Al Benton
From SoSH
| Born: | March 18, 1911 |
| Birthplace: | Noble, Oklahoma |
| Hometown: | |
| Height: | 6' 4"' |
| Weight: | 215 lbs |
| Bats: | Right |
| Throws: | Right |
| Drafted: | |
| College: | |
| High School: | |
| Other Teams: | Philadelphia A's 1934-35 Detroit Tigers 1938-48 Cleveland Indians 1949-50 |
| Years with Boston: | 1952 |
Contents |
Overall Career
Al Benton pitched for 4 teams in the American League over his career, beginning in 1934 with the Philadelphia Athletics before moving along to the Detroit Tigers, the Cleveland Indians and finishing his career with the Boston Red Sox in 1952 at the age of 41. His finest years came with the Detroit Tigers where he was a two time all-star (1941, 1942) and was part of the 1945 club that won the World Series against the Cubs. He was also second in the AL in ERA twice during his time with the Tigers. He did not pitch during the WWII years of 1943 and 1944 when he would've been in his prime. His contract was purchased by the Boston Red Sox in 1952 from San Diego of the Pacific Coast League and he pitched the last year of his career there compiling a 4-3 record with 6 saves.
Benton's Moments in the Sun
- Finished 15-6 with a 2.97 ERA (second in AL) in 1941 with the Detroit Tigers.
- Member of the World Series Champion Detroit Tigers in 1945.
Awards
- 2-time American League All-Star (1941-42).
Achievements
- 1940 American League Saves Leader (17).
Trivia
- Set a Major League record with 2 sacrifice bunts in the 3rd inning of a 1941 game against the Cleveland Indians, as the Tigers send 17 men to the plate. Detroit scores a Major League record-tying (for the inning) 11 runs on 6 hits‚ 7 walks‚ and 2 errors.
Transactions
- January, 1938: Purchased by the Detroit Tigers from the Philadelphia Athletics.
- December 4, 1948: Released by the Detroit Tigers.
- Before 1949 Season: Signed as a Free Agent with the Detroit Tigers.
- April 20, 1949: Purchased by the Cleveland Indians from the Detroit Tigers.
- January 24, 1951: Purchased by Sacramento (PCL) from the Cleveland Indians.
- June 27, 1952: Purchased by the Boston Red Sox from San Diego (PCL).
External Links
- Baseball-Reference.com - Career Statistics and Analysis
