Ron LeFlore

From BR Bullpen

Ronald LeFlore

Bats Right, Throws Right
Height 6' 0", Weight 200 lb.

Debut August 1, 1974
Final Game September 3, 1982
Born June 16, 1948 in Detroit, MI USA

[edit] Biographical Information

Detroit Tigers manager Billy Martin heard about Ron LeFlore when LeFlore was serving time in prison for armed robbery. He was signed by Detroit immediately upon his release and didn't disappoint. With strong, powerful legs and blazing speed LeFlore was perfectly suited for stealing bases and beating out infield grounders for hits. During his 9-year career, the husky, fleet-footed LeFlore averaged almost 50 base-thefts per season and once stole 97. A solid .288 career hitter, he was sometimes a liability in the field and struck out excessively.

LeFlore led the American League with 68 stolen bases in 1978 with the Tigers. In 1980, with the Montreal Expos, he led the National League with 97. He is the only player ever to lead both leagues in steals.

In 1989, he played for the St. Petersburg Pelicans and Bradenton Explorers of the Senior Professional Baseball Association. LeFlore batted .328 in 44 games with both teams; 11 games with St. Petersburg and 33 games with Bradenton.

In 1990, LeFlore played for the Florida Tropics of the SPBA. He played in 18 games and had 2 home runs and 9 RBI. He also had the second-highest batting average with .403 when the league folded.