Walt Dropo
From BR Bullpen
Walter Dropo (Moose)
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 5", Weight 220 lb.
- School University of Connecticut
- Debut April 19, 1949
- Final Game May 17, 1961
- Born January 30, 1923 in Moosup, CT USA
[edit] Biographical Information
First baseman Walt Dropo had one terrific year (1950) that won him the American League Rookie of the Year Award but never again duplicated that level of success.
Dropo was a three sport athlete at the University of Connecticut, AND was drafted by the Chicago Bears of the NFL in 1946 and the Providence Steam Rollers of the BAA (precursor of the NBA) in 1947 before signing with the Boston Red Sox on June 17, 1947.
After reaching the majors in 1949 with a lackluster .146 batting average in 11 games, he became the team's regular first baseman the next summer, putting up huge numbers in his rookie campaign. That year, he hit .322 with 34 home runs, drove in 144 runs to tie teammate Vern Stephens for the AL lead. He started in the All-Star Game and beat out the fabled Whitey Ford for the Rookie of the Year Award. However, the next season the so-called "sophomore jinx" struck and Dropo batted just .237 and with only 11 homers.
In June 1952, he was traded to the Detroit Tigers as part of a nine player deal. The next month, he earned a spot in the record books by getting hits in 12 consecutive hits over the course of three games on July 14th and July 15th. He ended the year with a .276 average, 29 home runs and 97 RBIs.
[edit] Notable Achievements
- 1950 AL Rookie of the Year Award
- AL All-Star (1950)
- AL Total Bases Leader (1950)
- AL RBI Leader (1950)
- 20-Home Run Seasons: 2 (1950 & 1952)
- 30-Home Run Seasons: 1 (1950)
- 100 RBI Seasons: 1 (1950)
- 100 Runs Scored Seasons: 1 (1950)
| AL Rookie of the Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1949 | 1950 | 1951 |
| Roy Sievers | Walt Dropo | Gil McDougald |
[edit] Records Held
- Consecutive hits, 12 (no walks), 1952
