Dick McAuliffe facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Dick McAuliffe
McAuliffe with the Detroit Tigers in 1966
Second baseman / Shortstop
Born: (1939-11-29)November 29, 1939 Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
Died: May 13, 2016(2016-05-13) (aged 76) Farmington, Connecticut, U.S.
Batted: Left Threw: Right
debut
September 17, 1960, for the Detroit Tigers
Last appearance
September 1, 1975, for the Boston Red Sox
MLB statistics
Batting average	.247
Home runs	197
Runs batted in	697
Teams
Detroit Tigers (1960–1973) Boston Red Sox (1974–1975)
Career highlights and awards
3× All-Star (1965–1967) World Series champion (1968)

Richard John McAuliffe (born November 29, 1939 – died May 13, 2016) was an American professional baseball player. He played as a shortstop and second baseman in Major League Baseball (MLB). He played for the Detroit Tigers from 1960 to 1973. Later, he joined the Boston Red Sox from 1974 to 1975.

McAuliffe was a key player for the Tigers when they won the 1968 World Series. He was also known for his unique way of standing when he batted. As a left-handed hitter, he held his hands very high. His body faced the pitcher in an open stance. When the pitcher threw the ball, he would quickly move his front foot into a normal position before swinging.

Early Baseball Years

Dick McAuliffe was born in Hartford, Connecticut. He went to Farmington High School in Farmington, Connecticut. His team won the state championship in 1957. After high school, McAuliffe signed with the Detroit Tigers. He spent three seasons playing in the Tigers' minor league teams.

In 1960, he played for the Knoxville Smokies. He was a top player in the Sally League. He led the league in runs scored (109) and triples (21). He also had many assists (430) as a shortstop. He joined the major leagues at the end of the 1960 season. His first MLB game was on September 17, 1960.

Playing for the Detroit Tigers

In 1961 and 1962, McAuliffe played both shortstop and second base. From 1963 to 1966, he became the Tigers' main shortstop. Even with his unusual batting style, he was a strong hitter for the Tigers in the 1960s. In 1964, he hit a career-high 24 home runs. This was the most home runs by any Tiger player that year.

In 1965, he was chosen to be the starting shortstop for the American League All-Star team. He played well, getting two hits, a home run, and two runs batted in. In 1966, he ranked high in the league for his on-base percentage and slugging percentage.

In 1967, McAuliffe agreed to move to second base. This allowed another player, Ray Oyler, to play shortstop. Even with the position change, McAuliffe was picked for his third straight All-Star team. The 1967 season was very exciting. The Tigers, Boston Red Sox, Minnesota Twins, and Chicago White Sox were all fighting for the championship. The Tigers lost their final game and finished just one game behind the Red Sox. McAuliffe was a key player that season. He ranked high in the American League for walks, runs, triples, and home runs.

Winning the 1968 World Series

McAuliffe played a very important part in the Tigers' 1968 World Championship season. He had a good on-base percentage of .344. He led the American League with 95 runs scored. He also hit 50 extra-base hits, showing his power. He set a major league record in 1968. He went the entire season without hitting into a double play. He is the only American League player to do this.

McAuliffe also got better at playing defense in 1968. He made fewer errors than the year before. He finished second among American League second basemen in fielding percentage. He was also voted seventh for the 1968 American League Most Valuable Player Award. Three of his teammates, Denny McLain, Bill Freehan, and Willie Horton, finished ahead of him.

On August 22, 1968, McAuliffe was involved in an incident with Chicago White Sox pitcher Tommy John. After a pitch came close to his head, McAuliffe went towards the mound. There was a brief fight, and John was unable to play for the rest of the season. McAuliffe was suspended for five games. McAuliffe later said he believed the pitcher was throwing at him on purpose.

In the 1968 World Series, McAuliffe played all seven games at second base. He scored 5 runs, had 6 hits, and hit one home run. His steady play helped the team. It allowed manager Mayo Smith to make a big change. He moved center fielder Mickey Stanley to shortstop for the World Series. This helped the Tigers have a stronger batting lineup against the St. Louis Cardinals and their star pitcher, Bob Gibson.

Time with the Boston Red Sox

McAuliffe playing for the Boston Red Sox in 1974

McAuliffe continued to be the Tigers' main second baseman until the end of the 1973 season. He was then traded to the Boston Red Sox on October 23, 1973. In 1974, McAuliffe played 100 games for the Red Sox.

In 1975, he started the year as a manager for Boston's minor league team, the Bristol Red Sox. This team was in his home state of Connecticut. He led Bristol to first place in their league. In August, he was called back to Boston to play again as a utility infielder. However, he only played seven more games. His career ended on September 1, 1975. His performance declined, and he was released. He was not on Boston's team for the playoffs, and his major league career was over.

Career Statistics

McAuliffe was often among the top players in the American League for triples. He was also good at getting walks, which helped his overall hitting. He ended his career with a .343 on-base percentage.

After Baseball

After he stopped playing baseball, McAuliffe owned a business for ten years. It fixed and installed coin-operated washers and dryers. He also ran baseball schools. In 1979, McAuliffe played professional softball for the New England Pilgrims.

Death

Dick McAuliffe passed away on May 13, 2016, at the age of 76.

See also

• List of Major League Baseball annual runs scored leaders