Pete Ward, baseball player, 1962-1970

Pete Ward

Born: 7/26/1937 in Montreal, QC, CAN

Died: 3/16/2022 in Lake Oswego, OR, USA

MLB Debut: 1962-09-21 | Final Game: 1970-09-25

Bats: L | Throws: R | Height: 6'1" | Weight: 185 lbs

Full name: Peter Thomas Ward

Biography

Pete Ward, born in 1937, was a notable position player in Major League Baseball, whose career spanned from 1962 to 1970. He made a significant impact during a transitional period in the sport, as baseball was moving away from the deadball era into a time of greater offensive production. Ward played in a total of 973 games, recording 776 hits, which included 98 home runs and 427 runs batted in. His career batting average stood at .254, complemented by 20 stolen bases, reflecting his ability not only to hit for power but also to contribute on the base paths. In 1963, Ward was honored as the TSN Rookie Player of the Year, a testament to his immediate impact in the league. He showcased a versatile skill set that made him a valuable asset to his teams, often characterized by a balanced approach at the plate and a solid defensive presence. Throughout his career, Ward played for several teams, leaving a lasting legacy as a player who helped pave the way for future generations in a rapidly evolving game. His contributions during the late 1960s remain a significant part of his team's histories and the broader narrative of baseball during that era.

Career Batting Statistics

G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BB SO AVG OBP SLG OPS PIV
973 3060 345 776 136 17 98 427 20 371 539 0.254 0.339 0.405 0.744 6714.8

Season-by-Season Batting

Fielding Statistics

Career Fielding Totals by Position

Position G GS PO A E DP
1B 113 95 802 57 4 61
2B 2 0 1 1 0 0
3B 562 538 470 1182 97 87
OF 185 176 239 9 2 2
SS 1 0 1 1 0 1

Season-by-Season Fielding

Career Games by Position

Position Games
First Base 113
Second Base 2
Third Base 561
Shortstop 1
Left Field 139
Right Field 56

Awards & Honors

College History

School Name City State Years Attended
Lewis and Clark College Portland OR 1956, 1957, 1958

Award Voting History

Year Award League Finish Points Won Points Max Votes First
1964 Most Valuable Player AL 6th 67.0 280 0
1963 Most Valuable Player AL 9th 52.0 280 0
1963 Rookie of the Year AL 2nd 6.0 20 6