Fred Kendall

Fred Kendall, born in 1949, was a professional baseball player who enjoyed a career spanning from 1969 to 1980. Primarily playing as a position player, Kendall appeared in 877 games throughout his tenure in Major League Baseball. He was known for his defensive skills behind the plate, contributing to the teams he played for, including the San Diego Padres and the Boston Red Sox. Kendall finished his career with 603 hits, 31 home runs, and 244 runs batted in, with a batting average of .234. Over his time in the league, he also recorded 5 stolen bases, showcasing his versatility on the basepaths despite not being primarily known for speed. His playing career unfolded during a transformative era in baseball, marked by the emergence of power hitters and the evolution of the game, and he played an important role in the development of the catching position during that time.