Pete Runnels, baseball player, 1951-1964

Pete Runnels

Born: 1/28/1928 in Lufkin, TX, USA

Died: 5/20/1991 in Pasadena, TX, USA

MLB Debut: 1951-07-01 | Final Game: 1964-05-14

Bats: L | Throws: R | Height: 6'0" | Weight: 170 lbs

Full name: James Edward Runnels

Biography

Pete Runnels was a distinguished American baseball player born in 1928, who had a notable career spanning from 1951 to 1964. Primarily recognized for his versatility as a position player, Runnels played in a total of 1,799 games, where he amassed 1,854 hits and achieved a commendable batting average of .291. His offensive contributions included 49 home runs and 630 RBIs, highlighting his ability to drive in runs during pivotal moments. Additionally, he displayed speed on the bases, recording 37 stolen bases throughout his career. Runnels was selected as an All-Star five times, underscoring his status as one of the premier players of his era. He played during a transformative period in baseball, marked by the post-war boom and the evolving dynamics of the game. Runnelsโ€™ consistent performance and professional demeanor on the field made him a respected figure among peers and fans alike. His legacy remains significant in the annals of Major League Baseball, as he exemplified the skill and dedication that defined the sport during the early 1960s.

Career Batting Statistics

G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BB SO AVG OBP SLG OPS PIV
1799 6373 876 1854 282 64 49 630 37 844 627 0.291 0.375 0.378 0.753 9384.2

Season-by-Season Batting

Fielding Statistics

Career Fielding Totals by Position

Position G GS PO A E DP
1B 644 542 4876 346 30 492
2B 642 607 1583 1675 67 500
3B 49 49 46 115 6 13
OF 1 0 0 0 0 0
SS 463 105 848 1231 91 297

Season-by-Season Fielding

Career Games by Position

Position Games
First Base 644
Second Base 641
Third Base 49
Shortstop 463
Left Field 1

Award Voting History

Year Award League Finish Points Won Points Max Votes First
1962 Most Valuable Player AL 18th 9.0 280 0
1960 Most Valuable Player AL 17th 18.0 336 0
1959 Most Valuable Player AL 26th 2.0 336 0
1958 Most Valuable Player AL 10th 29.0 336 0
1956 Most Valuable Player AL 17th 24.0 336 0
1952 Most Valuable Player AL 23th 8.0 336 0