pitching-dominated season with 8 home runs, 39 RBIs, and a .300 OBP. With the division-winning Twins in 1969, Roseboro was behind the plate for 111 games and hit .263 with 3 home runs, 32 RBIs, and a .333 OBP. Released in the offseason, he caught on with the Washington Senators in 1970 but was released as a player in August, thus concluding his playing career, and finished out the season as a coach. His major league totals were a batting average of .249 with 1206 hits that included 190 doubles, 44 triples, and 104 home runs. He scored 512 runs and compiled 548 RBIs, 67 stolen bases, a .326 OBP, and a .371 slugging percentage. With the Dodgers the totals were 441 runs scored, 1009 hits, 162 doubles, 44 triples, 92 home runs, 471 RBIs, 59 stolen bases, a .327 OBP, and a .382 slugging percentage. Appearing in 23 postseason games, Roseboro hit .160 with a home run and 7 RBIs. A six-time All-Star, he also was awarded two Gold Gloves, and often playing through nagging injuries, he was a durable and much-appreciated presence behind the plate. Following his playing career, Roseboro coached but fell well short of achieving his desire to manage in the major leagues. He died in 2002 at the age of 69.  

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Highlighted Years feature players who led a major league in one of the following categories: batting average, home runs (with a minimum of 10), runs batted in, or stolen bases (with a minimum of 20); or pitchers who led a major league in wins, strikeouts, earned run average, or saves (with a minimum of 10). Also included are participants in annual All-Star Games between the National and American Leagues since 1933. This category also includes Misc. players who received award votes, were contributors to teams that reached the postseason, or had notable seasons in non-award years. 

Highlighted Year: Johnny Podres, 1958

Pitcher, Los Angeles Dodgers

Age:  26 (Sept. 30)

5^th season with Dodgers

Bats – Left, Throws – Left

Height: 5’11” Weight: 170 

Prior to 1958:

A native of Witherbee, New York, a village in the Adirondack Mountains, Podres grew up listening to Brooklyn Dodgers games on the radio. After pitching for Mineville High School, he joined the Burlington Cardinals in Vermont, who were part of the Summer Collegiate Northern League. In 1951 Podres entered the minor league system of the Brooklyn Dodgers with Newport News of the Class D Piedmont League where he stayed briefly before moving on to the Hazard Bombers of the Mountain States League where he excelled with a 21-9 record, 1.67 ERA, and 228 strikeouts over 200 innings pitched. Having developed a curve to go along with his fastball, Podres was assigned to the Montreal Royals of the Class AAA International League in 1952 where he posted a 5-5 tally and 3.27 ERA with 47 strikeouts over 88 innings. With the Dodgers in need of lefthanded pitching, Podres moved up to Brooklyn in 1953, and starting and relieving for the pennant-winning club, the 20-year-old rookie went 9-4 with a 4.23 ERA and 82 strikeouts over the course of 115 innings. He took a loss in his only World Series start against the Yankees. In 1954 a midseason bout with appendicitis limited Podres to 29 appearances (21 of them starts) and an 11-7 record with a 4.27 ERA, 6 complete games, 2 shutouts, and 79 strikeouts over 151.2 innings. The Dodgers regained the NL pennant in 1955, although Podres had an ordinary won-lost record of 9-10 with a 3.95 ERA, 5 complete games, 2 shutouts, and 114 strikeouts over 159.1 innings. In the World Series against the Yankees, Podres was at his best, with his good changeup effective in combination with his other pitches. With the Dodgers down 2-games-to-0, he went the distance in winning Game 3. With the Series going to seven games, Podres drew the start in the crucial Game 7 and again pitched a complete game in the 2-0 win which clinched the first World Series title in franchise history (and their only one in Brooklyn). An outstanding catch by LF Sandy Amoros of a well hit ball by Yogi Berra in the sixth inning helped to preserve the win and the shutout. Podres was named the MVP of the World Series and received a raise to $15,000 for 1956 although he was drafted into the Navy and missed the season. Returning to the Dodgers in 1957, Podres won the NL ERA title with a 2.66 mark, fueled by 6 shutouts as part of his 12-9 tally along with 109 strikeouts over 196 innings pitched. With the move of the franchise to Los Angeles in 1958, he and other Dodger pitchers had to adjust to playing in the huge LA Memorial Coliseum, the club’s temporary home.

1958 Season Summary

Appeared in 42 games

P – 39, PR – 3

[Bracketed numbers indicate NL rank in Top 20]

Pitching

Games – 39

Games Started – 31 [9, tied with Dick Drott]

Complete Games – 10 [11]

Wins – 13 [9, tied with Ray Semproch, Ron Kline & Larry Jackson]

Losses – 15 [2]

PCT - .464 [18]

Saves – 1

Shutouts – 2 [6, tied with ten others]

Innings Pitched – 210.1 [10]

Hits – 208 [13]

Runs – 96 [16, tied with Ron Kline]

Earned Runs – 87 [16, tied with Don Newcombe]

Home Runs – 27 [6]

Bases on Balls – 78 [11]

Strikeouts – 143 [3, tied with Johnny Antonelli]

