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Ken Singleton
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Kenneth Wayne Singleton (born June 10, 1947) is an American former professional baseball player and television sports commentator. He played in Major League Baseball as an outfielder and designated hitter from 1970 to 1984, most prominently as a member of the Baltimore Orioles, where he was a three-time All-Star player and was a member of the 1983 World Series winning team. He also played for the New York Mets and the Montreal Expos.
Key Information
In 1982, Singleton was named the recipient of the Roberto Clemente Award and, in 1986, he was inducted into the Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame.[1] He went on to a long career as a broadcaster, most prominently for the New York Yankees from 1997 to 2021.
Early life
[edit]Singleton was born in Manhattan, a borough of New York City, and raised in nearby Mount Vernon. He played baseball in the Bronx Federation League at Macombs Dam Park, across the street from Yankee Stadium.
Singleton graduated from Mount Vernon High School, where he played baseball and basketball. After graduating in 1965, Singleton enrolled at Hofstra University on an athletic scholarship for basketball.[2]
Professional career
[edit]
The New York Mets chose Singleton in the first round, with the third overall pick, of the January phase of the 1967 Major League Baseball draft.[3] He signed with the Mets for a $10,000 signing bonus.[2] Singleton made his major league debut with the Mets on June 24, 1970, at the age of 23.[4]
On April 5, 1972, the Mets traded Singleton to the Montreal Expos with infielders Tim Foli and Mike Jorgensen for Rusty Staub.[5] Singleton's best year of the three in Montreal was 1973, when he led the league in on-base percentage (one of nine top-ten finishes in that category over the course of his career) and collected 23 home runs, 103 runs batted in (RBIs) and a .302 batting average (his first .300 season).
On December 4, 1974, at the Winter Meetings, the Baltimore Orioles acquired Singleton and Mike Torrez from the Expos for Dave McNally, Rich Coggins and minor-league right-handed pitcher Bill Kirkpatrick.[6] During his ten years in Baltimore, Singleton played the best baseball of his career as the Orioles won two pennants, in 1979 and 1983, and won the 1983 World Series. In 1977, he posted a .328 batting average and a .438 on-base percentage, both career highs.[4] He finished second in the American League with a 6.9 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) behind only Rod Carew and, his .945 On-base plus slugging (OPS) was third behind only Carew and Jim Rice.[7]
Singleton finished second to Don Baylor in the American League Most Valuable Player Award voting in 1979 after establishing career-highs with 35 home runs and 111 RBI,[4] the former being a franchise record for a switch-hitter in a season until it was surpassed by Anthony Santander in 2024.[8] He accumulated 1,455 hits as an Oriole.[9]
He was described by his manager with the Orioles Earl Weaver as "the kind of hitter who can start a rally by getting on base or end one by driving in the winning run." Being a slow runner was the only deficiency he had as a ballplayer. He stole just 21 bases on 57 attempts in his career.[10] Singleton played in his final major league game on September 25, 1984, at the age of 37.[4] The Orioles elected not to renew the option year on his contract three days later on September 28.[11]
Career statistics
[edit]In a 15-year major league career, Singleton played in 2,082 games, accumulating 2,029 hits in 7,189 at bats for a .282 career batting average along with 246 home runs, 1,065 runs batted in and an on-base percentage of .388.[4] He had a career .980 fielding percentage.[4] Singleton ranks among the Orioles all-time leaders in numerous offensive statistics.[12] In his 10 years as an Oriole, he hit .290 or better in 5 of those years. An All-Star in 1977, 1979 and 1981, he won the Roberto Clemente Award in 1982. His highest finish in the Most Valuable Player Award balloting was in 1979, when he finished second to Don Baylor.[13] He was third in 1977, behind Al Cowens and the winner, Rod Carew.[14]
Broadcasting career
[edit]
After retiring as a baseball player, Singleton began his broadcasting career as a sportscaster for WJZ-TV in Baltimore in the mid-1980s and TSN in Canada, first as a color commentator on telecasts for the Toronto Blue Jays (1985 and 1986) and then as a television color commentator and as a radio play-by-play and color commentator for the Montreal Expos (1987–1996).
