Dick McAuliffe
Encyclopedia
Richard John McAuliffe is a former American
professional
baseball
player. He played in Major League Baseball
as a shortstop
and second baseman
for the Detroit Tigers
from to and for the Boston Red Sox
from to . He was a part of the Tigers' 1968 World Series
championship, and was known for his unusual batting stance. A left-handed hitter, he held his hands very high with a stance that faced the pitcher
. As the pitcher delivered to home plate
, McAuliffe moved his forward (right) foot to a more conventional position for his swing.
, McAuliffe graduated from Farmington High School in Farmington, Connecticut
, where he was coached by Leo Pinsky
and won the state championship in 1957. McAuliffe signed with the Detroit Tigers
as an amateur free agent
out of high school and spent three seasons in the Tigers’ farm system. In 1960, he led the original Sally League
in runs
(109), triples
(21), and shortstop assists
(430) while playing for the Knoxville Smokies in 1960. He was called up to the big leagues at the end of the 1960
season and made his major league debut on September 17, 1960.
and 1962
seasons, McAuliffe shifted between shortstop
and second base before replacing Chico Fernandez
as the Tigers starting shortstop from 1963
-1966
. Known for his wide-open batting stance and leg kick, McAuliffe never hit higher than .264 but was a significant contributor to the Tigers’ offensive output in the 1960s. In 1965
, he was the American League
’s starting shortstop in the All Star game, and he went 2-for-3 with a home run
and 2 RBIs
. In 1966, he finished the season ranked fourth in the league with a .373 on base percentage
and, fifth in the league with a .509 slugging percentage. After making the American League All Star team in 1965 and 1966 at the shortstop
position, McAuliffe agreed to move to the second base position in 1967
to make room for Ray Oyler
to take over at shortstop. Even with the move, McAuliffe was selected for his third consecutive All Star team in 1967. In 1967, McAuliffe was among the American League leaders in walks with 105 (3rd), 245 times on base (3rd), 7 triples (3rd), 92 runs (5th), 118 strikeouts (5th), 22 home runs (8th), and a .364 on base percentage (9th).
In the Tigers’ 1968
World Championship season, McAuliffe played a key role. He had a .344 on base percentage, led the American League with 95 runs
scored, and showed power with 50 extra base hits. He also tied a major league
record by going the entire 1968 season without grounding into a double play
. McAuliffe also improved defensively in 1968, reducing his error
total from 28 in 1967 to nine in 1968 and, finished second among American League second basemen in fielding percentage
. He finished seventh in the 1968 American League Most Valuable Player Award voting, behind teammates Denny McLain
, Bill Freehan
, and Willie Horton.
On August 22, 1968, McAuliffe was involved in a brawl with White Sox pitcher Tommy John
. After one pitch barely missed McAuliffe’s head, and another was thrown behind him, McAuliffe charged the mound, drove his knee into John’s shoulder and separated it. John was out for the season, and McAuliffe was suspended for five games. Interviewed 30 years later, McAuliffe was still convinced John was throwing at his head: "The first pitch at me was right at my head, and I mean right at my head. The catcher never laid any leather on it, and it hit the backstop. The next pitch, he spun me down, threw it behind me.”
In the 1968 World Series
, McAuliffe played all seven games at second base, scored 5 runs, and had 6 hits, 4 walks, 3 RBIs, and a home run. His steadying influence in the middle infield helped make it possible for manager Mayo Smith
to take the radical step of playing center fielder Mickey Stanley
at shortstop in the World Series in order to get a better bat in the lineup against the St. Louis Cardinals
, led by Bob Gibson
.
season. In October 1973, the Tigers traded him to the Boston Red Sox
for Ben Oglivie
. McAuliffe hit only .210 in 100 games for the Red Sox in 1974
. He began 1975
as the manager
of Boston's Double-A farm team, the Bristol Red Sox
, located in McAuliffe's native state of Connecticut
. He guided Bristol into first place in the Eastern League, but was recalled to Boston in August to resume his playing career as a utility infielder. However, McAuliffe was released after playing only seven more games. His career ended on September 1, 1975, in a Yankees-Red Sox game. McAuliffe dropped an easy popup for an error. Later in the inning, McAuliffe’s throw pulled Carl Yastrzemski
off the bag. Though it was scored a single, the Boston fans booed McAuliffe. McAuliffe was left off Boston’s post-season roster, and his major league career was over.
