Al Oliver
From BR Bullpen
Albert Oliver Jr. (Scoop)
- Bats Left, Throws Left
- Height 6' 0", Weight 195 lb.
- Debut September 23, 1968
- Final Game October 5, 1985
- Born October 14, 1946 in Portsmouth, OH USA
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[edit] Biographical Information
Al Oliver was a major star during his 18-year career and winner of the 1982 National League batting title. He ended up with 2,743 hits, putting him at #47 on the all-time list. His 529 doubles put him at #29 on the all-time list. While he was never an MVP, he was third in the voting in 1982, and was on the All Star team 7 times. He was a member of the 1971 World Series champion 1971 Pittsburgh Pirates. He won Silver Slugger awards at DH, outfield, and first base. Although he played more outfield than first base, the most similar players are two first basemen, Steve Garvey and Bill Buckner, players who like Oliver had over 2,500 hits.
Al hosted the 'Al Oliver show' on Channel 22 in Pittsburgh in the mid 1970's.
In 1989, Oliver played for the Bradenton Explorers of the Senior Professional Baseball Association. He hit .274 in 38 games with the club.
Oliver was eligible for the Hall of Fame in 1991. However, the Baseball Writers' Association of America did not induct him, as he only received 19 votes on the first ballot, and was knocked out of future consideration. In 2007, as one of 27 former players on the Veterans Committee ballot, he ranked # 13 with 17% of the vote.
[edit] Notable Achievements
- 1969 Topps All-Star Rookie Team
- 7-time All-Star (1972, 1975, 1976, 1980-1983)
- 3-time Silver Slugger Award Winner (1980/OF-AL, 1981/DH-AL & 1982/1B-NL)
- NL Batting Average Leader (1982)
- NL Hits Leader (1982)
- NL Total Bases Leader (1982)
- NL Doubles Leader: 2 times (1982 & 1983)
- NL RBI Leader (1982)
- 20-Home Run Seasons: 2 (1973 & 1982)
- 100 RBI Seasons: 2 (1980 & 1982)
- 200 Hits Seasons: 2 (1980 & 1982)
- Won a World Series with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1971
[edit] Sources
Sources vary, but include MLB.com.
