Cecil Cooper
Some adjustments to his batting stance helped Cecil Cooper transform himself into one of the better hitters in the American League in the mid-1970s and early 1980s. After he adopted a style similar to that of Rod Carew, Cooper strung together seven straight .300 seasons. But unlike Carew, Cooper displayed power, launching as many as 32 homers out of the park. Unfortunately, he had his finest seasons in the shadows of George Brett and teammates Robin Yount and Paul Molitor. He led the league in RBI twice and earned a pair of Gold Gloves, as well.
Quotes About Cooper
"He's one of the finest gentlemen I've ever known. I loved having him as a player." — Bud Selig, on Cecil Cooper
Played For
Boston Red Sox (1971-1976)
Milwaukee Brewers (1977-1987)
All-Time Rankings
Cecil Cooper ranks #40 among the Top 50 all-time at 1B. Rankings ⇒
Best Season: 1980
Had it not been for George Brett, Cooper would have easily won the batting title and probably been better recognized for a super season. He hit .352 (well below Brett's .390), good for second in the league, and led the loop in RBI and total bases. He also garnered a Gold Glove Award for his play at first base.
Players Who Hit Three Homers in One Game, and Last Homer was a Game-Ender
05/30/1958: Walt Moryn, Cubs
06/26/1958: Hector Lopez, A's
04/21/1959: Don Demeter, Dodgers
07/27/1979: Cecil Cooper, Brewers
05/04/1980: Otto Velez, Jays
07/31/1991: Jack Clark, Red Sox
04/15/2001: Todd Hollandsworth, Rockies
04/16/2006: Albert Pujols, Cardinals
Source: David Vincent, SABR Home Run Expert
Born
Cecil Celester Cooper was born on December 20, 1949, in Brenham, TX.
Batted: Left
Threw: Left
Primary Position: 1B
Primary Team: ML4
College: Prairie View A&M
Major League Debut
September 8, 1971
Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 1971
Chris Speier
Chris Chambliss
Ron Cey
George Hendrick
Dave Kingman
Jon Matlack
Doyle Alexander
Cecil Cooper
Darrell Porter
Nicknames
Coop
Similar Players
Rod Carew, Don Mattingly
Related Players
Rod Carew
| Hall of Fame Voting |
| Year |
Election |
Votes |
Pct |
| 1993 |
BBWAA |
0 |
% |
|
Post-Season Appearances
1975 American League Championship Series
1975 World Series
1981 American League Division Playoffs
1982 American League Championship Series
1982 World Series
Awards and Honors
1979 AL Gold Glove
1980 AL Gold Glove
Batting Feats
Hitting Streaks
22 games (1980)
16 games (1979)
16 games (1980)
15 games (1980)
All-Star Selections
1979 AL
1980 AL
1982 AL
1983 AL
1985 AL
Replaced
George Scott
Replaced By
Greg Brock
Best Strength as a Player
Hitting
Largest Weakness as a Player
Speed
Learn More about Cecil Cooper
Search Amazon.com for Books about Cecil Cooper ⇒
Search for Cecil Cooper at Google ⇒
View a map of his hometown at Mapquest ⇒