After retiring from baseball, McAuliffe owned a business that repaired and installed coin-operated washers and driers for ten years, and also ran baseball schools. Bill James
ranked McAuliffe 22nd all-time among second baseman in his Historical Baseball Abstract
.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
professional
Professional baseball
Baseball is a team sport which is played by several professional leagues throughout the world. In these leagues, and associated farm teams, players are selected for their talents and are paid to play for a specific team or club system....
baseball
Baseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...
player. He played in Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
as a shortstop
Shortstop
Shortstop, abbreviated SS, is the baseball fielding position between second and third base. Shortstop is often regarded as the most dynamic defensive position in baseball, because there are more right-handed hitters in baseball than left-handed hitters, and most hitters have a tendency to pull the...
and second baseman
Second baseman
Second base, or 2B, is the second of four stations on a baseball diamond which must be touched in succession by a base runner in order to score a run for that player's team. A second baseman is the baseball player guarding second base...
for the Detroit Tigers
Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...
from to and for the Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
from to . He was a part of the Tigers' 1968 World Series
1968 World Series
The 1968 World Series featured the defending champion St. Louis Cardinals against the Detroit Tigers, with the Tigers winning in seven games for their first championship since 1945, and the third in their history...
championship, and was known for his unusual batting stance. A left-handed hitter, he held his hands very high with a stance that faced the pitcher
Pitcher
In baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the...
. As the pitcher delivered to home plate
Home Plate
Home Plate is the fifth album by Bonnie Raitt, released in 1975 .-Track listing:#"What Do You Want the Boy to Do?" – 3:19#"Good Enough" – 2:56#"Run Like a Thief" – 3:02...
, McAuliffe moved his forward (right) foot to a more conventional position for his swing.
Early years
Born in Hartford, ConnecticutHartford, Connecticut
Hartford is the capital of the U.S. state of Connecticut. The seat of Hartford County until Connecticut disbanded county government in 1960, it is the second most populous city on New England's largest river, the Connecticut River. As of the 2010 Census, Hartford's population was 124,775, making...
, McAuliffe graduated from Farmington High School in Farmington, Connecticut
Farmington, Connecticut
Farmington is a town located in Hartford County in the Farmington Valley area of central Connecticut in the United States. The population was 25,340 at the 2010 census. It is home to the world headquarters of several large corporations including Carrier Corporation, Otis Elevator Company, and Carvel...
, where he was coached by Leo Pinsky
Leo Pinsky
Leo Pinsky is a member of the Connecticut High School Coaches Hall of Fame and was the first Connecticut coach to win three state baseball championships...
and won the state championship in 1957. McAuliffe signed with the Detroit Tigers
Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...
as an amateur free agent
Free agent
In professional sports, a free agent is a player whose contract with a team has expired and who is thus eligible to sign with another club or franchise....
out of high school and spent three seasons in the Tigers’ farm system. In 1960, he led the original Sally League
Southern League (baseball)
The Southern League is a minor league baseball league which operates in the Southern United States. It is classified a Double-A league. The original league was formed in , and shut down in . A new league, the Southern Association, was formed in , consisting of twelve teams...
in runs
Run (baseball)
In baseball, a run is scored when a player advances around first, second and third base and returns safely to home plate, touching the bases in that order, before three outs are recorded and all obligations to reach base safely on batted balls are met or assured...
(109), triples
Triple (baseball)
In baseball, a triple is the act of a batter safely reaching third base after hitting the ball, with neither the benefit of a fielder's misplay nor another runner being put out on a fielder's choice....
