Ken Singleton
Two-time All-Star and 1983 World Series champion with the Baltimore Orioles.
Kenneth Wayne Singleton (born June 10, 1947) is an American former professional baseball player and television sports commentator. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) as an outfielder and designated hitter from 1970 to 1984, most prominently as a member of the Baltimore Orioles, where he was a two-time All-Star player and was a member of the 1983 World Series winning team. He also played for the New York Mets and the Montreal Expos.
- major_honor
- Roberto Clemente Award (1982), 1983 World Series Champion, 2-time All-Star (1977, 1981)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Singleton was born in Manhattan, New York City, and raised in Mount Vernon. He graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1965 and enrolled at Hofstra University on a basketball scholarship. The New York Mets selected him in the first round of the June 1967 MLB draft (secondary phase). He made his MLB debut with the Mets on June 24, 1970. In 1972, the Mets traded him to the Montreal Expos. In 1974, the Expos traded him to the Baltimore Orioles. He played his final major league game on September 30, 1984. After retiring, he began a broadcasting career with WJZ-TV in Baltimore and TSN in Canada, later working for the New York Yankees from 1997 to 2021.
In Their Own Story
On April 5, 1972, Singleton's path to Baltimore began when the New York Mets traded him, along with Tim Foli and Mike Jorgensen, to the Montreal Expos for Rusty Staub. His best year in Montreal came in 1973, where he led the league in on-base percentage while collecting 23 home runs, 103 RBIs, and a .302 batting average. However, it was his move to Baltimore that defined his legacy. During his final major league game on September 25, 1984, at age 37, the Orioles chose not to renew his option three days later. Over 15 seasons, he accumulated 2,029 hits and 246 home runs. His time in Baltimore ended with a World Series ring in 1983 and induction into the Orioles Hall of Fame in 1986, cementing his status as one of the franchise's all-time offensive leaders.
Reader's Guide
Singleton was a three-time All-Star (1977, 1979, 1981) and won the Roberto Clemente Award in 1982. He was inducted into the Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame in 1986. He finished second in AL MVP voting in 1979 and third in 1977. He led the league in on-base percentage in 1973. His career highs include a .328 batting average and .438 on-base percentage in 1977, and 35 home runs and 111 RBI in 1979. He accumulated 1,455 hits as an Oriole.
Did You Know?
- Singleton is the father of former minor league outfielder Justin Singleton.
- He grew up in a house in Mount Vernon once owned by the family of former Brooklyn Dodger Ralph Branca.
- He sits on the Board of Directors for the Cool Kids Campaign, a non-profit based in Towson, Maryland.
- In the 1986 Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract, Susan McCarthy named Singleton one of the best-looking players of the 1970s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ken Singleton?
He was a switch-hitting outfielder and designated hitter who played in Major League Baseball from 1970 to 1984. Although he started with the Mets and Expos, he became most famous for his time with the Baltimore Orioles.
What teams did Ken Singleton play for?
Before joining Baltimore, Singleton played professionally for the New York Mets and the Montreal Expos. He spent the majority of his impactful career anchoring the lineup for the Orioles until his retirement in 1984.
What major awards did Ken Singleton win?
In 1982, he was honored with the Roberto Clemente Award for his outstanding character and community service efforts. He also earned selection to the All-Star team three times during his career in 1977, 1979, and 1981.
What is Ken Singleton's biggest achievement with the Orioles?
He served as a key player on the roster that won the World Series title in 1983. His versatility as a switch-hitter helped anchor the lineup during this championship season.
Where was Ken Singleton from?
Singleton was originally born in Manhattan and later grew up in Mount Vernon, New York. This New York upbringing preceded his long professional baseball career which included significant time in Baltimore.
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