May Day! (California Home Men's Club Quiz)

California Home Men’s Club Quiz
May Day!
From: “Achieving Coincidence” March 2006
B.C., A.D.


Who is he?

On May 1, 1951, this rookie played his first game at Comiskey Park (he had a three-year minor league career). Four spots below him in the lineup that chilly day was a future Hall of Famer (in the opposing lineup, multiple Hall of Famers). A future A.L. All Star (and Gold Glove) outfielder, he promptly hit his first homer of the year, a 2-run shot, 425 feet into the center field bullpen, off a future A.L. All Star right-hander (who pitched, with a winning record, for the 1947 World Champion Yankees). Eventually, he would hit a Comiskey Park roofshot!

His team would soon be in first place during that ’51 season and would go on to have a winning record for the next 14 years! He had two key hits starting in the A.L. outfield in the 1954 All Star victory (after playing on the losing A.L. stars in ’53) and another in the tight ’57 win.

The first games of the ’59 and ’60 All Star series, he was hitless in losing efforts and started in defeat in 1960’s second All Star game. He did lead a major hitting category, however, in 1960 and lead the League in three straight years in another category. Indeed, be became a historically rare leader in both total bases and reached bases in the same season. His batting average was .298. His 1951 manager would not have a losing record in the team’s city (which had more than one team), until a fine career comeback.

Playing in St. Louis, he hit a road homer in the ‘60s, head consecutive team “triple crown” seasons in the ‘50s. He had one 1.000 Fielding Average and a 100% Stolen Base Percentage during his over-15-year career. A right-handed thrower, he played in the outfield alongside (to his left) a left-handed hitting, right-handed throwing HR and RBI champ.

Offensively versatile, he was a future leader in triples, slugging average and Runs Tallied and would also have four 100 RBI seasons over his career. Possessing power and speed, he had seasons hitting over 20 homers and stealing over 20 bases. He did play a handful of games in the infield for his ball club in a few seasons.

Of course, his uniform number was eventually retired by his team. Serious injuries could not stifle the accomplishments of his great career.


Hint: No pitcher ever gave up more home runs to him than Hall of Famer Early Wynn.

Extra hint: His last full year was played in the 1960s, but he is still remembered by thousands of fans visiting his memorial near his home team’s field.

Penultimate hint: His 12-letter name (6 first, 6 last) has the initials M.M.

Final hint: A famous Disney mouse has the same first name!

Answer: Mickey Mantle! Minnie Minoso! Either one fits the description!!