Ken Landreaux facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ken Landreaux |
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| Center fielder | |||
| Born: December 22, 1954 Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
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| debut | |||
| September 11, 1977, for the California Angels | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| October 4, 1987, for the Los Angeles Dodgers | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .268 | ||
| Home runs | 91 | ||
| Runs batted in | 479 | ||
| Teams | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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Kenneth Francis Landreaux (born December 22, 1954) is a former professional baseball player from the United States. He was a center fielder in Major League Baseball (MLB). Ken played for the California Angels, Minnesota Twins, and Los Angeles Dodgers. His career in the big leagues lasted from 1977 to 1987.
Contents
Ken Landreaux's Baseball Journey
Starting His Career
Ken Landreaux grew up in Compton, California. After finishing high school at Dominguez High School, he was picked by the Houston Astros in the 1973 baseball draft. However, Ken decided to go to college instead. He attended Arizona State University. While playing baseball there, he reached the College World Series in both 1975 and 1976. He played alongside other future MLB stars like Floyd Bannister and Bob Horner.
Joining the Angels
In 1976, the California Angels drafted Ken in the first round. He made his first MLB appearance on September 11, 1977. In that game against the Chicago White Sox, Ken showed off his strong arm. He threw out three runners from the outfield!
Time with the Twins
In 1979, Ken was traded to the Minnesota Twins. This trade was part of a bigger deal that sent star player Rod Carew to the Angels. In 1980, Ken had an amazing season. He set a new record for the Minnesota Twins with a 31-game hitting streak. This means he got at least one hit in 31 games in a row! It was one of the longest hitting streaks in the American League since 1949. Ken still holds this record for the Twins.
Becoming a Dodger Champion
In 1981, Ken Landreaux was traded again, this time to the Los Angeles Dodgers. He became a key part of the 1981 World Series champion Dodgers team. Ken even caught the final out of the 1981 World Series. It was a fly ball hit to center field, and Ken caught it to seal the championship!
His best seasons were in 1982 and 1983. Ken often batted second in the Dodgers' lineup. He and leadoff hitter Steve Sax were a great duo. They were known for getting on base and setting up scoring chances. In those years, Ken hit over .280 and stole at least 30 bases each season. In 1983, he hit a career-high 17 home runs. He played with the Dodgers until he finished his MLB career in 1987.
Life After Baseball
After his playing career, Ken Landreaux faced some challenges. He later found a way to help others. He worked as a counselor at a health center. Ken also teamed up with former baseball player Darrell Jackson. Together, they started the Athletic Connection Team. This group helps athletes who are dealing with personal struggles.
Today, Ken Landreaux spends his time teaching young baseball players. He works at the Urban Youth Academy in Compton, helping the next generation. In 2012, Ken returned to Arizona State University. He earned his Bachelor of Liberal Studies Degree in 2014.
Family Connections
Ken Landreaux has a famous cousin who also played in Major League Baseball. His cousin is Enos Cabell, who was a third baseman.