(21), and shortstop assists
Assist (baseball)
In baseball, an assist is a defensive statistic, baseball being one of the few sports in which the defensive team controls the ball. An assist is awarded to every defensive player who fields or touches the ball prior to the recording of a putout, even if the contact was unintentional...
(430) while playing for the Knoxville Smokies in 1960. He was called up to the big leagues at the end of the 1960
1960 Detroit Tigers season
The Detroit Tigers season was a season in American baseball. It involved the Tigers' sixth-place finish in the American League with a 71-83 record, 26 games behind the AL Champion New York Yankees.- Offseason :...
season and made his major league debut on September 17, 1960.
Detroit Tigers
In the 19611961 Detroit Tigers season
The Detroit Tigers won 101 games but finished in second place, eight games behind the Yankees. The team's 1961 record tied the 1934 Tigers team record of 101 wins, and only twice in team history have the Tigers won more games: 1968 and 1984 .- Offseason :On January 1, the Tigers' home park,...
and 1962
1962 Detroit Tigers season
The Detroit Tigers season was a season in American baseball. The team finished tied for third in the American League with a record of 85-76, 10½ games behind the New York Yankees.- Offseason :* October 12, 1961: Gerry Staley was released by the Tigers....
seasons, McAuliffe shifted between shortstop
Shortstop
Shortstop, abbreviated SS, is the baseball fielding position between second and third base. Shortstop is often regarded as the most dynamic defensive position in baseball, because there are more right-handed hitters in baseball than left-handed hitters, and most hitters have a tendency to pull the...
and second base before replacing Chico Fernandez
Chico Fernandez
Humberto "Chico" Fernández Pérez is a former Major League Baseball shortstop who played eight seasons with the Brooklyn Dodgers , Philadelphia Phillies , Detroit Tigers , and New York Mets . Fernández played in 856 Major League games, 810 at shortstop...
as the Tigers starting shortstop from 1963
1963 Detroit Tigers season
The Detroit Tigers season was a season in American baseball. The team finished tied for fifth in the American League with a record of 79-83, 25½ games behind the New York Yankees.- Offseason :* November 26, 1962: 1962 first-year draft...
-1966
1966 Detroit Tigers season
The Detroit Tigers season was the 66th consecutive season for the Detroit franchise in the American League. The Tigers, who had finished fourth in the ten-team AL in 1965 with an 89-73 record, won one fewer game in 1966, going 88-74, but moved up to third in the league, ten full games behind the...
. Known for his wide-open batting stance and leg kick, McAuliffe never hit higher than .264 but was a significant contributor to the Tigers’ offensive output in the 1960s. In 1965
1965 Detroit Tigers season
The Detroit Tigers season was a season in American baseball. The team finished fourth in the American League with a record of 89-73, 13 games behind the Minnesota Twins.- Offseason :...
, he was the American League
American League
The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
’s starting shortstop in the All Star game, and he went 2-for-3 with a home run
Home run
In baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
and 2 RBIs
Run batted in
Runs batted in or RBIs is a statistic used in baseball and softball to credit a batter when the outcome of his at-bat results in a run being scored, except in certain situations such as when an error is made on the play. The first team to track RBI was the Buffalo Bisons.Common nicknames for an RBI...
. In 1966, he finished the season ranked fourth in the league with a .373 on base percentage
On base percentage
In baseball statistics, on-base percentage is a measure of how often a batter reaches base for any reason other than a fielding error, fielder's choice, dropped/uncaught third strike, fielder's obstruction, or catcher's interference In baseball statistics, on-base percentage (OBP) (sometimes...
and, fifth in the league with a .509 slugging percentage. After making the American League All Star team in 1965 and 1966 at the shortstop
Shortstop
Shortstop, abbreviated SS, is the baseball fielding position between second and third base. Shortstop is often regarded as the most dynamic defensive position in baseball, because there are more right-handed hitters in baseball than left-handed hitters, and most hitters have a tendency to pull the...
