Kurt Bevacqua
| Birthdate | 1/23/1947 |
| Death Date | |
| Debut Year | 1971 |
| Year of Induction | |
| Teams | Brewers, Indians, Padres, Pirates, Rangers, Royals |
| Positions | Pinch Hitter, Second Base, Third Base |
Fifteen-year Major League veteran Kurt Bevacqua hit .412 (7-for-17) with two doubles and two homers in his only World Series in 1984.
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Kurt Bevacqua was a hero in the San Diego's first World Series appearance in 1984
Kurt Bevacqua was a hero in the San Diego's first World Series appearance in 1984
In the collection is this questionnaire filled out by 15-year MLB veteran Kurt Bevacqua as a 23-year old minor leaguer on April 29, 1970. The infielder and pinch hitter would make his debut June 22 the following year. When asked his ambition in baseball Bevacqua replied simply, “I want people to know who I am.”
It seems that came true, especially for Dodger fans. Many remember Bevacqua’s spat with Hall of Fame skipper Tommy Lasorda. After Los Angeles pitcher Tom Niedenfuer was fined $500 for hitting Padre teammate Joe Lefebvre, Bevacqua said of Lasorda, “They ought to fine that fat little Italian, too. He ordered it.”
That set off an epic response from the Dodger pilot that can be heard by clicking here.
Bevacqua’s crowning achievement was his performance in the 1984 World Series. He hit .412, with a 1.327 on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS). As the Padres designated hitter in the five-game loss against the Tigers, Bevacqua slugged two doubles, two homers, scoring four runs and driving in four more.
His performance against Detroit secured his stature as a World Series hero in San Diego.
Many remember Kurt Bevacqua as a bubble-blowing champion
Many remember Kurt Bevacqua as a bubble-blowing champion
For collectors and baseball fans of a certain age this 1976 Topps baseball card remains a lasting memory of former major leaguer Kurt Bevacqua.
Crowned the bubble-blowing champion of baseball for the 1975 season, Bevacqua had to overtake Johnny Oates in the final round of the tournament style play that included representatives from all but two major league teams.
Shown here is an autographed baseball card that commemorates Bevacqua’s memorable feat.
Dirty Kurt was a gamer! Dodger fans disliked him as much as he disliked the Dodgers.