Al Rosen
After missing an opportunity to play earlier due to World War II, Al Rosen emerged in 1950 as a power-hitting third baseman with solid defensive instincts. He led the league in homers that year, one of two times he did, and won two RBI titles as well. In 1953 he was named American League Most Valuable Player, and in 1954 he drove in 102 runs for the Indians, who won the flag easily. After five seasons of 100 or more RBI, Rosen's back problems caught up with him and he retired at the age of 32 in 1956. He later became a staple in front offices, helping to rebuild the Yankees in the 1970s and the Giants in the 1980s.
Played For
Cleveland Indians (1947-1956)
All-Time Rankings
Al Rosen ranks #19 among the Top 50 all-time at 3B. Rankings ⇒
Best Season: 1953
The muscular Rosen narrowly missed the triple crown. He led the Al in homers (43) and RBI (145), but was edged by Mickey Vernon for the batting title on the season's final day.
Born
Albert Leonard Rosen was born on February 29, 1924, in Spartanburg, SC.
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
Primary Position: 3B
Primary Team: CLE
Major League Debut
September 10, 1947
Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 1947
Nellie Fox
Duke Snider
Larry Doby
Jackie Robinson
Curt Simmons
Mel Parnell
Vic Wertz
Ted Kluszewski
Ferris Fain
Nicknames
Flip
Similar Players
Bob Horner, Mike Lowell
Related Players
Hank Greenberg, who was the other Jewish star in baseball in that era. Greenberg was in the front office with the Indians in the final years of Rosen's career. the two were close friends.
Post-Season Appearances
1948 World Series
1954 World Series
Post-Season Notes
Rosen never had an extra-base hit in four post-season games.
Awards and Honors
1953 AL MVP
Batting Feats
Injuries and Explanation for Missed Playing Time
Back problems and leg injuries led to Rosen's retirement after the 1956 season... Rosen broke his nose no fewer than 11 times in his career. it didn't always knock him out of the lineup, however. He broke it on June 10, 1951, when he was hit by a ground ball, but was back two days later to collect three hits and deliver the game-winning run for the Indians.
Hitting Streaks
20 games (1953)
All-Star Selections
1952 AL
1953 AL
1954 AL
1955 AL
Replaced
Ken Keltner, who held Rosen down in the minor leagues for about three years.
Replaced By
Al "Fuzzy" Smith
Best Strength as a Player
Bat control; Rosen walked a lot, but he did not strike out that much, especially as he grew older. Of course, he also had tremendous power.
Largest Weakness as a Player
He was a poor base stealer.
Learn More about Al Rosen
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View a map of his hometown at Mapquest ⇒