ERA – 3.72 [14]

Hit Batters – 2

Balks – 3 [1, tied with Taylor Phillips]

Wild Pitches – 4 [20, tied with five others]

Midseason Snapshot: 8-7, ERA - 3.83, SO - 74 in 108 IP

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Most strikeouts, game – 11 (in 9 IP) at San Francisco 4/16

10+ strikeout games – 1

Fewest hits allowed, game (min. 7 IP) – 3 (in 9 IP) vs. Cincinnati 6/4

Batting

PA – 79, AB – 71, R – 5, H – 9, 2B – 0, 3B – 0, HR – 0, RBI – 4, BB – 2, SO – 17, SB – 0, CS – 0, AVG - .127, GDP – 0, HBP – 0, SH – 4, SF – 2

Fielding

Chances – 34

Put Outs – 7

Assists – 25

Errors – 2

DP – 3

Pct. - .941

Awards & Honors:

All-Star

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The relocated Dodgers went 71-83 to finish seventh in the NL, 21 games behind the pennant-winning Milwaukee Braves. The pitching staff led the league in strikeouts, highest ERA (4.47), and most home runs surrendered (173). The Dodgers were in the NL basement by May 12 following a 9-16 start, rose as high as fourth during a 17-14 August but dropped in September to finish out of the first division for the first time since 1944. They still drew 1,845,556 fans to their ill-suited temporary home at the LA Memorial Coliseum, some 800,000 more than their last year in Brooklyn.

Aftermath of 1958:

The Dodgers bounced back to win the NL pennant in 1959 and Podres, bothered by chronic back pain, contributed a 14-9 record (10-4 on the road), 4.11 ERA, 6 complete games, 2 shutouts, and 145 strikeouts over 195 innings. He also picked up a win in the World Series against the Chicago White Sox. The Dodgers dropped to fourth place in 1960 but Podres posted a 14-12 tally with a 3.08 ERA and 159 strikeouts over 227.2 innings. Along the way he was an All-Star for the second time. He produced an impressive 18-5 record for the second-place Dodgers in 1961 along with a 3.74 ERA and 124 strikeouts over 182.2 innings. Rewarded with a pay increase to $28,500 in 1962, Podres started the season-opening game at the new Dodger Stadium, which he lost. LA ended up tied with the rival Giants atop the NL and lost a season-extending playoff to finish second. Although again hindered by back trouble, Podres had a less gaudy 15-13 tally along with a 3.81 ERA and 178 strikeouts over 255 innings and was once more an All-Star. The Dodgers won the 1963 NL pennant and Podres, the club’s stalwart #3 starter behind LHP Sandy Koufax and RHP Don Drysdale, put together a 14-12 record and 3.54 ERA with 10 complete games, 5 shutouts, and 134 strikeouts over 198.1 innings. He further contributed to LA’s World Series sweep of the Yankees by winning Game 2, allowing one run in 8.1 innings before yielding to bullpen ace Ron Perranoski. In a down year for the Dodgers in 1964, an elbow injury that eventually required surgery limited Podres to two starts, both of which were losses. Back in action in 1965 and with LHP Claude Osteen having taken his spot in the rotation, Podres was used as a spot starter and went 7-6 with a 3.43 ERA and 63 strikeouts over 134 innings pitched. The Dodgers won the pennant but Podres did not appear in the seven-game World Series win over Minnesota. Newly married in 1966 to an Ice Follies skater, Podres also added a slider to his repertoire. Following only one pitching appearance, he was traded to the Detroit Tigers where he was utilized out of the bullpen and occasionally started. His record was 4-5 with a 3.43 ERA, two complete games, and 53 strikeouts over 107.2 innings. He spent one more season with the Tigers in 1967 and was 3-1 with a 3.84 ERA in 21 appearances (8 of them starts). Released in the offseason, he sat out 1968 and attempted a comeback in 1969 at age 36 with the expansion San Diego Padres. He posted a 5-6 tally and 4.31 ERA in his final major league season. For his major league career, Podres produced a 148-116 record with a 3.68 ERA, 77 complete games, 24 shutouts, and 1435 strikeouts over 2265 innings pitched. With the Dodgers he went 136-104 with a 3.66 ERA, 74 complete games, 23 shutouts, and 1331 strikeouts over 2029.1 innings. In six World Series starts, his record was 4-1 with a 2.11 ERA, 2 complete games, 1 shutout, and 18 strikeouts over 38.1 innings. A four-time All-Star, he was honored by Moriah High School, which had absorbed the high school he attended and named its athletic field Johnny Podres Field. He was also named to the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame. Following his playing career he became a pitching coach for several major league teams. Podres died in 2008 at age 75. A pitcher who was consistent and occasionally spectacular, he won some very significant games for the Dodgers in both Brooklyn and Los Angeles. Statues of Podres throwing to a crouched catcher Roy Campanella were placed 60’6” apart outside the Baseball Hall of Fame to commemorate Brooklyn’s 1955 World Series title.  

