Ted Kluszewski

From BR Bullpen

Theodore Bernard Kluszewski (Big Klu or Muscles)

Bats Left, Throws Left
Height 6' 2", Weight 225 lb.
School Indiana University
Debut April 18, 1947
Final Game October 1, 1961
Born September 10, 1924 in Argo, IL USA
Died March 29, 1988 in Cincinnati, OH USA

[edit] Biographical Information

Ted Kluszewski was a top star in the 1950's in the National League, much in the way that Rocky Colavito was a big star in the American League. Big Klu had power but he also posted high batting averages. His most successful year was in 1954, when he was second in the MVP voting behind Willie Mays after leading the league in home runs and RBI. The next season, 1955, he led the league in intentional walks.

When Frank Robinson came up in 1956 to set the then-record of 38 homers for a rookie, Klu hit 35 and Wally Post added 36 for the Reds.

Traded to the Chicago White Sox in August of 1959, he slugged .826 for them in the 1959 World Series.

One of the most similar players to Klu based on similarity scores, Mo Vaughn, seems like a good match. Vaughn's career ended due to injuries, while Klu played on but at a reduced level due to his injuries. Both were big sluggers with good batting averages in their prime.

After his playing career ended Kluszewski was a Cincinnati Reds coach from 1970 to 1978.