From 1997-2021, Singleton was a commentator for the New York Yankees on the YES Network and WPIX, serving as both a color commentator and play-by-play announcer, along with partner and play-by-play announcer Michael Kay. He also worked as an announcer for Yankee games on the MSG Network, before the inception of YES and joined the Yankees broadcasting team in 1997.

His trademark calls include "This one is gone" for a home run and "Look out!" for a hard hit foul ball into the crowd or dugout, or when a pitch comes close to/hits a batter. He will also occasionally call a pitch a "chuck and duck" for a ball hit right back toward the pitcher. He also calls a pitch down the heart of the plate a "cookie".
On March 12, 2018, Singleton initially announced that he would be retiring from the broadcasting booth after the 2018 season.[15] However, on August 9, 2018, he announced that he had decided to postpone his retirement until after the 2019 season.[16] During the Yankees-Rays broadcast on YES on September 25, 2019, Singleton announced he would be returning to the Yankees booth for the 2020 season.[17][18] According to the New York Post, Singleton announced that he would be retiring after the 2021 season.[19] On October 2, 2021 during the penultimate game of the regular season, he officially announced his retirement on air to take effect the following day.[20]
Personal life
[edit]Singleton is a cousin of former NBA player and former Philadelphia 76ers head coach Glenn "Doc" Rivers,[21][22] and the father of former minor league outfielder Justin Singleton.
Singleton grew up in a house in Mount Vernon, New York, once owned by the family of former Brooklyn Dodger Ralph Branca.[23] According to broadcast references, Singleton still resides in the Baltimore area.
Singleton sits on the Board of Directors for the Cool Kids Campaign, a non-profit organization based in Towson, Maryland.[24] One of Singleton's roles on the Board of Directors is to host the Celebrity Golf Tournament each June.[25]
In the 1986 edition of the Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract, James' wife Susan McCarthy picked Ken Singleton as one of the best-looking players in the 1970s. In a subsequent edition, James wrote that, upon reading the entry, Singleton sent her a thank-you card.[26]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame at MLB.com". mlb.com. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
- ^ a b Goldaper, Sam (August 16, 1970). "Fred Doubles Singleton Family Name". The New York Times. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
- ^ "1967 Major League Baseball Draft". thebaseballcube.com. Archived from the original on August 13, 2011. Retrieved November 24, 2011.
- ^ a b c d e f "Ken Singleton statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved November 24, 2011.
- ^ "Yogi Berra Is Named Manager of Mets". The New York Times. April 7, 1972. Retrieved December 16, 2023.
- ^ "Orioles Trade McNally To Montreal Expos; Five-Player Deal Completed," The Associated Press (AP), Thursday, December 5, 1974. Retrieved March 20, 2016
- ^ "1977 American League Batting Leaders". Baseball Reference. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
- ^ Rill, Jake. "Switch-hitting Santander makes Orioles homer history," MLB.com, Tuesday, August 13, 2024. Retrieved August 14, 2024.
- ^ 100 Things Orioles Fans Should Know and Do Before They Die, Dan Connolly, Triumph Books, Chicago, 2015, ISBN 978-1-62937-041-5, p.127
- ^ Keith, Larry. "Beat feet but eyes right," Sports Illustrated, July 25, 1977. Retrieved December 18, 2020
- ^ "Sports People: Orioles Clean House," The New York Times, Saturday, September 29, 1984. Retrieved January 22, 2023.
- ^ "Baltimore Orioles All-Time Hitting Leaders". mlb.com. Retrieved April 16, 2022.
- ^ "1979 American League Most Valuable Player Award balloting". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved November 24, 2011.
- ^ "1977 American League Most Valuable Player Award balloting". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved November 24, 2011.