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Highlighted Years feature players who led a major league in one of the following categories: batting average, home runs (with a minimum of 10), runs batted in, or stolen bases (with a minimum of 20); or pitchers who led a major league in wins, strikeouts, earned run average, or saves (with a minimum of 10). Also included are participants in annual All-Star Games between the National and American Leagues since 1933. This category also includes Misc. players who received award votes, were contributors to teams that reached the postseason, or had notable seasons in non-award years.

Highlighted Year: Bill Donovan, 1901

Pitcher, Brooklyn Superbas

Age:  24

3^rd season with Superbas

Bats – Both, Throws – Right

Height: 5’11” Weight: 190 

Prior to 1901:

A native of Lawrence, Massachusetts, Donovan began playing baseball in his youth in Lawrence and Waverly, New York. Signed by the Washington Senators of the NL in 1898, he was unsuccessful as both a pitcher and outfielder. His pitching record was 1-6 in 17 games with a 4.30 ERA. In 1899 he produced a 17-4 tally with the Richmond Bluebirds of the Class A Atlantic League along with 71 strikeouts and 128 walks over 200 innings. He appeared in five games with Brooklyn and had a 1-2 tally. In 1900 he again split time between the minors and Brooklyn, pitching for Hartford of the Eastern League and again seeing scant action with the Superbas. Known as “Wild Bill” and “Chowder Bill” for his rowdy participation in Hartford’s chowder parties, as opposed to his propensity for walking batters, his pitching career appeared to be on the ropes when Brooklyn manager Ned Hanlon decided to stick with him. With his outstanding fastball and curve, Donovan rewarded Hanlon’s confidence with a breakout season in 1901.

1901 Season Summary

Appeared in 46 games

P – 45, PR – 1

[Bracketed numbers indicate AL rank in Top 20]

Pitching

Games – 45 [1, tied with Jack Powell & Luther Taylor]

Games Started – 38 [3, tied with Christy Mathewson]

Complete Games – 36 [3, tied with Christy Mathewson]

Wins – 25 [1]

Losses – 15 [15]

PCT - .625 [7, tied with Al Orth & Bill Duggleby]

Saves – 3 [1, tied with Jack Powell]

Shutouts – 2 [10, tied with four others]

Innings Pitched – 351 [3]

Hits – 324 [6]

Runs – 151 [9]

Earned Runs – 108 [9, tied with Willie Sudhoff]

Home Runs – 1

Bases on Balls – 152 [1]

Strikeouts – 226 [2]

ERA – 2.77 [9]

Hit Batters – 8

Balks – 0

Wild Pitches – 10 [4, tied with Noodles Hahn & Bill Dinneen]

League-leading wins were +2 ahead of runner-up Jack Harper

League-leading bases on balls surrendered were +37 ahead of runner-up Tom Hughes

Midseason Snapshot: 15-7, ERA – 3.26, SO - 125 in 199 IP

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Most strikeouts, game – 11 (in 9 IP) vs. Bos. Beaneaters 8/9

10+ strikeout games – 2

Fewest hits allowed, game (min. 7 IP) – 2 (in 9 IP) vs. Chi. Orphans 9/7

Batting

PA – 151, AB – 135, R – 16, H – 23, 2B – 3, 3B – 0, HR – 2, RBI – 13, BB – 8, SO – 27, SB – 1, CS – N/A, AVG - .170, GDP – N/A, HBP – 0, SH – 8, SF – N/A

Fielding

Chances – 96

Put Outs – 14

Assists – 75

Errors – 7

DP – 5

Pct. - .927

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The Superbas went 79-57 to finish third in the NL, 11.5 games behind the pennant-winning Pittsburgh Pirates. The pitching staff led the league in saves (5, tied with the St. Louis Cardinals), walks issued (435), and fewest complete games (111). The Superbas were in first place on May 3 but then dropped in the standings and were 14-15 by the end of the month. Buoyed by a 16-11 June, the club pulled into contention but then dropped to fourth during July, where they remained until August 17 when a 9-game winning streak boosted them up to third. After rising to second in late August and closing to three games out of first, they fell into third place to stay on Sept. 22 despite a 5-1 run from Sept. 20-25.  

Aftermath of 1901:

