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99. Harvey Kuenn

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99.  Harvey Kuenn
  1. General
  2. Awards
  3. Career Stats
  • Born: December 4, 1930 in West Allis, WI USA
  • Weight: 187 lbs.
  • Height: 6'2"
  • Bats: R
  • Throws: R
  • Debut: September 06, 1952
  • Final Game: October 02, 1966
  • Rookie of the Year - 1953
  • TSN All-Star - 1956
  • MVP - 1953
  • MVP - 1954
  • MVP - 1955
  • MVP - 1956
  • MVP - 1957
  • MVP - 1958
  • MVP - 1959
  • MVP - 1960
  • MVP - 1962
  • Rookie of the Year - 1953
 
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From 1953 to 1960 there were few in the majors who were as good a line drive hitter as Harvey Kuenn.  From that time period, he won the American League Rookie of the Year and won a Batting Title.  Considering that during the 50’s he only batted under .300 once, it was easy to see how even on average Detroit Tigers teams, he could still make eight All-Star teams.

Kuenn led the league in hits four times, and it seemed like he got those hits in every part of the field possible.  In the ’50s, he was the game’s most consistent hitter, with a swing so effortless it looks like it came naturally.  These skills would serve him well as a hitting coach and manager later in his year.

As good as Kuenn was, he was largely ineffective after 1963 and with his great batting eye failing, he had little else to contribute as he was not known for his fielding prowess or his power.  Still, the numbers he put up for Detroit over an eight-year period were good enough to get him a really solid look from the Hall.

Should Harvey Kuenn be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 72.4%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 12.2%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 9%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 6.3%

The Bullet Points

  • Country of Origin: West Allis, Wisconsin, U.S.A.
  • Eligible In: Saturday, 01 January 1977
  • Position: Short Stop, Third Base, Outfield
  • Played For: Chicago Cubs, Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers, Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants
  • Major Accolades and Awards: World Series Rings (None)
    All-Star (8) (1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959 & 1960) 
    Rookie of the Year (AL) (1953)
    Highest Batting Average (1) (AL) (1959)
    Most At Bats (2) (AL) (1953 & 1954)
    Most Plate Appearances (1) (AL) (1953)
    Most Hits (4) (AL) (1953, 1954, 1956 & 1959)
    Most Doubles (3) (AL) (1955, 1958 & 1959)
    Most Singles (1) (AL) (1953)
    Most Outs Made (2) (AL) (1953 & 1954)
    Most Assists (1) (AL) (1954)
    Most Putouts by a Shortstop (2) (AL) (1953 & 1954)
    Most Assists by a Shortstop (1) (AL) (1954)
    Most Putouts by a Centerfielder (1) (AL) (1958)
    Most Putouts by an Outfielder (1) (AL) (1958)
    Highest Fielding Percentage by a Shortstop (1) (AL) (1956)
    Highest Range Factor per Game by a Centerfielder (1) (AL) (1958)
    Highest Fielding Percentage by a Rightfielder (1) (AL) (1959)
    Highest Range Factor per Game by an Outfielder (1) (AL) (1958)
  • Other Points of Note: Top Ten MVP Finishes
    (AL: 1954, 8th), (AL: 1956, 4th) & (AL: 1959, 8th)
    1 Top Ten Finish (bWAR for Position Players)
    3 Top Ten Finishes (Offensive bWAR)
    1 Top Ten Finish (Defensive bWAR)
    7 Top Ten Finishes (Batting Average)
    6 Top Ten Finishes (On Base Percentage)
    1 Top Ten Finish (Slugging Percentage)
    1 Top Ten Finish (OPS)
    1 Top Ten Finish (OPS+)
    4 Top Ten Finishes (Runs Scored)
    7 Top Ten Finishes (Hits)
    5 Top Ten Finishes (Total Bases)
    8 Top Ten Finishes (Doubles)
    4 Top Ten Finishes (Triples)
    3 Top Ten Finishes (Stolen Bases)
    7 Top Ten Finishes (Singles)
    1 Top Ten Finish (Power-Speed #)
    1 Top Ten Finish (Win Probability Added)
    1 Top Ten Finish (Championship Win Probability Added)
  • Notable All Time Rankings: None
  • Vote Percentage Received for the Hall of Fame: 1977: 14.9
    1978: 15.3
    1979: 14.6
    1980: 21.6
    1981: 23.2
    1982: 14.9
    1983: 20.6
    1984: 26.3
    1985: 31.6
    1986: 33.9
    1987: 34.9
    1988: 39.3
    1989: 25.7
    1990: 24.1
    1991: 22.6
  • Should be Inducted As A: Detroit Tiger

Should Harvey Kuenn be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 72.4%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 12.2%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 9%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 6.3%

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