1952-1954
GEORGE KELL   3B


George Kell had his greatest years with the Detroit Tigers, batting better than .300 average every season from 1946 to 1951. In 1946, while batting .322, he struck out just 20 times. 1949 was perhaps his best, as he edged out Ted Williams for the batting title on the last day of the season. In 1950, his .340 average was second only to Red Sox second baseman Billy Goodman’s league-leading .354.

In June 1952, his playing career with the Tigers ended when he was traded to the Red Sox as part of a blockbuster deal. The blockbuster deal included Kell, and three other teammates who were traded for Johnny Pesky, Walt Dropo and three other Red Sox.

In Boston George's closest teammate became his one-time rival for the batting title, Ted Williams. In 1953, Kell batted .307, with 141 hits and 73 RBIs. But his tenure with the Sox was brief. In 1954, he was traded to the White Sox.

George retired after the 1957 season and CBS Television was interested in hiring him to host pre-game interviews during the “Game of the Week” telecasts. He later provided play-by-play for his Tigers and Ernie Harwell became his partner. Together, they broadcast Detroit Tiger games on radio and television from 1960 until Kell retired from broadcasting in 1997.

George Kell’s achievements on the field were recognized when he was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1983. He died in his sleep on March 24, 2009, at age 86.