Joe Cunningham, baseball player, 1954-1966

Joe Cunningham

Born: 8/27/1931 in Paterson, NJ, USA

Died: 3/25/2021 in Chesterfield, MO, USA

MLB Debut: 1954-06-30 | Final Game: 1966-04-17

Bats: L | Throws: L | Height: 6'0" | Weight: 180 lbs

Full name: Joseph Robert Cunningham

Biography

Joe Cunningham was a notable American professional baseball player born in 1931, whose career spanned from 1954 until his retirement in 1966. Primarily a position player, Cunningham made a significant impact in Major League Baseball during a time characterized by the transition from the post-war era into a more modern style of play. Over his career, he played in 1,141 games, amassing 980 hits and demonstrating a consistent offensive presence with a career batting average of .291. His ability to contribute to his team's success was reflected in his total of 436 RBIs and 64 home runs. Cunningham was recognized for his talents as a two-time All-Star, showcasing his skills among the elite players of his time. Known for his versatility and keen batting eye, he also demonstrated speed on the bases with 16 stolen bases throughout his career. His playing style and performance helped pave the way for future generations, and he remains a respected figure in the annals of baseball history, particularly for his contributions during a dynamic period of the sport's evolution.

Career Batting Statistics

G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BB SO AVG OBP SLG OPS PIV
1141 3362 525 980 177 26 64 436 16 599 369 0.291 0.403 0.417 0.820 13128.2

Season-by-Season Batting

Fielding Statistics

Career Fielding Totals by Position

Position G GS PO A E DP
1B 607 475 4564 299 34 424
OF 440 407 692 17 26 5

Season-by-Season Fielding

Career Games by Position

Position Games
First Base 608
Left Field 46
Right Field 404

Award Voting History

Year Award League Finish Points Won Points Max Votes First
1962 Most Valuable Player AL 18th 9.0 280 0
1959 Most Valuable Player NL 13th 12.0 336 0