Chris Chambliss facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chris Chambliss |
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| First baseman | |||
| Born: December 26, 1948 Dayton, Ohio, U.S. |
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| debut | |||
| May 28, 1971, for the Cleveland Indians | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| May 8, 1988, for the New York Yankees | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .279 | ||
| Hits | 2,109 | ||
| Home runs | 185 | ||
| Runs batted in | 972 | ||
| Teams | |||
As player
As coach
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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Carroll Christopher "Chris" Chambliss (born December 26, 1948) is a former American professional baseball player and coach. He played as a first baseman in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1971 to 1988. He played for the Cleveland Indians, New York Yankees, and Atlanta Braves.
Chambliss had a very successful career. He won the American League Rookie of the Year Award in 1971. In 1976, he was an All-Star and hit a famous home run to win the 1976 American League Championship Series for the Yankees. He helped the Yankees win the World Series in 1977 and 1978. As a coach, he won four more World Series championships with the Yankees.
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Early Life and College
Chris Chambliss was born in Dayton, Ohio, on December 26, 1948. His father was a chaplain in the United States Navy, so his family moved around a lot. They eventually settled in Oceanside, California, where Chris played baseball in high school.
After high school, Chambliss played college baseball at MiraCosta College. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds twice but chose to continue his education. He transferred to the University of California, a Los Angeles (UCLA) and had a great season in 1969, leading the team with 15 home runs.
Playing in the Major Leagues
Cleveland Indians
In 1970, the Cleveland Indians chose Chambliss with the first pick in the MLB draft. He started in the minor leagues and played so well that he was quickly brought up to the major leagues. In 1971, his first full season with the Indians, he was named the American League's Rookie of the Year. He was known for being a great hitter, especially in important situations.
New York Yankees
In 1974, Chambliss was traded to the New York Yankees. This trade was a big deal at the time, but it worked out well for the Yankees. Chambliss became a key player for the team. He once said, "If you're not having fun [in baseball], you miss the point of everything."
The Famous 1976 Home Run
One of the most memorable moments of Chambliss's career happened in 1976. It was the final game of the 1976 American League Championship Series against the Kansas City Royals. The score was tied in the bottom of the ninth inning. Chambliss hit the very first pitch for a walk-off home run, which means it instantly won the game.
This home run sent the Yankees to the World Series for the first time since 1964. Chambliss was the star of the series, hitting .524 with two home runs and eight RBIs.
The "Chris Chambliss Rule"
When Chambliss hit his game-winning home run, thousands of excited fans rushed onto the field at Yankee Stadium. He was surrounded by people as he ran the bases. Because of the crowd, he couldn't touch home plate. He had to be escorted back onto the field later to touch the spot where the plate used to be, because a fan had stolen it!
Because of this chaotic event, MLB created a new rule. It is sometimes called the "Chris Chambliss Rule." The rule allows an umpire to award a player a run if they can't touch home plate because fans are on the field.
World Series Champion
Chambliss and the Yankees went on to win the World Series in 1977 and 1978. In 1978, he also won a Gold Glove Award, which is given to the best defensive player at each position.
Later Career
After the 1979 season, Chambliss was traded and eventually joined the Atlanta Braves. He played for the Braves from 1980 to 1986. He returned to the Yankees for one final at-bat in 1988 before retiring as a player. He finished his career with a .279 batting average and 185 home runs.
Coaching Career
After he stopped playing, Chambliss became a successful coach. He started as a manager in the minor leagues. In 1990, his team, the London Tigers, won their league championship. He was named the Minor League Manager of the Year.
He later became the hitting coach for several MLB teams, including the Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Mets, and Cincinnati Reds. As the Yankees' hitting coach, he was part of four more World Series championship teams (1996, 1998, 1999, and 2000).
Personal Life
Chambliss's cousin is Jo Jo White, a former professional basketball player. His son, Russell, is also involved in baseball as a hitting coach in the minor leagues.
See also
- List of Major League Baseball career hits leaders
- List of St. Louis Cardinals coaches
