Ken Boyer
| Birthdate | 05/20/1931 |
| Death Date | 09/07/1982 |
| Debut Year | 1955 |
| Year of Induction | |
| Teams | Cardinals, Dodgers, Mets, White Sox |
| Positions | First Base, Third Base |
Ken Boyer was an MVP, 11-time All Star, and five-time Gold Glover in St. Louis. He was inducted into the Cardinals Hall of Fame in 2014.
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Ken Boyer was the 1964 National League MVP
Ken Boyer was the 1964 National League MVP
Ken Boyer’s Hall of Fame credentials are many. A 7-time All Star, 5-time Gold Glover, and 1964 Most Valuable Player, Boyer hit over .300 in five seasons and hit 20 or more homers in eight.
When he hit his 250th homer he joined Eddie Mathews as the only 3rd baseman in baseball history to reach the mark. Boyer retired with the 3rd highest slugging percentage by a third baseman.
In the collection is the actual contract Boyer signed for his MVP season of 1964. It calls for him to make $50,000.
Boyer's MVP year culminated with a World Series championship
Boyer's MVP year culminated with a World Series championship
The second page of the deal stipulates that the club may terminate the contract if the player shall at any time, “fail, refuse, or neglect to conform his personal conduct of good citizenship and good sportsmanship, or keep himself in first class condition.”
It also puts forth that the agreement can be ended if the player fails, “to exhibit sufficient skill or competitive ability to qualify or continue as a member of the Club’s team.”
Boyer’s ’64 campaign concluded with a World Series victory over the New York Yankees.
Cards GM Bing Devine and Hall of Famer Warren Giles also signed the contract
Cards GM Bing Devine and Hall of Famer Warren Giles also signed the contract
The third page of the standard four-page document holds the signature of Bing Devine in his position as General Manager of the St. Louis Cardinals and that of Hall of Fame executive Warren Giles.
Boyer has also penned his name on the deal dated February 20, 1964. The season was the zenith for Boyer as he was voted the league MVP and earned his only World Series ring.
The 1964 season was Boyer's last All Star campaign
The 1964 season was Boyer's last All Star campaign
The final page of the contract contains more legal stipulations for both the third baseman and the team. The 1964 season marked Boyer’s final All Star appearance after making six straight and seven overall.
Boyer’s career was winding down after this season. He would finish up his career playing for the Mets, Dodgers, and White Sox.
Many believe Boyer belongs in the Hall of Fame.
Topps Chewing Gum augmented player income
Topps Chewing Gum augmented player income
Topps Chewing Gum put out contract for every player to appear on their trading cards. This document is a bit different from the standard contracts.
Here Boyer acknowledges receiving a $75 check from the company which grants the three-year extension through the 1964 season. The contract is dated May 28, 1961.
I believe that Ken Boyer should be in the Baseball Hall of Fame. This is based on his stats, number of times he made the All Star Team, Golden Glove frequency, & lifetime batting average.
David Parsons
What ere the reasons why he was not voted into the HOF?
If Ron Santo a HOF & he should be, shouldn’t Ken Boyer….compare the stats
There is no doubt that Ken Boyer belongs in the HOF. Some injustices in sports cannot be corrected, this one can. Ken Boyers’ professional career performance in baseball deserves HOF recognition period.. C’mon baseball HOF committee, find it within yourselves to do the right thing.
Ken Boyer died at a young age and baseball was always a part of his adult life. He was a credit to the game. It’s so sad he NEVER got in. Even as an OLD TIMER.
From the mid 1950’s to the mid 1960’s Ken Boyer was the best all around 3rd baseman in the majors. Much better offensively than Brooks Robinson and much better defensively than Eddie Mathews, both HOFers who played in that same era.
Ken Boyer definitely belongs in Baseball’s Hall of Fame. His offensive and defensive records speak for themselves. In today’s era where less than complete players such as designated hitters are being elected it is shameful the likes of Ken Boyer are overlooked.