Bert Campaneris

Bert was a leader on the Amazing A's teams which won 3 consecutive World Series Championships in 1972, 1973 and 1974. As the shortstop on those great teams, he was often both a defensive and offensive catalyst. Overall, Bert played 19 seasons of Major League Baseball, starting with the Athletics franchise in Kansas City which later moved to Oakland. He also spent some great years with the Texas Rangers, California Angels and New York Yankees.

Bert set the standard for versatility in 1965 when he played all nine positions on the field in one single game for the KC A's. Bert was best know for his speed on the basepaths and during his career, he led the American League in stolen bases six different seasons. In his career, he stole 649 bases to rank him #7 in this regard all-time at the time of his retirement. "Campy", as he was known, was also a six time All-Star.

But Bert will always be remembered for an unfortunate incident. In Game 2 of the 1972 American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers, Bert has already had 2 hits, scored 2 runs and stolen 2 bases. Lerrin LaGrow, the Tiger hurler, hit Campy on the ankle with a pitch to which Bert responded by throwing his bat over the head of the ducking pitcher. Bert was suspended for the remainder of the ALCS before being reinstated for the World Series.

Today, Bert still looks like he could go out and play shortstop with the best of them. He still enjoys taking a few groundballs on the infield. But much of his time is now spent on the golf course as well as by a stream fishing. Bert plays in many golf events throughout the year to bring down his 17-handicap. He was know for his aggressive style of play on the field, but now enjoys the relaxation that his post-playing career has brought.