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 shortstop. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for four teams, mostly for the Kansas City / Oakland Athletics.

Bert was a key player for the Athletics when they won three World Series championships in a row from 1972 to 1974. He holds several records for the Athletics team, including the most games played (1795), hits (1882), and at bats (7180).

Campaneris was famous for his speed, leading the American League in stolen bases six times. He ended his career with 649 stolen bases, which is one of the highest totals in MLB history. He was also a strong defensive player, leading the league in putouts three times. He ranks among the all-time MLB leaders for shortstops in games played and double plays.

Playing Baseball Professionally

How Bert Campaneris Started His Career

Bert Campaneris first caught the eye of baseball scouts while playing for the Cuba national baseball team in 1961. 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 small player, about 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 160 pounds. He became a very important player for the Athletics teams in the 1960s and 1970s.

Bert's Amazing MLB Debut

On July 23, 1964, Campaneris made his debut with the Kansas City Athletics. In his very first game, he hit two home runs! The first home run came on the first pitch he ever saw in the major leagues. Only a few other players in MLB history have hit two home runs in their first game.

That day, he also got a single, walked, and stole a base. It was a truly memorable start to his career.

Leading the League in Stolen Bases

In 1965, Campaneris led the Kansas City Athletics in batting average with .270. He also led the league in triples and stolen bases with 51. This was the most stolen bases by an Athletics player since 1914.

When the Athletics team moved to Oakland in 1968, Campaneris continued to shine. He led the league in hits (177), stolen bases (62), and at bats (642).

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.

Bert's Best Seasons and Defensive Skills

In 1970, Campaneris had a great year. He batted .279 and hit a career-high 22 home runs and 64 runs batted in. He also led the league in stolen bases for the fifth time with 42.

He was also very good at defense. In 1972, he led all American League shortstops in total chances. He also broke the team record for career stolen bases. Campaneris was also known for his bunting skills, leading the league in sacrifice hits multiple times.

Postseason Success and Challenges

Campaneris played in 37 postseason games. He had 11 runs batted in, with three home runs, four doubles, and a triple. He also scored 15 runs and stole six bases.

In 1972, during the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers, Campaneris was hit by a pitch. He reacted by throwing his bat, which led to both him and the pitcher being ejected from the game. He was suspended for the rest of the series but was allowed to play in the World Series, which the Athletics won.

In the 1973 playoffs, Campaneris played a huge role in helping the A's win against the Baltimore Orioles. He hit a home run to start Game 2. In Game 3, he hit a game-winning home run in the 11th inning. He had a great series, batting .308 with many hits, runs, RBIs, and stolen bases.

In Game 7 of the World Series against the New York Mets, Campaneris and Reggie Jackson both hit two-run home runs. These helped the A's win the game and become world champions again. Campaneris caught the final out of the series, securing the championship.

Later Career and Retirement

After the 1976 season, Campaneris signed with the Texas Rangers. Later, he was traded to the California Angels. He played as a shortstop and sometimes as a third baseman.

In 1982, he played in the Mexican League. Then, in 1983, he returned to the major leagues with the New York Yankees. He batted a career-high .322 in 60 games before he retired.

Over his 19-year career, Campaneris played 2,328 games. He had a batting average of .259, with 79 home runs, 646 RBIs, 1,181 runs, and 2,249 hits. His 649 stolen bases rank him among the top players in MLB history. He still holds several Athletics franchise records for shortstops, including career games, at bats, putouts, assists, and double plays.

Playing Every Position in One Game

What is "Playing All Nine Positions"?

On September 8, 1965, Bert Campaneris did something amazing. He became the first player in Major League Baseball history to play every position in a single game! This happened during a 13-inning game against the California Angels.

How Did Bert Play All Nine Positions?

Campaneris 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 night ended when he got a small shoulder injury while tagging out a runner at home plate.

Other Players Who Played All Nine Positions

Since Campaneris's incredible feat, only a few other players have managed to play all nine positions in a major league game. These include César Tovar (1968), Scott Sheldon (2000), Shane Halter (2000), and Andrew Romine (2017).

In 2015, actor Will Ferrell also played all nine positions in five different Major League Baseball Spring training games to honor Campaneris.

Life After Baseball

After retiring from playing, Bert Campaneris wanted to coach in the Major Leagues. He coached for a few minor league teams. In 1987, he got a job coaching defense and base running for the Seibu Lions in Japan. The Lions won the Japan Series in both 1987 and 1988.

Campaneris later played for the Gold Coast Suns in a senior professional baseball league in 1989. Even at 47 years old, he played well, hitting .291 and stealing 16 bases.

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

See also

Images for kids

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  Campaneris playing in a charity baseball game, 2010