Gene Tenace
His amazing performance in the 1972 World Series for Charley Finley's Oakland A's made catcher Gene Tenace a national celebrity. A modest individual, Tenace never took to the attention, but he deserved it after being overlooked for most of his career. He was a decent, unspectacular receiver, but he excelled at the plate, where he showed tremendous patience and good power. He belted four homers in the '72 Series.
Played For
Oakland Athletics (1969-1976)
San Diego Padres (1977-1980)
St. Louis Cardinals (1981-1982)
Pittsburgh Pirates (1983)
Managed
Toronto Blue Jays (1991)
All-Time Rankings
Gene Tenace ranks #33 among the Top 50 all-time at C. Rankings ⇒
Best Season: 1975
Typically, he finished in the top ten in OBP and walks, but he also was fifth in the league in homers, with 29. Just as the Oakland dynasty was winding down, Tenace was coming into his own as an offensive force.
Factoids
Prior to Game Six of the 1972 World Series, Oakland batting hero Gene Tenace was the subject of a death threat. Before the game, a man was arrested outside the stadium with a gun.
Where He Played
Catcher (892), first base (625), and a handful of games elsewhere.
Born
Fury Gene Tenace was born on October 10, 1946, in Russellton, PA.
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
Primary Position: C
Primary Team: OAK
Major League Debut
May 29, 1969
Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 1969
Darrell Evans
Bill Buckner
Carlton Fisk
Steve Garvey
Bill Russell
Toby Harrah
Vida Blue
Jerry Reuss
Thurman Munson
| Hall of Fame Voting |
| Year |
Election |
Votes |
Pct |
| 1989 |
BBWAA |
1 |
.2% |
|
Post-Season Appearances
1971 American League Championship Series
1972 American League Championship Series
1972 World Series
1973 American League Championship Series
1973 World Series
1974 American League Championship Series
1974 World Series
1975 American League Championship Series
1982 World Series
Awards and Honors
1972 ML WS MVP
All-Star Selections
1975 AL
Best Strength as a Player
Power, especially against right-handed pitching.
Largest Weakness as a Player
His throwing arm was pretty mediocre. In Game Six of the 1972 Series, the Reds swiped three bases.
Learn More about Gene Tenace
Search Amazon.com for Books about Gene Tenace ⇒
Search for Gene Tenace at Google ⇒
View a map of his hometown at Mapquest ⇒
