Carney Lansford
Just 24 years old, Carney Lansford surprised almost everyone by winning the 1981 American League batting title. But it was his new home field - Fenway Park - that was his biggest ally that season. He hit a blistering .363 at home for the Red Sox in the strike-shortened season. A line-drive hitting third baseman, Lansford was dealt to the A's prior to the 1983 season, and spent his last ten seasons with Oakland, appearing in three World Series.
Played For
California Angels (1978-1980)
Boston Red Sox (1981-1982)
Oakland Athletics (1983-1992)
All-Time Rankings
Carney Lansford ranks #40 among the Top 50 all-time at 3B. Rankings ⇒
Best Season: 1981
He wasn't really a complete player yet, but he had a very good offensive season. Like Bill Mueller after him, Lansford took advantage of Fenway Park to add a lot of points to his batting average.
Born
Carney Ray Lansford was born on February 7, 1957, in San Jose, CA.
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
Primary Position: 3B
Primary Team: OAK
Major League Debut
April 8, 1978
Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 1978
Paul Molitor
Ozzie Smith
Carney Lansford
Pedro Guerrero
Danny Darwin
Mike Morgan
Dave Stewart
Terry Kennedy
Ron Oester
| Hall of Fame Voting |
| Year |
Election |
Votes |
Pct |
| 1998 |
BBWAA |
3 |
.6% |
|
Post-Season Appearances
1979 American League Championship Series
1988 American League Championship Series
1988 World Series
1989 American League Championship Series
1989 World Series
1990 American League Championship Series
1990 World Series
1992 American League Championship Series
Batting Feats
- September 1, 1979: 3 HR...
Hitting Streaks
24 games (1984)
All-Star Selections
1988 AL
Best Strength as a Player
Lansford was a professional and a team player. With the Angels early in his career, Lansford learned how to play the hot corner because that team needed that position filled. With Boston, Lansford it the ball all over the field and utilized his environment to become a batting champion. In Oakland, he matured and improved his defensive play. He also adjusted his offensive approach in cavernous Oakland Coliseum and pulled the ball a little more to put up some more power. When his team needed him to steal bases he did (he pilfered 37 in 1989 at the age of 32), and he walked nearly as much as he struck out as he grew older.
Largest Weakness as a Player
He didn't have glaring weaknesses.
Learn More about Carney Lansford
Search Amazon.com for Books about Carney Lansford ⇒
Search for Carney Lansford at Google ⇒
View a map of his hometown at Mapquest ⇒
