Benny Zientara
Born: 2/14/1918 in Chicago, IL, USA
Died: 4/16/1985 in Lake Elsinore, CA, USA
MLB Debut: 1941-09-11 | Final Game: 1948-09-23
Bats: R | Throws: R | Height: 5'9" | Weight: 165 lbs
Full name: Benedict Joseph Zientara
Biography
Benny Zientara, born in 1918, was a professional baseball player whose career spanned from 1941 to 1948. Primarily serving as a position player, Zientara played in a total of 278 games during his time in Major League Baseball. He compiled a career batting average of .254, notching 230 hits and contributing 49 RBIs. Known for his versatility on the field, he also displayed speed with 5 stolen bases and demonstrated power with 2 home runs throughout his career.
Zientara's playing days coincided with a transformative period in baseball, marked by the impact of World War II and the integration of African American players into the league. Despite the challenges of the era, Zientara carved out a place for himself in the game, showcasing his abilities in a competitive landscape. His contributions, while not as heralded as those of some of his contemporaries, reflect the resilience and dedication of players during a time of significant change in the sport. Zientara's legacy remains a part of the rich tapestry of baseball history, celebrated by those who remember the diverse talents that graced the diamond in the mid-20th century.
Career Batting Statistics
| G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | PIV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 278 | 906 | 106 | 230 | 29 | 5 | 2 | 49 | 5 | 50 | 48 | 0.254 | 0.293 | 0.304 | 0.596 | -2685.1 |
Season-by-Season Batting
| Year | Team | Lg | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | AVG | PIV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1941 | CIN | NL | 9 | 21 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 0.286 | 0.0 |
| 1946 | CIN | NL | 78 | 280 | 26 | 81 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 16 | 3 | 14 | 11 | 0.289 | -225.3 |
| 1947 | CIN | NL | 117 | 418 | 60 | 108 | 18 | 1 | 2 | 24 | 2 | 23 | 23 | 0.258 | -1149.5 |
| 1948 | CIN | NL | 74 | 187 | 17 | 35 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 12 | 11 | 0.187 | -1310.3 |
Fielding Statistics
Career Fielding Totals by Position
| Position | G | GS | PO | A | E | DP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2B | 205 | 0 | 492 | 536 | 25 | 115 |
| 3B | 52 | 0 | 28 | 100 | 4 | 11 |
| SS | 2 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Season-by-Season Fielding
| Year | Team | Pos | G | GS | PO | A | E | DP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1941 | CIN | 2B | 6 | 0 | 14 | 18 | 3 | 3 |
| 1946 | CIN | 2B | 39 | 0 | 92 | 131 | 7 | 27 |
| 1946 | CIN | 3B | 36 | 0 | 22 | 88 | 4 | 11 |
| 1947 | CIN | 2B | 100 | 0 | 243 | 247 | 12 | 53 |
| 1947 | CIN | 3B | 13 | 0 | 5 | 11 | 0 | 0 |
| 1948 | CIN | 2B | 60 | 0 | 143 | 140 | 3 | 32 |
| 1948 | CIN | 3B | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 1948 | CIN | SS | 2 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Career Games by Position
| Position | Games |
|---|---|
| Second Base | 203 |
| Third Base | 53 |
| Shortstop | 3 |