- ^ "Ken Singleton is leaving the Yankees booth". New York Post. March 12, 2018. Retrieved March 12, 2018.
- ^ "Ken Singleton postpones retirement, returning to Yankees' TV booth in 2019". NJ.com. August 9, 2018. Retrieved August 9, 2018.
- ^ @YESNetwork (September 25, 2019). "HE'S COMING BACK!!" (Tweet). Retrieved December 18, 2019 – via Twitter.
- ^ "Beloved Yankees Announcer Ken Singleton Announces He's Returning for 2020 Season". 12UP.com. September 26, 2019. Retrieved December 18, 2019.
- ^ Marchand, Andrew (March 31, 2021). "Ken Singleton expected to retire from Yankees' YES booth — for real this time". New York Post. New York. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
- ^ The Athletic Staff (October 2, 2021). "Yankees broadcaster Ken Singleton announces retirement during broadcast". The Athletic. Archived from the original on October 2, 2021. Retrieved October 2, 2021.
- ^ Doc Rivers Coaching Info Archived March 7, 2009, at the Wayback Machine at NBA.com
- ^ InsideHoops.com – Doc Rivers
- ^ "Beat Feet But Eyes Right". CNN. July 25, 1977. Archived from the original on January 2, 2013.
- ^ "Board of Directors | Cool Kids Campaign". www.coolkidscampaign.org. Archived from the original on March 22, 2012.
- ^ "Ken Singleton Celebrity Golf Classic | Cool Kids Campaign". www.coolkidscampaign.org. Archived from the original on March 11, 2012.
- ^ James, Bill (May 11, 2010). The New Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract. Simon & Schuster. p. 799. ISBN 9781439106938.
External links
[edit]- Career statistics from MLB · Baseball Reference · Fangraphs · Baseball Reference (Minors) · Retrosheet · Baseball Almanac
Ken Singleton
View on GrokipediaEarly Life and Education
Childhood and Family
Kenneth Wayne Singleton was born on June 10, 1947, in Manhattan, New York City, to parents Joe Singleton, a postal worker at the General Post Office Building, and Lucille (Hathaway) Singleton, an insurance underwriter.[4][5] The family initially lived in East Harlem before briefly moving to Stamford, Connecticut, and then settling in Mount Vernon, New York, a suburb just north of the Bronx, where they resided in a home previously owned by the family of former Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher Ralph Branca.[4][6] Growing up in this working-class environment, Singleton gained a younger brother, Fred—born shortly before Ken turned five—who later became a standout hurdler and co-captain of Penn State's 1974 IC4A championship team.[4] Singleton's early fascination with baseball stemmed from his father's deep enthusiasm for the sport; Joe Singleton kept games on television constantly, particularly during the era of Jackie Robinson's integration of Major League Baseball in 1947.[4] At age four, Singleton attended his first professional game at Ebbets Field, watching the Brooklyn Dodgers, which ignited his lifelong passion.[4] He honed his skills playing stickball in the streets of Mount Vernon and organized baseball at Macombs Dam Park in the Bronx, directly across from Yankee Stadium.[4] As a child, Singleton started as a left-handed hitter around age five but adapted to right-handed batting after noticing his peers' styles, laying the groundwork for his eventual development as a switch-hitter in youth leagues.[4] His parents, both employed full-time, instilled a strong value on balancing education with athletics, supporting his pursuits in baseball and basketball while prioritizing the former—Joe Singleton even steered his son away from football despite coaching overtures, citing safety concerns.[4][7] This familial foundation emphasized discipline and opportunity in a modest household where professional games remained a distant aspiration until Singleton's talent emerged.[4]Schooling and Athletic Beginnings
