TTM Stats
- Sent: 3/17/2022 | Received: 3/28/2022 | 11 Days
- ’69 Topps, ’70 Topps
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Ken McMullen is a former third baseman in the major leagues. Reliable and consistent he pleyd during the 60’s and 70’s with the Los Angeles Dodgers (twice), Washington Sentators, California Angels, Oakland Athletics, and Milwaukee Brewers. Known for his defensive prowess, leadership, and timely hitting, McMullen’s career spanned 16 seasons, leaving an indelible mark on the teams he played for and the game itself.
McMullen, born on June 1, 1942, in Oxnard, California, grew up in the baseball-rich environment of Southern California, where his talent for the game was evident from a young age. He attended Oxnard High School, where he excelled as both a pitcher and a third baseman. His skills caught the attention of MLB scouts, and in 1960, at the age of 18, he was signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers as an amateur free agent.
McMullen began his professional career in the Dodgers’ minor league system, quickly rising through the ranks. His early years in the minors were marked by a steady development of his defensive skills at third base, along with an increasing ability to hit for power. By 1962, McMullen had made his MLB debut with the Dodgers, signaling the start of a long and productive career.
Though McMullen’s time with the Dodgers was brief, he quickly found his footing after being traded to the Washington Senators in 1964. It was with the Senators that McMullen became a cornerstone of the team. Over the next several seasons, he established himself as one of the American League’s premier third basemen, known for his steady glove, strong arm, and consistent bat.
McMullen was not a flashy player, but he was incredibly reliable. He was the kind of player managers could depend on to make the routine plays and come through in clutch situations. His best season came in 1969 when he hit 19 home runs and drove in 87 RBIs, helping the Senators to one of their best finishes in the standings.
In addition to his time with the Senators, McMullen also played for the California Angels, Oakland Athletics, and Milwaukee Brewers. His career statistics include a .248 batting average, 156 home runs, and 606 RBIs over 1,583 games. While these numbers may not place him among the all-time greats, McMullen’s value was always in his consistency, leadership, and ability to contribute in all facets of the game.
After retiring from playing in 1977, McMullen remained involved in the game, transitioning into coaching and scouting roles. He served as a coach for several MLB teams, including the Oakland Athletics and the California Angels, where he shared his deep knowledge of the game with younger players. McMullen was known for his ability to mentor young infielders, teaching them the nuances of playing third base at the highest level.
In addition to his coaching career, McMullen was active in his local community in Southern California. He often participated in youth baseball programs, providing guidance and inspiration to aspiring young players. His commitment to giving back to the game was a testament to his love for baseball and his desire to see it flourish at all levels.
The Score on Ken McMullen – 7.0
Ken has a beautiful signature. I think like many from his era, he puts a lot of care into handwriting and was most definitely taught how to write in school. That certainly results in an autograph like this. The thin marker really accentuates it too. A great example with the right tool for the right job.
Thanks Mr. McMullen! I’m giving this return a 7.
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.