Breaking down the career of MLB great Ken Singleton: From All-Star hitter to beloved broadcaster
Ken Singleton is a name that strikes a chord of nostalgia and admiration in the hearts of baseball enthusiasts all around the world. His illustrious career in Major League Baseball played a significant role in his place in baseball history. Singleton’s career spanned over 15 years, starting with the Montreal Expos and ending with the Baltimore Orioles. In his career, Singleton exhibited exceptional skill and prowess that will forever remain in the annals of baseball history. After his retirement, he went on to become an accomplished broadcaster, making a name for himself in that area as well.
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the life of Ken Singleton, analyzing his career accomplishments and his broadcasting career. We will explore his humble beginnings, his career highlights, and some interesting facts that even some of his fans might not know.
From Humble Beginnings to MLB Stardom
Ken Singleton was born on June 10, 1947, in New York City. He grew up in Mount Vernon, New York, and exhibited an early interest in baseball. Singleton’s father was a player in the Negro Leagues, and he played an instrumental role in encouraging his son’s love for the game. As a teenager, Singleton played high school baseball, leading him to be scouted by the New York Mets. However, he declined their offer and went on to attend Hofstra University, where he continued playing baseball and improved his skills significantly.
Singleton’s hard work paid off in 1970 when he was drafted by the Montreal Expos. He quickly made an impact, hitting an impressive .302 in his rookie year in 1972. Throughout his nine seasons with the Expos, the left-handed hitter cemented his place as an elite player. He became known for his power-hitting ability and his excellent skills in right field. In 1977, Singleton was selected for the All-Star Game and won the Silver Slugger award in the National League.
Moving to Baltimore and Achieving More Career Milestones
In 1981, Singleton was traded to the Baltimore Orioles, where he spent the final seven years of his career. During that time, he continued to impress with his bat, earning another All-Star selection in 1981 and winning the American League Championship Series MVP in 1983. He was also a key member of the Orioles’ 1983 World Series championship team. Throughout his career, Singleton hit 246 home runs and had 1,065 runs batted in. He finished his career with a batting average of .282.
The Broadcasting Career of Ken Singleton
After retiring from baseball in 1984, Singleton made a smooth transition to broadcasting, starting his new career as a radio color commentator for the Orioles in 1985. Over the years, he has become an accomplished broadcaster, working with various networks including ESPN and the YES Network. He is known for his insightful analysis and friendly, affable personality, which makes him a beloved figure among baseball fans.
Interesting Facts about Ken Singleton and His Career
– Singleton was an exceptional runner in high school, having competed in the 100-yard dash and the 440-yard relay.
– He was a great lover of jazz music and once had his own jazz radio show in Maryland.
– Singleton was the first player in MLB history to hit two home runs in a game played outside of North America in 1978.
– He was part of a trivia question when he was traded from the Expos to the Orioles for a pitcher named Mike Torrez, who famously gave up a home run to Bucky Dent in the 1978 American League East tiebreaker game.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ken Singleton
Q. What was Ken Singleton’s batting average?
Ken Singleton had a career batting average of .282.
Q. How many home runs did Singleton hit in his career?
Ken Singleton hit a total of 246 home runs in his career.
Q. What teams did Singleton play for?
Singleton played for the Montreal Expos and the Baltimore Orioles in his career.
Q. Was Ken Singleton ever an All-Star?
Yes, Ken Singleton was selected for the All-Star Game in 1977 and 1981.
Q. What broadcasting network does Ken Singleton work for?
Ken Singleton works for the YES Network as a color commentator for New York Yankees games.
Q. Did Singleton win any awards during his career?
Ken Singleton won the Silver Slugger award in the National League in 1977 and the American League Championship Series MVP in 1983.
Q. What is Singleton’s most notable career achievement?
Singleton was a key member of the Baltimore Orioles’ 1983 World Series championship team.
Conclusion
Ken Singleton’s incredible career in Major League Baseball and broadcasting has left an indelible mark on the sport. Over the years, he has exhibited remarkable talent that has placed him among the all-time greats in baseball history. His broadcasting career has further cemented his place in the hearts of baseball fans across the world. Singleton has inspired generations of baseball players and enthusiasts, and his story will continue to live on for years to come. As you reflect on the career of this great baseball player and broadcaster, take some time to appreciate his legacy and his contribution to the sport we all love.