Born March 9, 1942 in Pueblo Nuevo, Cuba, Surrounded by superstars, Bert Campaneris was a key contributor to the great Oakland teams with his competitive spirit and superb play. His memorable debut with the Kansas City A’s (July 23, 1964) included two home runs, one off the first major league pitch ever thrown to him. Bert became only the third player in big league history to hit two homers in his first game. He made headlines in one of club owner Charlie Finley’s publicity stunts in 1965. On September 9, Campaneris played every position in a nine inning game.
Best Season: 1970
There must have been something in the water (or his bat). Campy blasted 22 homers, which was 14 more than he would ever hit in a single season. He led the AL in steals for the fifth time, with 42. He scored 97 runs and was 10th in MVP tallying.
Factoids
In 1965, Bert Campaneris broke Luis Aparicio‘s nine-year streak of leading the American League in stolen bases.
From 1965 to 1972, Bert Campaneris stole 410 bases, leading the AL six times in that eight-year span. The next highest total of stolen bases during that time was 187, by Don Buford.
The Bat Throwing Incident
In Game Two of the 1972 ALCS against the Tigers, Campy was a demon. He banged out three hits, had two steals and two runs scored. Late in the contest he faced Detroit hurler Lerrin LaGrow. When LaGrow’s pitch hit Campaneris in the ankle, Bert flung his bat at the hurler. A near-riot ensued as Detroit manager Billy Martin charged Campaneris. The batter and pitcher were both ejected. Bert was suspended for the remainder of the playoffs but reinstated for the World Series win over the Reds.
Old Man and Billy Ball
After three seasons with the Angels, Campaneris retired after the 1981 season at the age of 39. It was an involuntary retirement. He spent 1982 in the Mexican League and was back in the Majors in 1982 with the A’s. Billy Martin used Campy as a pinch-hitter and utility infielder (and as a pinch-runner at the age of 41). The veteran responded by hitting .322 in 60 games. He retired in the off-season.
Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 1964
Tony Perez
Bert Campaneris
Don Kessinger
Paul Blair
Lou Piniella
Phil Niekro
Luis Tiant
Mel Stottlemyre
Mickey Stanley
The Bert Campaneris All Time Teammate Team
C: Jim Sundberg
1B: Rod Carew
2B: Bobby Grich
3B: Sal Bando
SS: Roy Smalley
LF: Joe Rudi
CF: Rick Monday
RF: Rocky Colavito
DH: Reggie Jackson
SP: Catfish Hunter
SP: Vida Blue
SP: Ken Holtzman
SP: Gaylord Perry
SP: Bert Blyleven
RP: Rollie Fingers
M: Dick Williams
