Player Profile:
Tony Oliva
| Name: | Pedro "Tony" Oliva |
|
Outfielder; Left-handed batter | |
| Lived: | 1940 - |
| Career span: | 1962 - 1976 |
| Hall of Fame? | No |
| Primary teams: | Minnesota Twins (1962-1976) |
| Best Year: | 1971 - .337, 22 HR, 81 RBI (led league in batting average) |
| Major awards: | 1964 AL Rookie of the Year 1965 Gold Glove Three time AL batting champion (1964, 1965, 1971) |
Why he's important: Oliva was a key component of strong Minnesota teams of the sixties and early seventies, including Minnesota's first league champions in 1965. He was an outstanding hitter, perhaps the premier hitter for average in the American League during his era. He was also a solid fielder before suffering a knee injury in 1971, and won a Gold Glove in 1966. He was selected as Sporting News Player of the Year three times (1964, 1965, 1971). He is under active consideration for the Hall of Fame by the Veteran's Committee, and stands a reasonable chance to be elected.