Harvey Kuenn
The 1953 American League Rookie of the Year, Harvey Kuenn wasone of the best hitters in the American League in he 1950s. The Wisconsin-native hit .300 in eight of his first nine seasons, and won the 1959 batting title with a .353 mark. Just before the 1960 season was set to begin, the Tigers shocked the baseball world by trading Kuenn straight-up to the Cleveland Indians for Rocky Colavito. The deal was the only time the defending batting champ was swapped for the defending home run king. Kuenn hit .308 in his season with the Tribe, before he was traded to the Giants for much-needed pitching. he settled in on the west coast, spending parts of five seasons with the Giants, including the pennant-winning year of '62. He finished his 15-year career with the Phillies in 1966, ending with a .303 lifetime batting average. His batting acumen served him well in his next career as a hitting coach and manager. Taking over the Brewers six weeks into the 1982 season, he guided the offensive juggernaut to their only pennant. His heavy-hitting team, which lost an exciting World Series in seven games, was dubbed "Harvey's Wallbangers." He skippered the team for one more season, posting 87 wins, but poor health led to his retirement.
Played For
Detroit Tigers (1952-1959)
Cleveland Indians (1960)
San Francisco Giants (1961-1965)
Chicago Cubs (1965-1966)
Philadelphia Phillies (1966)
Managed
Milwaukee Brewers (1975-1983)
Best Season: 1959
Born
Harvey Edward Kuenn was born on December 4, 1930, in West Allis, WI.
Died
February 28, 1988, Peoria, AZ
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
Primary Position: OF
Primary Team: SFN
Major League Debut
September 6, 1952
Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 1952
Eddie Mathews
Dick Groat
Harvey Kuenn
Johnny Temple
Jim Rivera
Hoyt Wilhelm
Ron Kline
Stu Miller
Dusty Rhodes
| Hall of Fame Voting |
| Year |
Election |
Votes |
Pct |
| 1977 |
BBWAA |
57 |
14.9% |
1978 |
BBWAA |
58 |
15.3% |
1979 |
BBWAA |
63 |
14.6% |
1980 |
BBWAA |
83 |
21.6% |
1981 |
BBWAA |
93 |
23.2% |
1982 |
BBWAA |
62 |
14.9% |
1983 |
BBWAA |
77 |
20.6% |
1984 |
BBWAA |
106 |
26.3% |
1985 |
BBWAA |
125 |
31.6% |
1986 |
BBWAA |
144 |
33.9% |
1987 |
BBWAA |
144 |
34.9% |
1988 |
BBWAA |
168 |
39.3% |
1989 |
BBWAA |
115 |
25.7% |
1990 |
BBWAA |
107 |
24.1% |
1991 |
BBWAA |
100 |
22.6% |
|
Post-Season Appearances
1962 World Series
Awards and Honors
1953 AL Rookie of the Year
Hitting Streaks
22 games (1959)
Transactions
Before 1952 Season: Signed by the Detroit Tigers as an amateur free agent.
April 17, 1960: Traded by the Detroit Tigers to the Cleveland Indians for Rocky Colavito.
December 3, 1960: Traded by the Cleveland Indians to the San Francisco Giants for Johnny Antonelli and Willie Kirkland.
May 29, 1965: Traded by the San Francisco Giants with Ed Bailey and Bob Hendley to the Chicago Cubs for Dick Bertell and Len Gabrielson.
April 23, 1966: Purchased by the Philadelphia Phillies from the Chicago Cubs.
October 7, 1966: Released by the Philadelphia Phillies.
All-Star Selections
1953 AL
1954 AL
1955 AL
1956 AL
1957 AL
1958 AL
1959 AL
1960 AL
Learn More about Harvey Kuenn
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