Tony Oliva was born in Cuba; came to the U. S. by using his brother's passport and became a super star outfielder for the Minnesota Twins. Oliva could run like the wind, slash hard line drives, powered the long ball, field and possessed a strong, accurate throwing arm. In 1964, Tony Oliva went on to lead the American League in batting .323, in runs 109, in hits 217 and doubles with 43. His hits total tied a rookie record and his 374 total bases set a ML rookie record. Oliva also pounded 32 HR's and drove in 94 runs. He was voted the American League's Rookie of the Year. The next season, Oliva hit .321 and led the AL in batting again; becoming the first major leaguer ever to win the batting crown in his first two seasons. In 1967 and 1968, Oliva had seven operations for torn ligaments in his right knee, but Oliva came back to led the AL in hits for the 4th and 5th time and in doubles for the 3rd and 4th time. Plagued by leg injuries during most of his career, Oliva still took his third batting title in 1971 hitting .337. Oliva played in 1676 games and lined 1917 hits. Tony Oliva played his entire career with the Minnesota Twins. baseballhistorian.com Tony Oliva 1975 TOPPS BASEBALL CARD |