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21. Kenny Lofton

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21. Kenny Lofton
  1. General
  2. Awards
  3. Career Stats
  • Born: May 31, 1967 in East Chicago, IN USA
  • Weight: 180 lbs.
  • Height: 6'0"
  • Bats: L
  • Throws: L
  • Debut: September 14, 1991
  • Final Game: September 29, 2007
  • Gold Glove - 1993
  • Gold Glove - 1994
  • Gold Glove - 1995
  • Gold Glove - 1996
  • MVP - 1993
  • MVP - 1994
  • MVP - 1996
  • MVP - 1997
  • Rookie of the Year - 1992
 
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Kenny Lofton took the city of Cleveland by storm in the early 90’s and by doing so, got the baseball world to notice the Tribe again. By the decade’s end though, power numbers took over the game, and many forgot how good he really was.

Lofton’s emergence with Cleveland saw him cement himself as the best leadoff hitter in the American League. With five straight seasons hitting at least .300 (and with a decent OBP), he was able to set the table often with his speed. Five times, Kenny would be the Stolen Base king of the AL, and he was a must watch defensively. With his incredible speed and athleticism, Lofton was a Sports Center highlight reel by robbing batters of Home Runs and his diving catches. As must watch a player as Lofton was in the 90’s, he would be overshadowed by the power hitters of the last half of the decade. His 2000’s also saw him bounce from team to team, and though he wasn’t a player we would classify as a journeyman; he certainly travelled like one. These perceptions may cost Kenny Lofton dearly during his chase for Cooperstown.

Should KennyLofton be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 80.3%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 12.7%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 2.9%
No opinion. - 0.6%
No way! - 3.5%

The Bullet Points

  • Country of Origin: East Chicago, Indiana, U.S.A.
  • Eligible In: Sunday, 01 January 2012
  • Position: Outfield
  • Played For: Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians, Houston Astros, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Francisco Giants, Texas Rangers
  • Major Accolades and Awards: World Series Rings (None)
    All-Star (6) (1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 & 1999)
    Gold Glove (4) (AL) (1993, 1994, 1995 & 1996)
    Highest bWAR for Position Players (1) (AL) (1994)
    Most Hits (1) (AL) (1994)
    Most Triples (1) (AL) (1995)
    Most Stolen Bases (5) (AL) (1992, 1993, 1994, 1995 & 1996)
    Most Singles (2) (AL) (1993 & 1994)
    Most Assists by a Centerfielder (4) (AL) (1992, 1994, 1995 & 1998)
    Most Double Plays Turned by a Centerfielder (2) (AL) (1994 & 1998)
    Most Assists by an Outfielder (2) (AL) (1994 & 1998)
    Most Double Plays Turned by an Outfielder (1) (AL) (2004)
    Most Total Zone Runs by a Centerfielder (3) (AL) (1993, 1994 & 1998)
    Highest Range Factor per Game by a Centerfielder (1) (AL) (1992)
    Most Total Zone Runs by an Outfielder (1) (AL) (1998)
    Highest Range Factor per Game by an Outfielder (1) (1992)
  • Other Points of Note: Top Ten MVP Finishes:
    (AL: 1994, 4th)
    5 Top Ten Finishes (bWAR for Position Players)
    2 Top Ten Finishes (Offensive bWAR)
    5 Top Ten Finishes (Defensive bWAR)
    3 Top Ten Finishes (Batting Average)
    3 Top Ten Finishes (On Base Percentage)
    2 Top Ten Finishes (Slugging Percentage)
    1 Top Ten Finish (OPS)
    1 Top Ten Finish (OPS+)
    3 Top Ten Finishes (Runs Scored)
    3 Top Ten Finishes (Most Hits)
    1 Top Ten Finish (Doubles)
    9 Top Ten Finishes (Triples)
    1 Top Ten Finishes (Walks)
    5 Top Ten Finishes (Singles)
    8 Top Ten Finishes (Stolen Bases)
    3 Top Ten Finishes (Power-Speed #)
    1 Top Ten Finish (Win Probability Added)
    3 Top Ten Finishes (Championship Win Probability Added)
    3 Top Ten Finishes (Total Zone Runs)
  • Notable All Time Rankings: 5.     Total Zone Runs by a Centerfielder: 117
    15.   Stolen Bases: 622
    16.   Assists by a Centerfielder: 138
    16.   Total Zone Runs by an Outfielder: 115
    23.   Double Plays Turned by a Centerfielder: 33
    31.   Putouts by an Outfielder: 4,856
    40.   Total Zone Runs: 115
    63.   Runs Scored: 1,528
    75.   Stolen Base Percentage: 79.54
    76.   Power-Speed #: 215.1
    79.   bWAR for Position Players: 65.3
    88.   Singles: 1,799
    91.   Range Factor per Game by an Outfielder: 2.45
  • Vote Percentage Received for the Hall of Fame: 2013: 3.2
  • Should be Inducted As A: Cleveland Indian

Should KennyLofton be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 80.3%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 12.7%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 2.9%
No opinion. - 0.6%
No way! - 3.5%

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