Kenton Lloyd "Ken" Boyer: The Cardinals' Greatest Third Baseman
A Legendary Career in Baseball
Ken Boyer is renowned for his exceptional skills as a third baseman, coach, and manager in Major League Baseball (MLB). With a illustrious career spanning 15 seasons, from 1955 to 1969, Boyer played for the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Mets, Chicago White Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers, earning him a place among the all-time greats in baseball history.
Awards and Accolades
Boyer's impressive career was marked by numerous accolades, including seven All-Star Game selections, a National League (NL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in 1964, and five Gold Glove awards. His outstanding performance in 1964 led the Cardinals to the World Series title, solidifying his position as one of the greatest third basemen of all time.
Career Highlights and Milestones
- Hit over .300 for five seasons and over 20 home runs for eight seasons
- Became the second third baseman to hit 250 career home runs
- Retired with the third highest slugging percentage by a third baseman (.462)
- One of only three Cardinals players to hit for the cycle twice
- Led the NL in double plays five times and in fielding percentage once
- Retired among the all-time leaders in games (1,785), assists (3,652), and double plays (355) at third base
Legacy and Honors
In recognition of his exceptional contributions to the game, the Cardinals retired Boyer's number 14 in 1984. He was also inducted into the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame in 2014, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in Cardinals history.
Early Life and Family
Born in Liberty, Missouri, on May 20, 1931, Boyer grew up in Alba as the fifth of 14 children. He attended Alba High School, where his love for baseball first blossomed. Interestingly, all seven of Boyer's brothers played professional baseball, with two of them, Cloyd and Clete, also reaching the major leagues.
Personal Life and Later Years
After retiring from baseball, Boyer went on to become a successful businessman and devout family man. Unfortunately, his life was cut short when he passed away on September 7, 1982, at the age of 51. Despite his untimely death, Ken Boyer's legacy continues to inspire generations of baseball enthusiasts, solidifying his place as one of the greatest third basemen in baseball history.
FAQ
What was Ken Boyers baseball career like?
Ken Boyer was an American baseball player who played in the Major Leagues from 1955 to 1968. He was a third baseman and played for the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Mets, and Chicago White Sox.
What were Ken Boyers managerial stints?
Ken Boyer managed the St. Louis Cardinals from 1978 to 1980, and later managed the Cleveland Indians minor league affiliate, the Charleston Charlies.
What awards did Ken Boyer receive for his baseball contributions?
Ken Boyer was a five-time All-Star, won five Gold Glove Awards, and was inducted into the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame in 2014.
Where did Ken Boyer play minor league baseball?
Ken Boyer played minor league baseball for theOmaha Cardinals, Rochester Red Wings, and Houston Buffs before making his MLB debut in 1955.
What was Ken Boyers post-baseball career like?
After retiring from baseball, Ken Boyer worked as a scout for the St. Louis Cardinals and later as a minor league coach. He remained involved in the baseball community and was a beloved figure in St. Louis sports.