Ken Singleton graduated from Mount Vernon High School in Mount Vernon, New York, in 1965, where he excelled in both baseball and basketball.[4] In baseball, he developed into a serious switch-hitter while competing in the Federation League, notably going 4-for-5 with a home run and two doubles in a key game that highlighted his emerging talent.[4] Although he considered football, Singleton focused on baseball and basketball, earning a basketball scholarship to Hofstra University based on his high school performances.[4][8] At Hofstra University from 1965 to 1967, Singleton initially prioritized basketball, averaging 18 points per game as a freshman on the scholarship team.[4] However, he also participated in college baseball for the Pride, batting .327 over his tenure and refining his switch-hitting skills further.[4] That summer, his standout .425 batting average in the Federation League convinced him to shift his primary focus toward baseball, forgoing additional basketball commitments.[4] These performances at Hofstra showcased his versatility and potential as a professional prospect.[4] In the 1967 MLB January Amateur Draft, Singleton was selected third overall in the first round by the New York Mets as an amateur free agent, prompting him to leave college early and sign a professional contract for a $7,500 bonus.[4][2] Following the signing, witnessed by his father and Mets scout Bubber Jonnard, he entered the Mets' farm system for initial development.[4] Singleton's early minor league assignments began in 1967 with the Winter Haven Mets of the Florida State League (Class A), where he played 102 games, batted .277, and led the league with 87 walks and a .451 on-base percentage; he also participated in the Mets' Instructional League in Florida later that year, where coaches emphasized his switch-hitting mechanics and overall plate discipline.[4][9] In 1968, he advanced through Raleigh-Durham of the Carolina League (Class A), Visalia of the California League (Class A), and the Jacksonville Suns of the International League (Class AAA), hitting .284 overall while focusing on building power from both sides of the plate and adapting to professional pitching as a top prospect.[9] This period marked his transition from collegiate athlete to professional hopeful, honing the skills that would define his career.[4]MLB Playing Career
New York Mets and Montreal Expos
Ken Singleton made his major league debut with the New York Mets on June 24, 1970, at age 23, starting in left field against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.[10] He went hitless in four at-bats that day but recorded his first career hit—an RBI single—and his first home run on June 26, 1970, in Montreal against the Expos.[10] In 69 games that season, primarily as a late-season call-up, Singleton batted .263 with five home runs and 26 RBIs, displaying early signs of power despite a hamstring injury that sidelined him for the final two months.[1] Singleton's playing time increased in 1971 to 115 games, where he shared outfield duties amid a crowded Mets roster featuring Cleon Jones, Tommie Agee, and John Milner.[10] Batting .245 with 13 home runs and 46 RBIs, he showed further development as a switch-hitter but remained without a fixed everyday role.[1] On April 5, 1972, the Mets traded Singleton, shortstop Tim Foli, and first baseman Mike Jorgensen to the Montreal Expos in exchange for outfielder Rusty Staub, providing Singleton his first opportunity for regular playing time.[11] In Montreal, Singleton shifted primarily to right field and solidified his status as a promising outfielder with improved plate discipline, drawing more walks as he adjusted to full-time duty.[10] He appeared in 142 games during the 1972 season, batting .274 with 14 home runs and 50 RBIs after overcoming an early slump attributed to an allergy to his wool uniform, which resolved upon switching to a custom double-knit jersey in July.[1] Singleton's breakout came in 1973, when he played every game for the Expos, batting .302 with 23 home runs, 103 RBIs—the first 100-RBI season by an Expos player—and a league-leading .425 on-base percentage fueled by 123 walks, earning ninth place in National League MVP voting and All-Star consideration.[1] In 1974, he logged 148 games, batting .276 with 9 home runs and 74 RBIs despite a midseason wrist injury that hampered his second-half production.[1] Over three seasons with the Expos (452 games total), Singleton contributed 227 RBIs and helped the franchise post its best records to that point, including 79-83 in 1973.[1] The Expos traded Singleton and pitcher Mike Torrez to the Baltimore Orioles on December 4, 1974, in exchange for Dave McNally, Rich Coggins, and Bill Kirkpatrick, concluding his National League career after 636 total games.[11]Baltimore Orioles