Donovan followed up with another solid season in 1902, posting a 17-15 record and 2.78 ERA with 30 complete games, 4 shutouts, and 170 strikeouts with 111 walks. In the offseason, and just prior to the peace agreement between the National and American Leagues, Donovan jumped to the AL’s Detroit Tigers. He tied for the league lead in complete games with 34 in 1903 to go along with a 17-16 tally with the fifth-place club. His ERA was 2.29 and he struck out 187 batters over the course of 307 innings pitched. Detroit dropped to seventh in 1904 and “Wild Bill” remained part of an effective pitching staff as he posted a 16-16 record and 2.46 ERA along with 137 strikeouts over 293 innings that included 30 complete games. The Tigers showed improvement in 1905 and Donovan contributed an 18-15 tally, 2.60 ERA, and 135 strikeouts along with 101 walks while pitching 280.2 innings. Hindered by a sore arm in 1906, Donovan slumped to 9-15 and a 3.15 ERA with 22 complete games and 85 strikeouts over 211.2 innings. Back in good form in 1907 with the pennant-winning Tigers, he produced a 25-4 record and 2.19 ERA with 27 complete games, 3 shutouts, and 123 strikeouts over 271 innings. He lost his only decision in the World Series loss to the Chicago Cubs. Dubbed “Smiling Bill” by sportswriters, the personable Donovan was popular with the fans but could be temperamental on the field, frequently drawing the ire of umpires. At a point when the Tigers were a successful team, he was known for his clutch performances in big games. Detroit topped the AL again in 1908, and Donovan’s tally was 18-7 with a 2.08 ERA, 25 complete games, and 141 strikeouts while compiling 242.2 innings. His two-hit shutout of the White Sox in the season’s last game clinched the pennant although he lost twice in the World Series as Detroit again fell to the Cubs. Once again dealing with a sore arm in 1909, “Wild Bill” only appeared in 21 games while posting an 8-7 record with a 2.31 ERA and 76 strikeouts over 140.1 innings. The Tigers won a third straight pennant but lost to Pittsburgh in the World Series. Donovan won Game 2 with a complete game but took the loss in the decisive seventh game. Arm trouble behind him in 1910, he had a 17-7 tally and 2.44 ERA with 107 strikeouts over 206.2 innings. In 1911 his record dropped to 10-9 with a 3.31 ERA and 81 strikeouts over 168.1 innings pitched. Donovan appeared in only three games, one of them a start, in 1912 and became a scout for the Tigers. Sent to the Providence Grays of the International League to gain managerial experience, the player/manager pitched occasionally, which was again the case in 1914. Named manager of the New York Yankees in 1915, he made 9 pitching appearances for the fifth-place club. They rose to fourth in 1916 while Donovan made only one mound appearance. Following one more season managing the Yankees in 1917, in which the club slipped to sixth and he was replaced by Miller Huggins, Donovan returned to the Tigers as a coach in 1918 and made his last two pitching appearances. For his major league career, “Wild Bill” produced a 185-139 record and a 2.69 ERA with 289 complete games, 35 shutouts, 8 saves, and 1552 strikeouts over 2964.2 innings pitched. With Brooklyn his record was 44-34 with a 3.00 ERA, 70 complete games, 6 shutouts, 5 saves, and 420 strikeouts over 704.2 innings. Appearing in 6 World Series games, all with Detroit, his record was 1-4 with a 2.70 ERA and 33 strikeouts over 50 innings. Following his playing career, Donovan managed the Jersey City Skeeters of the International League in 1919 and ’20, the Philadelphia Phillies in 1921, and Hartford of the Eastern League in 1922 and ’23. Donovan was killed in a train wreck in Forsyth, New York in December of 1923 at age 47 while en route to the baseball winter meetings in Chicago. His major league managerial record was 220-239.

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Highlighted Years feature players who led a major league in one of the following categories: batting average, home runs (with a minimum of 10), runs batted in, or stolen bases (with a minimum of 20); or pitchers who led a major league in wins, strikeouts, earned run average, or saves (with a minimum of 10). Also included are participants in annual All-Star Games between the National and American Leagues since 1933. This category also includes Misc. players who received award votes, were contributors to teams that reached the postseason, or had notable seasons in non-award years. 

 

Highlighted Year: Tom Morgan, 1961

Pitcher, Los Angeles Angels

Age:  31 (May 20)

1^st season with Angels

Bats – Right, Throws – Right

Height: 6’1”    Weight: 180 

Prior to 1961:

A California native, Morgan was originally signed by the New York Yankees in 1949, a year after graduating from El Monte High School. Originally assigned to Ventura of the Class C California League that year, he posted a 12-9 record and 3.74 ERA with 13 complete games and 125 strikeouts over 200 innings pitched. Advancing to Binghamton of the Class A Eastern League in 1950, the lanky pitcher with a sallow complexion produced a 17-8 tally and 3.55 ERA with 114 strikeouts over 203 innings. Displaying excellent poise and control, an impressive spring earned him a spot in the Yankee rotation to start the season in 1951. He was sent down to Kansas City of the Class AAA American Association in May but was soon returned to the Yanks where he was utilized as a starter and reliever who compiled a 9-3 record in 27 appearances (16 of them starts) with a 3.68 ERA and 57 strikeouts over 124.2 innings. Tagged with the nickname “Plowboy” because he came from a farming background and ambled to the mound looking as though he was pushing a plow, his best pitch was a sinking fastball. Morgan was used primarily as a starter in 1952 and had a 5-4 tally and 3.07 ERA before joining the Army in July. After missing all of 1953 to military service, “Plowboy” returned to the Yankees in 1954 and, once again a starter-reliever, showed improved effectiveness with an 11-5 record and 3.34 ERA, 7 complete games, 4 shutouts, and 34 strikeouts over 143 innings. Utilized almost exclusively as a reliever in 1955, he appeared in 40 games and compiled a 7-3 mark and 3.25 ERA with 11 saves and 17 strikeouts over 72 innings. In 1956 Morgan appeared in 41 games and had a 6-7 tally and 4.16 ERA with 11 saves. Part of a 13-player trade in 1957, “Plowboy” was sent to the Kansas City Athletics where he made 13 starts in 46 appearances and finished at 9-7 with a 4.64 ERA, 8 saves, and 32 strikeouts over 143.2 innings pitched. Dealt again in the offseason, he pitched for the Detroit Tigers in 1958 and was effective as a short reliever out of the bullpen with a 3.16 ERA to go along with a 2-5 record and 32 strikeouts over 62.2 innings. With the fourth-place Tigers in 1959, Morgan was a solid reliever with 9 saves and a 1-4 tally in 46 appearances, producing a 3.98 ERA and 39 strikeouts over 92.2 innings. Morgan started the 1960 season with the Tigers and was dealt to the Washington Senators in late July. Initially threatening to retire rather than join the Senators, he reported to his new club and for the year appeared in 36 games, all in relief, and ended up with a 4-5 tally and 4.25 ERA with 23 strikeouts and 53 innings pitched. He was purchased by the expansion Angels in the offseason.

