Ken Keltner, baseball player, 163 home runs, 1937-1950

Ken Keltner

Born: 10/31/1916 in Milwaukee, WI, USA

Died: 12/12/1991 in New Berlin, WI, USA

MLB Debut: 1937-10-02 | Final Game: 1950-05-25

Bats: R | Throws: R | Height: 6'0" | Weight: 190 lbs

Full name: Kenneth Frederick Keltner

Biography

Ken Keltner, born in 1916, was a prominent American baseball player whose career spanned from 1937 to 1950. Primarily playing third base, Keltner became known for his solid defensive skills and powerful hitting during an era that valued both speed and strength. Over the course of 1,526 games, he amassed 1,570 hits and demonstrated his power with 163 home runs, contributing 852 RBIs to his teams. Keltner finished his career with a respectable batting average of .276 and also showcased his speed on the bases, recording 39 stolen bases. Keltner was a seven-time All-Star, a testament to his consistent performance and respect among his peers during the mid-20th century. He played a significant role in the American League, particularly while with the Cleveland Indians, and is often remembered for his clutch performances and leadership on the field. His contributions came during a time when baseball was evolving, as players began to embrace more dynamic styles of play, moving away from the more conservative strategies of the previous decades. Keltner's legacy endures as one of the key figures of his generation, blending skill and tenacity that made him a fan favorite and a respected competitor in Major League Baseball.

Negro Leagues Career Statistics

Batting

PA AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB BA OBP SLG OPS
80.0 73.0 8.0 21.0 4.0 2.0 1.0 12.0 5.0 2.0 0 0.288 0.342 0.438 0.780

Negro Leagues Season-by-Season Batting

Career Batting Statistics

G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BB SO AVG OBP SLG OPS PIV
1526 5683 737 1570 308 69 163 852 39 514 480 0.276 0.338 0.441 0.778 9834.7

Season-by-Season Batting

Postseason Statistics

Playoff Career Batting

G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO AVG
6 21 3 2 0 0 0 0 2 3 0.095

Playoff Batting by Year

Year Round Team G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO AVG
1948 WS CLE 6 21 3 2 0 0 0 0 2 3 0.095

Fielding Statistics

Career Fielding Totals by Position

Position G GS PO A E DP
1B 1 0 1 0 0 0
3B 1500 0 1576 3070 171 306

Season-by-Season Fielding

Career Games by Position

Position Games
First Base 1
Third Base 1501

Award Voting History

Year Award League Finish Points Won Points Max Votes First
1948 Most Valuable Player AL 14th 18.0 336 0
1943 Most Valuable Player AL 31th 2.0 336 0
1942 Most Valuable Player AL 14th 15.0 336 0
1939 Most Valuable Player AL 12th 26.0 336 0
1938 Most Valuable Player AL 14th 16.0 336 0