Duane Kuiper, baseball player, 1974-1985

Duane Kuiper

Born: 6/19/1950 in Racine, WI, USA

MLB Debut: 1974-09-09 | Final Game: 1985-06-27

Bats: L | Throws: R | Height: 6'0" | Weight: 175 lbs

Full name: Duane Eugene Kuiper

Biography

Duane Kuiper was a notable figure in Major League Baseball, playing as a position player from 1974 until his retirement in 1985. Born in 1950, Kuiper enjoyed a career that spanned over a decade, during which he appeared in 1,057 games. He was known for his solid batting average of .271, showcasing his ability to make consistent contact at the plate. While Kuiper hit only one home run throughout his career, he contributed significantly to his teams with 263 RBIs and 52 stolen bases, reflecting his capability as a versatile player who could impact the game in multiple ways. Kuiper played primarily for the San Francisco Giants and the Chicago White Sox, and he became well-regarded for his defensive skills and baseball intelligence. His era in the league coincided with a transition period in baseball, marked by a growing emphasis on speed and contact hitting. Kuiper's playing style was characterized by his ability to get on base and move around the bases effectively, exemplifying the skill set valued during the mid-1970s to early 1980s. After retiring, he transitioned into broadcasting, where he became known for his insightful commentary and deep love for the game, further solidifying his legacy in baseball history.

Career Batting Statistics

G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BB SO AVG OBP SLG OPS PIV
1057 3379 329 917 91 29 1 263 52 248 255 0.271 0.325 0.316 0.641 -5957.0

Season-by-Season Batting

Fielding Statistics

Career Fielding Totals by Position

Position G GS PO A E DP
1B 6 2 24 2 2 3
2B 920 865 2000 2466 76 551

Season-by-Season Fielding

Career Games by Position

Position Games
First Base 6
Second Base 920
Designated Hitter 3

Awards & Honors

Year Award Notes
1976 Player of the Week Week of 1976-07-30

College History

School Name City State Years Attended
Indian Hills Community College Centerville IA 1969, 1970
Southern Illinois University Carbondale Carbondale IL 1971