Bob Oliver, baseball player, 1965-1975

Bob Oliver

Born: 2/8/1943 in Shreveport, LA, USA

Died: 4/19/2020 in Rio Linda, CA, USA

MLB Debut: 1965-09-10 | Final Game: 1975-07-03

Bats: R | Throws: R | Height: 6'3" | Weight: 205 lbs

Full name: Robert Lee Oliver

Biography

Bob Oliver, born in 1943, was a professional baseball player who made his mark in Major League Baseball from 1965 to 1975. A versatile position player, Oliver played in a total of 847 games throughout his career, during which he recorded 745 hits and hit 94 home runs, contributing significantly to his teams’ offensive efforts. His career batting average stood at .256, and he drove in 419 runs while adding 17 stolen bases. Oliver was known for his power at the plate, especially during a time when the game was transitioning from the more pitcher-friendly eras of the 1960s to a more offense-oriented style in the 1970s. Oliver's career path included stints with several teams, where he showcased a combination of skill and determination. He emerged as a reliable player who could provide necessary depth and offensive support, making him a valuable asset during his time in the league. Although he may not be as widely recognized as some contemporaries, Oliver’s contributions to the game during his decade-long career reflect the evolution of baseball in the 1960s and 70s, an era marked by the rise of power hitters and the changing dynamics of the game. His legacy endures through the numbers he posted and the impact he had on his teams.

Career Batting Statistics

G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BB SO AVG OBP SLG OPS PIV
847 2914 293 745 102 19 94 419 17 156 562 0.256 0.295 0.400 0.696 7.4

Season-by-Season Batting

Fielding Statistics

Career Fielding Totals by Position

Position G GS PO A E DP
1B 423 368 3367 195 32 323
3B 152 140 128 261 23 22
OF 224 205 436 21 10 4

Season-by-Season Fielding

Career Games by Position

Position Games
First Base 423
Third Base 152
Left Field 15
Center Field 48
Right Field 165
Designated Hitter 17

College History

School Name City State Years Attended
American River College Sacramento CA 1962

Award Voting History

Year Award League Finish Points Won Points Max Votes First
1970 Most Valuable Player AL 27th 1.0 336 0