Denis Menke facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Denis Menke |
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| Infielder | |||
| Born: July 21, 1940 Bancroft, Iowa |
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| Died: December 1, 2020 (aged 80) Tarpon Springs, Florida |
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| debut | |||
| April 14, 1962, for the Milwaukee Braves | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| July 10, 1974, for the Houston Astros | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .250 | ||
| Home runs | 101 | ||
| Runs batted in | 606 | ||
| Teams | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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Denis John Menke (born July 21, 1940 – died December 1, 2020) was a professional baseball player. He played as an infielder, which means he played positions like shortstop or third base.
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Who Was Denis Menke?
Denis Menke was a talented baseball player. He spent 13 seasons playing in Major League Baseball (MLB). He was known for his strong hitting and defense. He played for several teams during his career. These included the Milwaukee Braves, Atlanta Braves, Houston Astros, and Cincinnati Reds.
Early Life and Baseball Start
Denis Menke was born on July 21, 1940. His hometown was Bancroft, Iowa. He loved baseball from a young age. In 1958, he signed with the Milwaukee Braves. This was his first step toward playing in the big leagues.
Playing in the Major Leagues
Denis Menke made his big league debut in 1962. He quickly became a regular player by 1963. He played for the Braves for several years. He was a key part of their team.
Key Teams and Trades
In 1967, Menke was traded to the Houston Astros. He played for the Astros for four seasons. He was a very important player for them. Later, he was part of a big trade. He moved to the Cincinnati Reds in 1972. This trade involved many famous players. These included Joe Morgan, who later became a Hall of Famer.
All-Star Moments
Denis Menke was chosen for the Major League Baseball All-Star Game twice. He was an All-Star in 1969 and 1970. This shows he was one of the best players in baseball. Being an All-Star is a big honor for any player.
World Series Appearance
In 1972, Denis Menke played in the 1972 World Series. This is the championship series of Major League Baseball. His team, the Cincinnati Reds, played against the Oakland Athletics. Even though his team did not win, playing in the World Series is a huge achievement.
Later Life
After his playing career, Denis Menke stayed involved in baseball. He later became a coach for different teams. Denis Menke passed away on December 1, 2020. He was 80 years old. He died at his home in Tarpon Springs, Florida.