1961 Season Summary

Appeared in 59 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate AL rank in Top 20]

Pitching

Games – 59 [2, tied with Turk Lown]

Games Started – 0

Games Finished – 33 [7]

Complete Games – 0

Wins – 8

Losses – 2

PCT - .800 [Non-qualifying]

Saves – 10 [10]

Shutouts – 0

Innings Pitched – 91.2

Hits – 74

Runs – 31

Earned Runs – 24

Home Runs – 7

Bases on Balls – 17

Strikeouts – 39

ERA – 2.36 [Non-qualifying]

Hit Batters – 5 [16, tied with four others]

Balks – 0

Wild Pitches – 0 

Midseason Snapshot: 2-1, G – 29, ERA - 3.93, SV – 2, SO - 18 in 36.2 IP

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Most strikeouts, game – 4 (in 4.2 IP) vs. KC A’s 9/1

10+ strikeout games – 0

 Batting

PA – 13, AB – 12, R – 1, H – 1, 2B – 0, 3B – 0, HR – 0, RBI – 0, BB – 1, SO – 4, SB – 0, CS – 0, AVG - .083, GDP – 0, HBP – 0, SH – 0, SF – 0

Fielding

Chances – 28

Put Outs – 8

Assists – 18

Errors – 2

DP – 2

Pct. - .929

Awards & Honors:

21^st in AL MVP voting, tied with Al Smith, ChiWS (3 points, 1% share)

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In their inaugural season, the Angels went 70-91 to finish eighth in the AL, 38.5 games behind the pennant-winning New York Yankees. The pitching staff led the league in walks (713), strikeouts (973), and fewest complete games (25). Opening the season on the road, the Angels lost 7 of their first 8 games but proved to be more competitive the rest of the way, especially at home at LA’s Wrigley Field, where they produced a 46-36 record and drew 603,510 fans.

Aftermath of 1961:

Following his fine 1961 season, Morgan performed well as part of a very effective bullpen in 1962, appearing in 48 games and producing a 5-2 record with a 2.91 ERA, 9 saves, and 29 strikeouts over 58.2 innings. He appeared in only 13 games with the Angels in 1963 and was released after the season, thus ending his playing career. For his major league career, Morgan pitched in 443 games (61 of them starts) and produced a 67-47 record with a 3.61 ERA, 66 saves, and 364 strikeouts over 1023.1 innings. With the Angels he was 13-4 in 120 appearances (all in relief) with a 2.86 ERA, 20 saves, and 75 strikeouts over 166.2 innings pitched. He appeared in 5 World Series games, all with the Yankees, and had an 0-1 record and 5.59 ERA with 7 strikeouts in 9.2 innings pitched. Following his playing career, Morgan became a minor league pitching coach for the Angels and acted as pitching coach for the major league club from 1972 to ‘74, where he helped RHP Nolan Ryan to develop his pitching mechanics, and again from 1981 to ‘83. He also worked for the Padres, Braves, and Yankees prior to his death in 1987 at age 56 due to the effects of a stroke.  

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Highlighted Years feature players who led a major league in one of the following categories: batting average, home runs (with a minimum of 10), runs batted in, or stolen bases (with a minimum of 20); or pitchers who led a major league in wins, strikeouts, earned run average, or saves (with a minimum of 10). Also included are participants in annual All-Star Games between the National and American Leagues since 1933. This category also includes Misc. players who received award votes, were contributors to teams that reached the postseason, or had notable seasons in non-award years. 

