Mickey Stanley
Best known as part of Mayo Smith's famous gamble in the 1968 World Series, Mickey Stanley spent 15 years in the big leagues as a stellar defensive center fielder. In the '68 Series he was moved to shortstop to help make room for Al Kaline's bat in the outfield. Stanley made a couple of inconsequential errors at short, but otherwise handled the strange position very well. The Michigan-native won four Gold Gloves for his play in center field.
Played For
Detroit Tigers (1964-1978)
Where He Played
Stanley was one of the best defensive center fielders in baseball in the 1960s and 1970s. He was quick, had fantastic hands, and possessed an uncanny ability to take the perfect first step. He also had a very strong and accurate arm. He was considered the best athlete on the Tiger team. When Mayo Smith announced that he would move Stanley to shortstop for the World Series in 1968, his teammates were not fazed, knowing the athletic Stanley could handle the chore. He made three errors, none of them factoring in the outcome of games.
Born
Mitchell Jack Stanley was born on July 20, 1942, in Grand Rapids, MI.
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
Primary Position: OF
Primary Team: DET
Major League Debut
September 13, 1964
Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 1964
Tony Perez
Bert Campaneris
Don Kessinger
Paul Blair
Lou Piniella
Phil Niekro
Luis Tiant
Mel Stottlemyre
Mickey Stanley
Similar Players
Ken Henderson, Jim Landis
Related Players
Mayo Smith, Ray Oyler
| Hall of Fame Voting |
| Year |
Election |
Votes |
Pct |
| 1984 |
BBWAA |
2 |
.5% |
|
Post-Season Appearances
1968 World Series
1972 American League Championship Series
Awards and Honors
1968 AL Gold Glove
1969 AL Gold Glove
1970 AL Gold Glove
1973 AL Gold Glove
Batting Feats
Transactions
Before 1961 Season: Signed by the Detroit Tigers as an amateur free agent.
December 13, 1978: Released by the Detroit Tigers.
Best Strength as a Player
Defensive ability and athleticism.
Largest Weakness as a Player
Hitting for average and power consistently.
Learn More about Mickey Stanley
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