Singleton joined the Baltimore Orioles via trade from the Montreal Expos on December 4, 1974, along with pitcher Mike Torrez, in exchange for Dave McNally, Rich Coggins, and Bill Kirkpatrick.[1] As a key addition to the outfield, he immediately made an impact in his 1975 debut season, batting .300 while providing strong defense in right field with a .990 fielding percentage and strong arm that limited opponents' advances.[1][4] Singleton's peak years with the Orioles showcased his switch-hitting prowess and consistency. In 1977, he batted .328—third in the American League behind Rod Carew's .388—while contending for the batting title and earning All-Star honors with 24 home runs.[1] His 1979 season marked a career high, slashing .295/.399/.533 with 35 home runs and 111 RBI, finishing second in AL MVP voting.[1] He followed with a strong performance in 1980 as a designated hitter (.304 average, 24 home runs, 104 RBI) and in 1981 (.278 average, 13 home runs), maintaining 20+ home runs and over .300 batting average in several prime seasons from 1977 to 1980.[4][1] Singleton played a vital role in the Orioles' 1983 World Series championship, contributing to their 3-1 ALCS victory over the Chicago White Sox in four games with a .250 average, including two doubles in 12 at-bats.[12] In the World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies, limited by the lack of a DH spot, he appeared in two games with one at-bat but drew a crucial bases-loaded walk in Game 4 to tie the score, helping pave the way for Baltimore's 4-1 series victory.[4] Over his full decade with the Orioles from 1975 to 1984, Singleton amassed 1,455 hits in 1,446 games, batting .284 overall while serving as a captain-like leader in the clubhouse, earning praise from manager Earl Weaver for his consistency and professionalism akin to Orioles legends Brooks Robinson and Frank Robinson.[1][4] Singleton retired at age 37 following the 1984 season, during which he hit .215 amid a late-career 35-game on-base streak (reaching base via hit or walk) that highlighted his plate discipline despite declining production.[4] His decision was influenced by nagging injuries, including knee surgery in 1982 and a right instep issue in 1984, as well as a desire to prioritize family time over pursuing opportunities with other teams.[4][13]Career Statistics and Honors
Statistical Achievements
Ken Singleton's MLB career, spanning 15 seasons from 1970 to 1984, featured consistent offensive production across 2,082 games played. He recorded 2,029 hits in 7,189 at-bats for a .282 batting average, along with 985 runs scored, 246 home runs, and 1,065 runs batted in. His plate discipline was evident in 1,263 walks drawn, contributing to a .388 on-base percentage, while his .436 slugging percentage yielded an .824 OPS and a 132 OPS+, signifying 32% above league-average offensive output adjusted for ballparks and era.[1] As one of the premier switch-hitters of his generation, Singleton distributed his power evenly, amassing 246 home runs—a total that ranked third among switch-hitters at the time of his retirement, behind only Mickey Mantle and one other. With the Baltimore Orioles from 1975 to 1984, he excelled in 1,446 games, batting .284 with 1,455 hits, 182 home runs, and 766 RBI, establishing himself as a cornerstone of their lineup.[4][14] Singleton's defensive contributions came primarily in the outfield, where he appeared in 1,311 games with a .982 fielding percentage and 92 assists, showcasing reliable play in right field during his prime years. Advanced metrics further underscore his value: Baseball-Reference credits him with 41.8 WAR, encompassing 35.1 from batting, 4.4 from baserunning, and 2.3 from fielding. He also reached base 3,309 times in his career, a figure that placed him 148th all-time upon retirement. One notable highlight was his MLB-record 10 consecutive at-bats with a hit in April 1981, achieved over three games against the Chicago White Sox.[1][15][16][17] The following table summarizes Singleton's career batting statistics:| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 2,082 |
| At Bats | 7,189 |
| Hits | 2,029 |
| Batting Average | .282 |
| Home Runs | 246 |
| Runs Batted In | 1,065 |
| On-Base Percentage | .388 |
| Slugging Percentage | .436 |
| OPS | .824 |
| OPS+ | 132 |
| Wins Above Replacement | 41.8 |