position, McAuliffe agreed to move to the second base position in 1967
1967 Detroit Tigers season
The Detroit Tigers season was a season in American baseball. The team finished tied for second in the American League with the Minnesota Twins with 91 wins and 71 losses, one game behind the AL pennant-winning Boston Red Sox.- Notable transactions :...
to make room for Ray Oyler
Ray Oyler
Raymond Francis Oyler was an American Major League Baseball shortstop. He played for the Detroit Tigers , Seattle Pilots , and California Angels...
to take over at shortstop. Even with the move, McAuliffe was selected for his third consecutive All Star team in 1967. In 1967, McAuliffe was among the American League leaders in walks with 105 (3rd), 245 times on base (3rd), 7 triples (3rd), 92 runs (5th), 118 strikeouts (5th), 22 home runs (8th), and a .364 on base percentage (9th).
In the Tigers’ 1968
1968 Detroit Tigers season
The Detroit Tigers won the 1968 World Series, defeating the St. Louis Cardinals 4 games to 3. The 1968 baseball season, known as the "Year of the Pitcher," was the Tigers' 68th since they entered the American League in 1901, their eighth pennant, and third World Series championship...
World Championship season, McAuliffe played a key role. He had a .344 on base percentage, led the American League with 95 runs
Run (baseball)
In baseball, a run is scored when a player advances around first, second and third base and returns safely to home plate, touching the bases in that order, before three outs are recorded and all obligations to reach base safely on batted balls are met or assured...
scored, and showed power with 50 extra base hits. He also tied a major league
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
record by going the entire 1968 season without grounding into a double play
Double play
In baseball, a double play for a team or a fielder is the act of making two outs during the same continuous playing action. In baseball slang, making a double play is referred to as "turning two"....
. McAuliffe also improved defensively in 1968, reducing his error
Error (baseball)
In baseball statistics, an error is the act, in the judgment of the official scorer, of a fielder misplaying a ball in a manner that allows a batter or baserunner to reach one or more additional bases, when such an advance would have been prevented given ordinary effort by the fielder.The term ...
total from 28 in 1967 to nine in 1968 and, finished second among American League second basemen in fielding percentage
Fielding percentage
In baseball statistics, fielding percentage, also known as fielding average, is a measure that reflects the percentage of times a defensive player properly handles a batted or thrown ball...
. He finished seventh in the 1968 American League Most Valuable Player Award voting, behind teammates Denny McLain
Denny McLain
Dennis Dale "Denny" McLain is a former American professional baseball player, and the last major league pitcher to win 30 or more games during a season —a feat accomplished by only thirteen players in the 20th century....
, Bill Freehan
Bill Freehan
William Ashley Freehan is a former professional baseball player. He played his entire Major League Baseball career as a catcher for the Detroit Tigers...
, and Willie Horton.
On August 22, 1968, McAuliffe was involved in a brawl with White Sox pitcher Tommy John
Tommy John
Thomas Edward John Jr. is a former left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball whose 288 career victories rank as the seventh highest total among left-handers in major league history...
. After one pitch barely missed McAuliffe’s head, and another was thrown behind him, McAuliffe charged the mound, drove his knee into John’s shoulder and separated it. John was out for the season, and McAuliffe was suspended for five games. Interviewed 30 years later, McAuliffe was still convinced John was throwing at his head: "The first pitch at me was right at my head, and I mean right at my head. The catcher never laid any leather on it, and it hit the backstop. The next pitch, he spun me down, threw it behind me.”
In the 1968 World Series
1968 World Series
The 1968 World Series featured the defending champion St. Louis Cardinals against the Detroit Tigers, with the Tigers winning in seven games for their first championship since 1945, and the third in their history...