Highlighted Year: Ken McBride, 1961

Pitcher, Los Angeles Angels

Age:  26 (Aug. 12)

1^st season with Angels

Bats – Right, Throws – Right

Height: 6’1”    Weight: 190 

Prior to 1961:

Born in Alabama, McBride grew up in Cleveland, Ohio where he excelled in basketball and baseball at West High School. Following his graduation from high school in 1953, he pitched for a semipro team before being signed by the Boston Red Sox for a $500 bonus. He was first assigned to Bluefield of the Class D Appalachian League in 1954 where he performed well with an 18-8 record and 2.53 ERA with 178 strikeouts over 210 innings. Spending most of 1955 with Corning of the Class D Pennsylvania-Ontario-New York (or Pony) League he produced a 10-9 tally and 3.81 ERA with 100 strikeouts over 170 innings. He finished the season with Greensboro of the Class B Carolina League, where he played in 1956. He tossed a no-hitter on his way to a 9-7 record and 2.64 ERA with 9 complete games, and 86 strikeouts over 177 innings pitched. Plagued by injuries in 1957 with Oklahoma City of the Class AA Texas League, McBride was limited to 19 games and produced a 2-2 tally with a 4.70 ERA and 24 strikeouts and 21 walks issued over 44 innings, mostly out of the bullpen. Sent to Memphis of the Class AA Southern Association in 1958, his record was 9-10 with a 3.58 ERA and 81 strikeouts over 156 innings while he started in 21 of his 31 games pitched. He had a strong season in 1959 with Indianapolis of the Class AAA American Association and was 11-5 with a 2.79 ERA when he was sold to the Chicago White Sox on August 1. With a fine sinker to go along with a fastball and curve, he made two starts among his 11 appearances for the White Sox, who were in the midst of a pennant race, which they won. He showed promise in going 0-1 with a 3.18 ERA. Sent to San Diego of the Class AAA Pacific Coast League in 1960, he put together an 11-14 tally and 3.23 ERA with 131 strikeouts over 198 innings before finishing up with another short stint with the White Sox. Left exposed in the AL expansion draft, McBride was chosen by the Angels and became part of the starting rotation for the 1961 inaugural season.

1961 Season Summary

Appeared in 45 games

P – 38, PR – 7

[Bracketed numbers indicate AL rank in Top 20]

Pitching

Games – 38

Games Started – 36 [3, tied with Frank Lary]

Complete Games – 11 [9, tied with six others]

Wins – 12 [18, tied with five others]

Losses – 15 [8, tied with Jim Archer]

PCT - .444

Saves – 1

Shutouts – 1

Innings Pitched – 241.2 [9]

Hits – 229 [12, tied with Gene Conley]

Runs – 114 [11, tied with Camilo Pascual]

Earned Runs – 98 [12]

Home Runs – 28 [6, tied with Jim Perry]

Bases on Balls – 102 [6]

Strikeouts – 180 [5]

ERA – 3.65 [19]

Hit Batters – 7 [8, tied with Milt Pappas, Eli Grba & Jim Coates]

Balks – 0

Wild Pitches – 8 [6, tied with seven others]

Midseason Snapshot: 8-5, ERA - 2.95, SO - 82 in 128 IP

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Most strikeouts, game – 11 (in 9 IP) vs. Minnesota 7/18, (in 8.2 IP) vs. Detroit 7/25

10+ strikeout games – 2

Fewest hits allowed, game (min. 7 IP) – 3 (in 9 IP) vs. Cleveland 5/23

Batting

PA – 93, AB – 83, R – 5, H – 7, 2B – 3, 3B – 0, HR – 0, RBI – 2, BB – 3, SO – 35, SB – 0, CS – 0, AVG - .084, GDP – 1, HBP – 0, SH – 6, SF – 0

Fielding

Chances – 74

Put Outs – 19

Assists – 53

Errors – 2

DP – 5

Pct. - .973

Awards & Honors:

All-Star

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In their inaugural season, the Angels went 70-91 to finish eighth in the AL, 38.5 games behind the pennant-winning New York Yankees. The pitching staff led the league in walks (713), strikeouts (973), and fewest complete games (25). Opening the season on the road, the Angels lost 7 of their first 8 games but proved to be more competitive the rest of the way, especially at home at LA’s Wrigley Field, where they produced a 46-36 record and drew 603,510 fans.

Aftermath of 1961:

The Angels were surprisingly competitive in 1962 and McBride was part of the club’s success until a cracked rib and bout with pleurisy prematurely ended his season with a record of 11-5 with a 3.50 ERA, 6 complete games, 4 shutouts, and 83 strikeouts over 149.1 innings. The team dropped in the standings in 1963 but McBride remained an All-Star with his 13-12 tally, 3.26 ERA, 11 complete games, and 147 strikeouts over 251 innings. Appreciated for being classy, he was a well-liked player. His sinker was highly effective when he was at his best, but he lacked consistency. Two starts into the 1964 season, an arm injury led to a 4-13 record and 5.26 ERA with 66 strikeouts over 116.1 innings. The situation was no better in 1965 and McBride was demoted to San Jose of the Class A California League after having produced an 0-3 mark and 6.14 ERA after eight appearances. His ERA was 11.57 in three starts for San Jose and he retired. For his major league career, which was primarily spent with the Angels, McBride posted a 40-50 record and 3.79 record with 28 complete games, 7 shutouts, and 503 strikeouts over 807.2 innings pitched. A three-time All-Star, physical problems derailed a promising career. Following his playing career, he was briefly a minor league manager and pitching coach for the Milwaukee Brewers. He later was CEO of a construction company.  

