Tex Clevenger
From BR Bullpen
Truman Eugene Clevenger
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 1", Weight 180 lb.
- School California State University, Fresno
- Debut April 18, 1954
- Final Game September 30, 1962
- Born July 9, 1932 in Visalia, CA USA
[edit] Bbiographical information
Before the 1953 season, Tex Clevenger was signed as an amateur free agent by the Boston Red Sox. In the minors that year, he went 16-2 for the San Jose Red Sox, which was good enough to earn him the 1953 California League MVP Award. He made his major league debut with the Red Sox the following season, going 2-4, 4.79 in 23 games. He was traded to the Washington Senators after the 1955 season, which he spent back in the minor leagues.
On May 11, 1958, he was involved in a highly unusual play, getting both the assist and the putout in retiring Yankee batter Elston Howard. Clevenger was hit by a line drive and the ball bounced off his leg into foul territory near first base. He then ran to cover the bag to receive the toss from 1B Norm Zauchin. On August 5, 1959, Clevenger ended an 18-game Senators losing streak by shutting out the Cleveland Indians 9-0 in the nightcap of a doubleheader.
Clevenger wore multiple uniform numbers in his career:
- 1954 - 26
- 1956 - 10 and 11
- 1957 - 12 and 17
- 1958-1960 - 12
- 1961 (with the Angels) - 32
- 1961 (with the Yankees) - 26
- 1962 - 21 & 26
He now owns Clevenger Ford, an automobile dealership in Porterville, CA where he resides.
[edit] Notable Achievements
- 1953 MVP California League San Jose Red Sox
- AL Games Pitched Leader (1958)
- Won two World Series with the New York Yankees (1961 & 1962; he played in neither World Series)
