Joe Rudi

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Rudi's legacy is tied to the Athletics' three consecutive World Series titles from 1972 to 1974. In 1972, he finished second in American League MVP voting behind Dick Allen and made a great game-saving catch in Game 2 of the World Series. With Tony Pérez on first and Oakland leading 2–0 in the ninth inning, Rudi raced to the left-field fence and made a leaping, backhanded catch of Denis Menke's smash to save a run. Earlier in that game, he hit a solo home run. He also caught Pete Rose's fly ball for the final out of the Series. In 1974, he had a career best 22 home runs and 99 runs batted in while leading the American League with 287 total bases. He was runner-up in AL MVP voting behind Jeff Burroughs and hit a home run in Game 5 of the 1974 World Series off Mike Marshall that turned out to be the game winner and Series clincher. Rudi's Athletics became the first team since the 1949–1953 New York Yankees to win three straight World Series titles.

In Their Own Story

In 1975, Rudi was elected by the fans as a starter in the All-Star Game as an outfielder, where he joined four other Oakland A's in the American League starting lineup. At the MLB trade deadline on June 15, 1976, A's owner Charlie Finley attempted to sell Rudi and pitcher Rollie Fingers to the Boston Red Sox for $1 million each. Rudi actually reported to the Red Sox and was issued a uniform, but never was permitted to play, as baseball Commissioner Bowie Kuhn voided the transaction as not being in the best interests of baseball. Rudi later played for Boston in 1981. After the 1980 season, Rudi was traded by the Angels along with Frank Tanana to the Red Sox for Fred Lynn. After one injury-filled season, he closed his career back with the A's in 1982 and hit a home run in his last professional at-bat.

Reader's Guide

Joe Rudi played for the Oakland Athletics from 1967 through 1976, then again in 1982. He also played for the California Angels from 1977 to 1980 and the Boston Red Sox in 1981. As a primary left fielder, he batted a career-high .309 in 1970 and led the American League with a career-high 181 hits in 1972. In 1974, he had a career best 22 home runs and 99 runs batted in while leading the American League with 287 total bases. He won three Gold Glove Awards and was a three-time All-Star. In 38 post-season games covering five American League Championship Series and three World Series from 1971 to 1975, he handled 124 total chances (120 putouts, 4 assists) without an error. In a sixteen-year major league career, Rudi played in 1,547 games, compiling a .264 batting average (1,468-for-5,556) with 684 runs scored, 287 doubles, 39 triples, 179 home runs, 810 RBI and 369 walks. His on-base percentage was .311 and slugging percentage was .427. He recorded a career .991 fielding percentage at all three outfield positions.

Did You Know?

• Rudi led the American League in hits in 1972 with 181.
• He was runner-up in AL MVP voting in both 1972 and 1974.
• Rudi caught Pete Rose's fly ball for the final out of the 1972 World Series.
• He hit a home run in his last professional at-bat in 1982.
• Rudi is a long-time amateur radio operator with the call sign NK7U.