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Highlighted Years feature players who led a major league in one of the following categories: batting average, home runs (with a minimum of 10), runs batted in, or stolen bases (with a minimum of 20); or pitchers who led a major league in wins, strikeouts, earned run average, or saves (with a minimum of 10). Also included are participants in annual All-Star Games between the National and American Leagues since 1933. This category also includes Misc. players who received award votes, were contributors to teams that reached the postseason, or had notable seasons in non-award years. 

Highlighted Year: Amos Otis, 1970

Outfielder, Kansas City Royals

Age:  23 (April 26)

1^st season with Royals

Bats – Right, Throws – Right

Height: 5’11” Weight: 165 

Prior to 1970:

A native of Mobile, Alabama, Otis came out of Williamson High School and was an amateur draft selection as a shortstop in 1965 by the Boston Red Sox, although he had played multiple positions in high school. Initially assigned to Harlan of the Rookie-level Appalachian League where he played third base, the 18-year-old batted .329 with 11 doubles, 5 triples, 9 home runs, 39 RBIs, 10 stolen bases, and a .429 on-base percentage with a .520 slugging percentage. He also led the league’s third basemen in fielding (.910), chances (134), and double plays (13). Moving on to Oneonta of the Class A New York-Pennsylvania League in 1966, he hit .270 with 17 doubles, 7 triples, 3 home runs, 46 RBIs, 14 stolen bases, and a .335 OBP. After the season he was drafted away from the Red Sox by the New York Mets. Assigned to Jacksonville of the Class AAA International League in 1967, Otis batted .268 with 11 doubles, 7 triples, 3 home runs, 39 RBIs, 29 stolen bases, and a .327 OBP. Earning a late-season call-up to the Mets, he hit .220 in 19 games with two doubles and an RBI. Back with Jacksonville in 1968, Otis was outstanding as he batted .286 with 29 doubles, 15 home runs, 70 RBIs, 21 stolen bases, a .348 OBP, and a .450 slugging percentage. He received league all-star recognition. Otis started the 1969 season with the Mets as a backup outfielder and third baseman until being sent down to Tidewater of the International League where he hit .327 in 71 games with 14 doubles, 10 home runs, 43 RBIs, 19 stolen bases, a .398 OBP, and a .520 slugging percentage. He was called back up to the Mets in September, although not in time to qualify for the postseason roster as the club topped the NL East and made an improbable run to a World Series title. Having earlier been considered untouchable in trade talks by the Mets, in the offseason he was dealt to the expansion Royals along with RHP Bob Johnson for veteran third baseman Joe Foy. Originally anticipated to be Foy’s replacement at third base, manager Charlie Metro viewed him as having more potential in center field and that became his position in Kansas City.

1970 Season Summary

Appeared in 159 games

CF – 159, PH – 1

[Bracketed numbers indicate AL rank in Top 20]

Batting

Plate Appearances – 700 [6]

At Bats – 620 [6]

Runs – 91 [13, tied with Mike Andrews]

Hits – 176 [7, tied with Reggie Smith]

Doubles – 36 [1, tied with Tony Oliva & Cesar Tovar]

Triples – 9 [3]

Home Runs – 11

RBI – 58

Bases on Balls – 68

Int. BB – 3

Strikeouts – 67

Stolen Bases – 33 [5]

Caught Stealing – 2

Average - .284 [17]

OBP - .353

Slugging Pct. - .424

Total Bases – 263 [17]

GDP – 8

Hit by Pitches – 1

Sac Hits – 6

Sac Flies – 5

Midseason snapshot: 2B – 18, 3B – 5, HR - 7, RBI - 33, AVG. - .310, OBP - .372

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Most hits, game – 5 (in 5 AB) vs. Cleveland 5/1

Longest hitting streak – 10 games

HR at home – 6

HR on road – 5

Most home runs, game – 2 (in 5 AB) at Cleveland 7/25

Multi-HR games – 1

Most RBIs, game – 3 vs. Oakland 4/7, at Milwaukee 4/16, vs. Washington 6/9

Pinch-hitting – 1 for 1 (1.000)

Fielding

Chances - 407

Put Outs – 388

Assists – 15

Errors – 4

DP – 6

Pct. - .990

Awards & Honors:

All-Star 

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In their second season, the Royals went 65-97 to finish tied for fourth with the Milwaukee Brewers in the AL Western Division, 33 games behind the division-winning Minnesota Twins, while leading the league in triples (41, tied with the Twins & Yankees), fewest runs scored (611), fewest home runs (97), lowest OBP (.309, tied with the Angels), lowest slugging percentage (.348), and fewest total bases (1916). The injury-and-dissension-plagued Royals got off to a slow start and manager Charlie Metro, unpopular with the players, was replaced by Bob Lemon in June with a 19-33 record following a 1-8 road trip. The managerial change didn’t bring immediate improvement although the club performed better in August and September. Otis was a bright spot for his hitting and outfield play. In his All-Star appearance he took part in a particularly notorious play in All-Star Game history when he made the throw from the outfield in what resulted in Cincinnati’s Pete Rose colliding with Cleveland catcher Ray Fosse to score the game-winning run for the National League.