, McAuliffe played all seven games at second base, scored 5 runs, and had 6 hits, 4 walks, 3 RBIs, and a home run. His steadying influence in the middle infield helped make it possible for manager Mayo Smith
Mayo Smith
Edward Mayo Smith was an American player, manager, and scout in Major League Baseball.Smith was born in New London, Missouri, but grew up in Florida. A left-handed batter who threw right-handed, Smith was a career minor league outfielder who spent many seasons in the International League with the...
to take the radical step of playing center fielder Mickey Stanley
Mickey Stanley
Mitchell Jack "Mickey" Stanley was a baseball player for the Detroit Tigers from 1964-1978. Stanley was known as a superb defensive outfielder over his 15-year career, though he is best remembered for the last few weeks of the 1968 season.-Early life:Stanley prepped at Ottawa Hills High School in...
at shortstop in the World Series in order to get a better bat in the lineup against the St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
, led by Bob Gibson
Bob Gibson
Robert "Bob" Gibson is a retired American professional baseball player. Nicknamed "Hoot" and "Gibby", he was a right-handed pitcher who played his entire 17-year Major League Baseball career with St. Louis Cardinals...
.
Boston Red Sox
McAuliffe continued as the Tigers’ starting second baseman through the 19731973 Detroit Tigers season
The Detroit Tigers compiled a record of 85-77. They finished in 3rd place in the AL East, 12 games behind the Baltimore Orioles. They were outscored by their opponents 674 to 642.- Offseason :...
season. In October 1973, the Tigers traded him to the Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
for Ben Oglivie
Ben Oglivie
Benjamin Ambrosio Oglivie Palmer is a former Major League Baseball left fielder for the Boston Red Sox , Detroit Tigers , and the Milwaukee Brewers . He also played two seasons in Japan for the Kintetsu Buffaloes...
. McAuliffe hit only .210 in 100 games for the Red Sox in 1974
1974 Boston Red Sox season
The Boston Red Sox season was a season in American baseball. It involved the Red Sox finishing third in the American League East with a record of 84 wins and 78 losses.- Offseason :...
. He began 1975
1975 Boston Red Sox season
The Boston Red Sox season was a season in American baseball. It involved the Red Sox finishing first in the American League East with a record of 95 wins and 65 losses...
as the manager
Manager (baseball)
In baseball, the field manager is an individual who is responsible for matters of team strategy on the field and team leadership. Managers are typically assisted by between one and six assistant coaches, whose responsibilities are specialized...
of Boston's Double-A farm team, the Bristol Red Sox
Bristol Red Sox
The Bristol Red Sox was name of an American minor league baseball franchise. Based in Bristol, Connecticut, it was the Double-A Eastern League farm system affiliate of the Boston Red Sox for ten seasons, 1973 through 1982, and played at Muzzy Field....
, located in McAuliffe's native state of Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
. He guided Bristol into first place in the Eastern League, but was recalled to Boston in August to resume his playing career as a utility infielder. However, McAuliffe was released after playing only seven more games. His career ended on September 1, 1975, in a Yankees-Red Sox game. McAuliffe dropped an easy popup for an error. Later in the inning, McAuliffe’s throw pulled Carl Yastrzemski
Carl Yastrzemski
Carl Michael Yastrzemski is a former American Major League Baseball left fielder and first baseman. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1989. Yastrzemski played his entire 23-year baseball career with the Boston Red Sox . He was primarily a left fielder, with part of his later career...
off the bag. Though it was scored a single, the Boston fans booed McAuliffe. McAuliffe was left off Boston’s post-season roster, and his major league career was over.
Career statistics
McAuliffe was among the American League leaders in triples eight times, and his ability to draw walks also increased his offensive output, ending his career with a .343 on base percentage.After retiring from baseball, McAuliffe owned a business that repaired and installed coin-operated washers and driers for ten years, and also ran baseball schools. Bill James
Bill James
George William “Bill” James is a baseball writer, historian, and statistician whose work has been widely influential. Since 1977, James has written more than two dozen books devoted to baseball history and statistics...
ranked McAuliffe 22nd all-time among second baseman in his Historical Baseball Abstract
The Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract
The Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract is a reference-type book written by Bill James featuring an overview of baseball decade by decade, along with rankings of the top 100 players at each position. The original edition was published in 1985 by Villard Books, followed by The New Bill James...
.