Richie Ashburn, baseball player, 1948-1962

Richie Ashburn

⭐ Hall of Fame 1995

Born: 3/19/1927 in Tilden, NE, USA

Died: 9/9/1997 in New York, NY, USA

MLB Debut: 1948-04-20 | Final Game: 1962-09-30

Bats: L | Throws: R | Height: 5'10" | Weight: 170 lbs

Full name: Don Richard Ashburn

Biography

Richie Ashburn was an esteemed position player in Major League Baseball, whose career spanned from 1948 to 1962. Born in 1927, Ashburn made a significant impact on the game during a time when baseball was evolving in the post-war era, marked by the emergence of new playing styles and strategies. Over the course of 2,189 games, he showcased his exceptional batting skills, finishing his career with a remarkable .308 batting average, 2,574 hits, and 586 RBIs. Known for his keen eye at the plate and speedy base-running ability, he also recorded 234 stolen bases and hit 29 home runs, contributing to his team's offensive efforts. A five-time All-Star, Ashburn was celebrated not only for his offensive prowess but also for his defensive acumen in the outfield. His ability to read the game and make crucial plays helped solidify his legacy as one of the great players of his era. Ashburn's career was characterized by a dedication to the fundamentals of the game, which endeared him to fans and teammates alike. His contributions to baseball extend beyond his playing days, as he later became a respected sports broadcaster, further influencing the sport he loved.

Career Batting Statistics

G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BB SO AVG OBP SLG OPS PIV
2189 8365 1322 2574 317 109 29 586 234 1198 571 0.308 0.396 0.382 0.778 18375.1

Season-by-Season Batting

Postseason Statistics

Playoff Career Batting

G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO AVG
4 17 0 3 1 0 0 1 0 4 0.176

Playoff Batting by Year

Year Round Team G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO AVG
1950 WS PHI 4 17 0 3 1 0 0 1 0 4 0.176

Fielding Statistics

Career Fielding Totals by Position

Position G GS PO A E DP
2B 2 1 5 4 1 1
OF 2104 1203 6089 178 110 43

Season-by-Season Fielding

Career Games by Position

Position Games
Second Base 2
Left Field 96
Center Field 1980
Right Field 47

Awards & Honors

Year Award Notes
1948 TSN Rookie of the Year

Award Voting History

Year Award League Finish Points Won Points Max Votes First
1958 Most Valuable Player NL 7th 62.0 336 0
1956 Most Valuable Player NL 30th 1.0 336 0
1955 Most Valuable Player NL 14th 17.0 336 0
1954 Most Valuable Player NL 19th 5.0 336 0
1953 Most Valuable Player NL 19th 5.0 336 0
1951 Most Valuable Player NL 7th 69.0 336 0
1949 Most Valuable Player NL 23th 6.0 336 0
1948 Most Valuable Player NL 11th 48.0 336 0
1948 Rookie of the Year ML 3rd 7.0 48 7