Rod Kanehl facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rod Kanehl |
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Kanehl as a rookie in 1962
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| Utilityman | |||
| Born: April 1, 1934 Wichita, Kansas, U.S. |
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| Died: December 14, 2004 (aged 70) Palm Springs, California, U.S. |
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| debut | |||
| April 15, 1962, for the New York Mets | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| October 4, 1964, for the New York Mets | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .241 | ||
| Home runs | 6 | ||
| Runs batted in | 47 | ||
| Teams | |||
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Roderick "Rod" Edwin Kanehl (born April 1, 1934 – died December 14, 2004) was an American baseball player. He played as a second baseman and outfielder in Major League Baseball (MLB). Rod spent his entire career with the New York Mets from 1962 to 1964. Fans loved him for his great attitude. This was especially important for the Mets, who lost a record 120 games in their very first season. Kanehl made history by hitting the Mets' first ever grand slam on July 6, 1962. This big hit happened at the Polo Grounds stadium.
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Rod Kanehl's Baseball Journey
Before joining the major leagues, Rod Kanehl played for eight years. He was part of the New York Yankees' and Cincinnati Reds' minor league teams. In 1962, when he was 28, he got a chance to try out for the new New York Mets team.
Earning His Spot
During spring training, Rod worked incredibly hard to earn a spot on the team. He showed amazing effort, like when he leaped over an outfield wall to chase a ball. He also scored a run from second base on a wild pitch, which is a very difficult play. His strong effort and determined style of play earned him the nickname "Hot Rod."
Casey Stengel's Support
The Mets' manager, Casey Stengel, really liked Rod Kanehl. Stengel admired Rod's hustle and his strong desire to play the game well. This was true even though the team's general manager, George Weiss, had some doubts about him.
Career Highlights and Versatility
Rod Kanehl played in 340 games over his three-year career. He had a batting average of .241. He also hit six home runs and had 47 RBI (runs batted in). He scored 103 runs, hit 23 doubles, and stole 17 stolen bases.
Rod was known as a very versatile player. This means he could play many different positions on the field. He played every position except pitcher and catcher.
Life After Baseball
Rod Kanehl played his last major-league season in 1964. This was the year Shea Stadium opened. After that season, the Mets did not ask him to come back for spring training. They also stopped him from taking a minor league coaching job with the Yankees.
After his baseball career, Rod worked in construction and sold insurance. He later owned his own restaurant. When his former manager, Casey Stengel, passed away in 1975, Rod Kanehl was the only former Mets player who attended the funeral.
Rod Kanehl died at age 70 in Palm Springs, California. He passed away after having a heart attack.
Famous Quote
- Baseball is a lot like life. The line drives are caught, the squibbles go for base hits. It's an unfair game.
