Bert Campaneris facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bert Campaneris
Campaneris in 2012
Shortstop
Born: (1942-03-09) March 9, 1942 (age 83) Pueblo Nuevo, Cuba
Batted: Right Threw: Right
debut
July 23, 1964, for the Kansas City Athletics
Last appearance
October 1, 1983, for the New York Yankees
MLB statistics
Batting average	.259
Hits	2,249
Home runs	79
Runs batted in	646
Stolen bases	649
Teams
Kansas City / Oakland Athletics (1964–1976) Texas Rangers (1977–1979) California Angels (1979–1981) New York Yankees (1983)
Career highlights and awards
6× All-Star (1968, 1972–1975, 1977) 3× World Series champion (1972–1974) 6× AL stolen base leader (1965–1968, 1970, 1972) Athletics Hall of Fame
Medals Representing CUB Amateur World Series Gold 1961 San José Team

Dagoberto Campaneris Blanco (born March 9, 1942), known as "Bert" or "Campy", is a Cuban American former professional baseball player. He was a shortstop in Major League Baseball (MLB). Bert played for four teams in the American League (AL), mostly for the Kansas City / Oakland Athletics.

Campaneris was a key player for the Athletics when they won three championships in a row from 1972 to 1974. He holds several team records for the A's, including most career games played (1795) and hits (1882). In 2019, he was honored by being added to the Athletics Hall of Fame.

Bert was known for his speed, leading the AL in stolen bases six times. He finished his career with 649 stolen bases, which was the seventh-most in MLB history at the time. He was also a great defensive player. He led the league in putouts three times. His career numbers at shortstop place him among the best ever for games played and double plays. Bert Campaneris is also the second cousin of former MLB player Jose Cardenal. They grew up close to each other in Matanzas, Cuba.

Bert Campaneris's Baseball Journey

Starting His Professional Career

Bert Campaneris first caught the eye of baseball scouts while playing for the Cuba national baseball team. This was during the 1961 Amateur World Series. He was signed by a scout for the Kansas City Athletics. Bert was one of the last players to sign with a major league team before it became very hard for Cubans to leave their country.

Campaneris was a smaller player, about 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 160 pounds. He became a very important player for the A's teams in the 1960s and 1970s.

An Amazing MLB Debut

On July 23, 1964, Bert made his MLB debut with Kansas City. It was an incredible first game! He hit two home runs. His first home run came on the very first pitch he saw from pitcher Jim Kaat. Only a few players in MLB history have hit two home runs in their first game. Besides his home runs, he also got a single, walked, and stole a base in that game.

In 1964, the Athletics' owner, Charlie O. Finley, even had a fun promotion. Campy rode a donkey onto the field from the bullpen!

Leading the League in Speed

In 1965, Campaneris showed off his speed. He led the Kansas City team in batting average (.270). He also tied for the league lead in triples (12) and stolen bases (51). His 51 stolen bases were the most by an Athletics player in over 50 years! He also broke Luis Aparicio's long streak of leading the American League in stolen bases.

When the Athletics moved to Oakland in 1968, Campaneris continued to shine. He led the league in hits (177) and steals (62).

Setting a Stolen Base Record

From June 10 to June 21, 1969, Campaneris set a major league record. He stole a base in twelve games in a row! This record still stands today.

In 1970, Bert had a great year. He hit .279 and had career highs in home runs (22) and runs batted in (64). He also led the league in steals for the fifth time (42). He was also getting better and better at defense. In one game, he helped turn six double plays, which set an AL record.

Postseason Excitement

Bert Campaneris played in 37 postseason games. He had 11 RBIs, 3 home runs, and stole 6 bases. He was a big part of the A's success.

The Bat-Throwing Incident

In Game 2 of the 1972 American League Championship Series, Campaneris was playing against the Detroit Tigers. He was having a great game with three hits and two stolen bases. Then, a pitch hit him in the ankle. Campaneris reacted by throwing his bat towards the pitcher. Both teams' benches cleared, and both Campaneris and the pitcher were kicked out of the game.

Bert was fined $500 and suspended for the rest of the ALCS. However, he was allowed to play in the 1972 World Series against the Cincinnati Reds, which the A's won!

World Series Wins

In the 1973 American League Championship Series, the A's played the Baltimore Orioles. Campaneris started Game 2 with a home run. He also hit a game-winning home run in the 11th inning of Game 3. The A's won that series.

In Game 7 of the 1973 World Series against the New York Mets, Bert and Reggie Jackson both hit two-run home runs in the third inning. These were the only two home runs the A's hit in the entire series! The A's took a 4–0 lead and went on to win the World Series again. Campaneris caught the final out of the series, making them champions for the second year in a row. They won again in 1974, completing a "three-peat."

Later Career and Retirement

After the 1976 season, Bert signed with the Texas Rangers. He later played for the California Angels.

In 1983, Campaneris returned to the major leagues with the New York Yankees. He had a great batting average of .322 in 60 games before he retired.

Over his 19-year career, Campaneris had a batting average of .259. He hit 79 home runs, had 646 RBIs, and scored 1,181 runs. He also collected 2,249 hits. His 649 stolen bases rank him among the top players in MLB history. He still holds many Athletics franchise records for a shortstop, including games played, at bats, putouts, assists, and double plays.

Playing All Nine Positions

Campaneris playing in a charity baseball game, 2010

In 1965, Campaneris did something truly unique. He became the first player to play every position in a single major league game! This happened on September 8 in a game against the California Angels.

The team owner, Charlie Finley, came up with this idea to attract more fans, and it worked! Bert played a different position in each of the first nine innings. He started at shortstop, then moved to second base, third base, left field, center field, right field, first base, pitcher, and finally, catcher. When he was pitching, he even threw with both his left and right hands! His amazing night ended when he got a small shoulder injury while tagging out a runner at home plate.

Since then, only a few other players have played all nine positions in a major league game. In 2015, actor Will Ferrell even played in five Major League Baseball Spring training games at all nine positions to honor Campaneris.

After Baseball

After retiring from playing, Campaneris wanted to coach in the Major Leagues. He eventually got a chance to coach defense and base running for the Seibu Lions in Japan in 1987. The Lions won the Japan Series in both 1987 and 1988!

Bert Campaneris now lives in Scottsdale, Arizona. He often plays in Old-Timers' games and helps with baseball camps. He also takes part in charity golf tournaments through the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association.

See also