| Chuck Klein had five fantastic seasons for the Philadelphia Phillies, from 1928 thru 1933. Playing in the 'Baker Bowl' where home-plate to the fence in right field was a cozy 280 feet down the line, Klein averaged 36 HR's, 139 RBI's and a .359 batting mark. In 1928, playing in only 64 games, Klein hit 11 HR's and batted .360.
In his first full season with the Phillies, he led the NL with 43 HR's and batted .356. In his best season, 1930, Chuck Klein hit .386, 59 doubles, 40 home runs, scored 158 runs, 170 RBI's and had a .687 slugging pct. During this season, Klein, an outstanding fielder set a major league record with 44 assists and led the NL with ten outfield double plays. He led the NL in runs scored three times and four times he led the NL in home runs.
In 1932, he was voted the NL Most Valuable Player as he hit 50 doubles, stole 20 bases, 152 runs scored, 137 RBI's and only fanned 49 times in 650 at bats.
In 1933, Klein won the Triple Crown, a feat so rare that only eight other players have performed in this century. Towards the end of the season, he was plagued with injuries and in November he was traded to the Chicago Cubs. He never played a full season again and in 1936, Klein was traded back to the Phillies, where he was a playing coach.
Chuck Klein was voted into the 'Hall of Fame' in 1980. Klein's career: .320 batting mark, 2076 hits, 398 D, 74 triples and 300 HR's. He played 12 1/2 years and scored 1168 runs with 1201 RBI's. The History of Baseball |