Aftermath of 1970:

“A.O.” had another strong season in 1971 in which he led the AL with 52 stolen bases, five of them coming in one game against the Brewers. He batted .301 with 26 doubles, 15 home runs, 79 RBIs, a .345 OBP, and a .443 slugging percentage. Defensively he led all AL outfielders in putouts (404) and double plays (4) and center fielders in assists (10). In addition to once again being an All-Star, he placed eighth in league MVP voting. Otis remained a stalwart performer in 1972 who anchored a good-hitting outfield that also featured Lou Piniella in left and Richie Scheinblum in right. He contributed by hitting .293 with 28 doubles, 11 home runs, 54 RBIs, 28 stolen bases, and a .352 OBP. In 1973, despite being hindered by a foot injury during the last two weeks of the season, Otis batted .300 with 21 doubles, 26 home runs, 93 RBIs, a .368 OBP, and a .484 slugging percentage, although his stolen base total dropped to 13 in 22 attempts. He received a Gold Glove for his play in center field and finished third in league MVP balloting. The Royals had a disappointing season in 1974 and “A.O” saw slippage in his offensive production, hitting .284 with 31 doubles, 9 triples, 12 home runs, 73 RBIs, 18 stolen bases, a .348 OBP, and a .438 slugging percentage. He failed to be named an All-Star for the first time since he had arrived in Kansas City, although he still merited a Gold Glove for his play in center field. 1975 was another difficult season as he dealt with some injuries and was weakened by a tonsillectomy at midseason. Still, on April 30 and May 1 he tied a league record with seven steals in two consecutive games. For the year he batted .247 with 26 doubles, 6 triples, 9 home runs, 46 RBIs, 39 stolen bases, and a .342 OBP (helped by drawing 66 walks). The Royals won the AL West title in 1976 and Otis was a key contributor as he batted .279 with a league-leading 40 doubles as well as 18 home runs, 86 RBIs, 26 stolen bases, a .341 OBP, and a .444 slugging percentage. In addition to becoming an All-Star again, he was seventh in AL MVP voting. A sprained ankle suffered in the first game of the ALCS against the Yankees sidelined Otis for the remaining games. Kansas City again topped the AL West in 1977. Otis’ batting production dropped somewhat to .251 with 20 doubles, 8 triples, 17 home runs, 78 RBIs, 23 stolen bases, a .342 OBP, and a .433 slugging percentage. Again facing the Yankees in the ALCS, Otis hit .125 and knocked in two runs as the Royals came up short for the second straight year. Otis was the club’s Player of the Year in 1978 as he batted .298 with 30 doubles, 7 triples, 22 home runs, 96 RBIs, 32 stolen bases, a .380 OBP, and a .525 slugging percentage. He topped AL outfielders in fielding percentage (.995) and placed fourth in league MVP balloting. The Royals again finished atop the AL West and lost to the Yankees in the ALCS, although this time Otis hit .429. Kansas City came up short in the AL West in 1979 but Otis batted .295 with 28 doubles, 18 home runs, 90 RBIs, 30 stolen bases, a .369 OBP, and a .444 slugging percentage. He remained a defensive asset in center field. The Royals regained the AL West crown in 1980 and Otis, in a lesser offensive season, hit .251 with 10 home runs, 53 RBIs, 16 stolen bases, and a .316 OBP. The club prevailed over the Yankees in the ALCS and lost to the Philadelphia Phillies in the World Series, although Otis batted .478 with 3 homers and 7 RBIs in the six games. In the strike-shortened 1981 season, suspicions that “A.O.” was beginning to fade at age 34 were fed by batting production of .269 with 22 doubles, 9 home runs, 57 RBIs, 16 stolen bases, and a .321 OBP, although his defense remained sound. Hampered by a variety of injuries in 1982, Otis batted .286 with 25 doubles, 11 home runs, 88 RBIs, and a .335 OBP. Struggling with injuries and declining skills in 1983, he appeared in only 98 games and hit .261 with a .313 OBP. Released by the Royals in the offseason, he joined the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1984 and lasted until August, when he was let go, thus ending his career. For his major league career, Otis batted .277 with 2020 hits that included 374 doubles, 66 triples, and 193 home runs. He scored 1092 runs and compiled 1007 RBIs, 341 stolen bases, a .343 OBP, and a .425 slugging percentage. With the Royals he batted .280 with 365 doubles, 65 triples, 193 home runs, 1074 runs scored, 992 RBIs, 340 stolen bases, a .347 OBP, and a .433 slugging percentage. Appearing in 22 postseason games, he hit .295 with 3 homers and 11 RBIs. A five-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove recipient, Otis was inducted into the Royals Hall of Fame in 1986. Having an odd and occasionally difficult personality in addition to his baseball skills, Otis was known to perform acts of kindness off-the-field and was popular with Kansas City fans.

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Highlighted Years feature players who led a major league in one of the following categories: batting average, home runs (with a minimum of 10), runs batted in, or stolen bases (with a minimum of 20); or pitchers who led a major league in wins, strikeouts, earned run average, or saves (with a minimum of 10). Also included are participants in annual All-Star Games between the National and American Leagues since 1933. This category also includes Misc. players who received award votes, were contributors to teams that reached the postseason, or had notable seasons in non-award years.