Ken Singleton

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Singleton's career with the Baltimore Orioles began on December 4, 1974, when he was acquired from the Montreal Expos alongside Mike Torrez in exchange for Dave McNally, Rich Coggins, and minor-league pitcher Bill Kirkpatrick. Over his ten years in Baltimore, Singleton played what he described as the best baseball of his career, helping the Orioles win two pennants in 1979 and 1983, culminating in a World Series victory in 1983. His peak performance came in 1977, where he posted a .328 batting average and a .438 on-base percentage, both career highs. That year, he finished second in the American League with a 6.9 Wins Above Replacement behind only Rod Carew. In 1979, Singleton established franchise records for a switch-hitter with 35 home runs and 111 RBIs, finishing second to Don Baylor in MVP voting. Manager Earl Weaver famously described him as "the kind of hitter who can start a rally by getting on base or end one by driving in the winning run," noting that his only deficiency was being a slow runner.

In Their Own Story

On June 24, 1970, at age 23, Singleton made his major league debut with the New York Mets after being drafted third overall in January 1967. His time in Montreal proved pivotal; in 1973, he led the league in on-base percentage while hitting .302 with 23 home runs and 103 RBIs. The trade to Baltimore on December 4, 1974, marked a turning point. During his decade there, Singleton accumulated 1,455 hits as an Oriole. His most memorable statistical achievements include leading the league in on-base percentage nine times over his career and hitting .290 or better in five of his ten seasons with Baltimore. He played his final major league game on September 25, 1984, at age 37, and was released three days later after the team declined to renew his option. In 1986, the Orioles honored his contributions by inducting him into their Hall of Fame, solidifying a legacy that included being selected as one of the best-looking players in the 1970s by Susan McCarthy.

Reader's Guide

Ken Singleton played for the Baltimore Orioles from 1974 until his retirement in 1984. He served primarily as an outfielder and designated hitter, known for his exceptional plate discipline and switch-hitting ability. His career statistics with the Orioles were dominant; he was a three-time All-Star (1977, 1979, 1981) and finished in the top three of MVP voting twice (second in 1979, third in 1977). He led the league in on-base percentage in 1973 with Montreal and posted career highs in batting average (.328) and OPS (.945) while with Baltimore. Singleton's defensive value was complemented by his offensive consistency, though he stole only 21 bases in 57 attempts over his entire career. After retiring as a player, he transitioned into broadcasting, serving as a commentator for WJZ-TV, TSN, and the Montreal Expos before joining the New York Yankees broadcast team from 1997 to 2021.

Did You Know?

• Singleton was the third overall pick in the January phase of the 1967 MLB draft and signed with the Mets for a $10,000 bonus.
• He is a cousin of former NBA player and Philadelphia 76ers head coach Glenn "Doc" Rivers.
• His only major deficiency as a ballplayer was speed; he stole just 21 bases on 57 attempts throughout his entire career.
• In the 1986 Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract, Susan McCarthy named Singleton one of the best-looking players of the 1970s, prompting him to send her a thank-you card.
• Singleton grew up in a Mount Vernon house once owned by former Brooklyn Dodger Ralph Branca.