Ken Boyer
| Birthdate | 05/20/1931 |
| Death Date | 09/07/1982 |
| Debut Year | 1955 |
| Year of Induction | |
| Teams | Cardinals, Dodgers, Mets, White Sox |
| Positions | First Base, Third Base |
Ken Boyer was an MVP, 11-time All Star, and five-time Gold Glover in St. Louis. He was inducted into the Cardinals Hall of Fame in 2014.
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Ken Boyer broke in with the Cardinals in 1955 and was an All Star by his second season
Ken Boyer broke in with the Cardinals in 1955 and was an All Star by his second season
Ken Boyer embarked on his big league career as a 23-year-old with the Cardinals in 1955. The following season he was selected for the first of his 11 All Star Games.
From 1956 through 1964 Boyer was at his best. During the nine-year run he averaged 25 homers, 96 RBI, and 6.1 WAR per season. The five-time Gold Glover established himself as one of baseball’s most valuable players.
Shown here is a Topps Chewing Gum contract for Ken Boyer to appear on trading cards. Here Boyer acknowledges receiving a $75 check from the company which grants the three-year extension through the 1964 season. The contract is dated May 28, 1961.
Ken Boyer's MVP season in 1964 included an MLB-best 119 runs batted in
Ken Boyer's MVP season in 1964 included an MLB-best 119 runs batted in
In 1964 Ken Boyer had a season to remember. The St. Louis third baseman collected 30 doubles, 10 triples, 24 homers and a major league-high 119 RBI. An All Star for the 11th and final time, Boyer was voted the NL MVP.
His contributions helped St. Louis to 93 wins and World Series title. It proved to be Boyer’s only championship campaign.
After his glorious year, Boyer’s production began to decline. In 1965 he played his 11th and final season in St. Louis then got traded to the Mets in October. Boyer spent a year and a half in New York before being dealt to the White Sox in July of ’67.
Chicago released Boyer in May of ’68. Just ten days later the Dodgers picked him up. He finished the year strong, hitting .271 with 6 homers and 41 RBI in 243 at bats. Boyer remained in LA through the end of the ’69 season then retired.
In the collection is Boyer’s Cardinals contract for MVP season of 1964.
Many believe Ken Boyer's accomplishments warrant a plaque in Cooperstown
Many believe Ken Boyer's accomplishments warrant a plaque in Cooperstown
Ken Boyer’s Hall of Fame credentials are many. An 11-time All Star, 5-time Gold Glover, and 1964 Most Valuable Player, Boyer hit over .300 in five seasons and slugged 20 or more homers in eight.
When he hit his 250th homer he joined Eddie Mathews as the only 3rd baseman in baseball history to reach the mark. Boyer retired with the third-highest slugging percentage by a third baseman in big league history.
Many believe Boyer belongs in the Hall of Fame.
Shown above is the third page of the standard four-page player contract. It holds the signature of Bing Devine in his position as Cardinals GM, and that of Hall of Fame executive Warren Giles.
Boyer’s autograph is found just above Giles’ the document dated February 20, 1964.
Ken Boyer's grand slam in Game 4 of the 1964 World Series pushed St. Louis to a 4-3 victory
Ken Boyer's grand slam in Game 4 of the 1964 World Series pushed St. Louis to a 4-3 victory
Ken Boyer’s 1964 season was a dream. Named the regular season MVP, he led his team to 93 wins and the National League pennant. In the World Series vs. the Yankees Boyer’s 2 home runs and 6 runs batted in let all Cardinals batters.
Boyer’s biggest contribution came in Game 4. St. Louis entered the game down 2-games-to-1 in the Series. New York got off to a hot start in the contest, scoring three runs on five hits in the first.
Meanwhile, Yankee starter Al Downing coasted. Through the first five innings he held Redbirds scoreless, facing just two batters over the minimum.
In the sixth the Cardinals showed life. A pair of leadoff singles by Carl Warwick and Curt Flood got the Redbirds started. After Lou Brock flied out to center, Dick Groat grounded a 2-0 pitch to second baseman Bobby Richardson. Hoping to turn two, Richardson threw to second base. Instead of starting an inning-ending double play, Richardson’s errant throw sailed wide to load the bases.
Up came Boyer who drove in a major league-best 119 runs during the regular season. On Downing’s 2-0 pitch Boyer delivered, driving the ball out of the park for a grand slam home run. With one swing, St. Louis erased the three-run deficit and took a 4-3 lead.
Cardinal reliever Ron Taylor kept the Yankees at bay over the last four frames, issuing only an 8th-inning walk to Mickey Mantle. The Cardinals won the game and evened the Series at two-games-apiece. St. Louis won two of the next three to claim the crown.
The ticket shown above allows admission for one lucky fan to see Boyer’s Series-changing Game 4 home run. Downing who surrendered the blast signed the ticket and added, “Boyer HR, a good swing on a tough pitch”.
I believe that Ken Boyer should be in the Baseball Hall of Fame. This is based on his stats, number of times he made the All Star Team, Golden Glove frequency, & lifetime batting average.
David Parsons
What ere the reasons why he was not voted into the HOF?
If Ron Santo a HOF & he should be, shouldn’t Ken Boyer….compare the stats
There is no doubt that Ken Boyer belongs in the HOF. Some injustices in sports cannot be corrected, this one can. Ken Boyers’ professional career performance in baseball deserves HOF recognition period.. C’mon baseball HOF committee, find it within yourselves to do the right thing.
Ken Boyer died at a young age and baseball was always a part of his adult life. He was a credit to the game. It’s so sad he NEVER got in. Even as an OLD TIMER.
From the mid 1950’s to the mid 1960’s Ken Boyer was the best all around 3rd baseman in the majors. Much better offensively than Brooks Robinson and much better defensively than Eddie Mathews, both HOFers who played in that same era.
Ken Boyer definitely belongs in Baseball’s Hall of Fame. His offensive and defensive records speak for themselves. In today’s era where less than complete players such as designated hitters are being elected it is shameful the likes of Ken Boyer are overlooked.